Let's just say that the previous owner(s) didn't take good care of them well. Brownie (the pittie) sometimes won't go near me, especially when I am in the kitchen cutting up food or something with a knife. So, I am guessing she fears someone with harm her with a knife. I would never do that. And I am always cautious when she is in the kitchen with me, and I am cutting up stuff. As for the huskie, Aries at times has nightmares at night when he sleeps. I can tell when he is shaking at times. I have to calm him down and tell him it will be alright. Not sure what happened to him.