Sorry I made an error on my previous post. What was I thinking? thanks for telling me about it. anyway....It is interesting that this topic has come up. I have a dog, Terra who is very fearful. Anything you carry in your hand, anything, causes her to leave the room. I call her to me with the object in my hand and reward her when she comes. Once she is with me, she is fine.
She also exhibited fear tonight when one of my other dogs pumped into her. Tonight my Cody (jack russel mix male 2years old) accidently bumped into her as he ran toward the door, she cried, (it was barely a touch) my other dog Bindi went to her to find out what happened, she usually comforts her. Terra was so scared, she growled at Bindi and was about to snap when I corrected her. As my dogs sat at the back door to go out, Terra wouldn't sit with them. She decided to sit in the bathroom (it is next to the back door). When I released them to go outside, she ran out of the bathroom and joined them. They are all in the back yard now, doing just fine. Later than evening we took them all for a ride, they were fine and today they are fine. We have had her for almost two years.

How can I help her? She is very, very gentle and a sweet girl, but I can see that fear is giving her a short fuse. she has never tried to snap at us or anything like that, but you can see the fear in her eyes, if someone ever pushed her beyond where she felt safe, she would protect herself. We have no info on her background, the rescue organization we got her from doesn't know anything, they got her from the pound.

Your input greatly appreciated. Sharon

Hi Sharon,

This sounds very much like our Suzie: was very afraid of objects in hand, anything whipping around (like a bite rag), very protective of her personal space, does not tolerate anybody bumping into her (this caused a fight once).

I was advised not to correct her when she is snapping in fear, it does not help. OB helped a lot with her, "down/stay" if she gets into Connie's face.

You probably shouldn't let any dogs get into her space, no matter their intent. Make it all between you two for now.

Sitting in the bathroom, not with everybody - she wants to obey you but does not want to mingle with other dogs. Don't force her. Let her give you her best without having to work through fear. She might get more comfortable around other dogs later with some work.

Pack structure, leadership, marker training, free shaping

thanks for the info. She is really a sweet dog, but just totally fearful. How is your dog doing now?
I hope Terra can eventually become less fearful, she is missing alot of fun. The other day she did try and play with me. That was a break through. Throwing a ball only frightens her, rolling it, she just watches it go by. So we have lots of work to do.
Thanks for your input

Suzie is doing much better. There are very few things that I require of her (come, down, leave it). For the rest it's all about making her relaxed and interested.

Play of tug is having very good effect on her - it allows her to release the energy and get her prey drive satisfied in a way that everybody is happy with in a safe environment. She relaxes completely after each session.

Can't recall when was the last time she excreted her anal glands