They take some time to warm up to people it seems; Mandragora was the same when I was younger.

[He was always such a grump but warmed up to him and his parents. Such a damn cat lover this one.]

A bow does take practice just like any other weapon but it also depends on how comfortable the person feels with that tool. Twas what I started with during my beginnings as a Temple Knight but I use a sword much more. But that is something we can try...if you so wish.