Respect anxious dog’s safe pace, give an exit strategy

Dear Cathy: My husband and I adopted our Lab mix rescue when she was 6 months old. We were told she was nervous around people, but that was an understatement. Thunder and fireworks do not bother her, but she jumps if a plastic grocery bag hits the floor. She cowers and shakes when people approach.

She is smart and trains quickly. We took her to an obedience training class. In just 15 minutes, she learned how to use a bell to let us know she needed to go out. The “sit” command took only three tries. Walking her was a nightmare and training her to walk on a leash took a long time. We started walking with some friends, and it took her about a year to trust them and not shake and hide behind me. She will be 6 years old this month.

We need help with her barking, growling, and charging the door when guests arrive. She does not stop right away when I say it’s OK. When she stops, I tell her she is good and give her a treat. She hides in her crate in a different room when people come in. We have blocked her access to the crate to force her to stay with the company. She is scared of kids. What can we do? — Geralyn, Florida

Dear Geralyn: You have made so much progress with her. I am impressed with your patience and ability to continually work with her to help her overcome what sounds like a rough beginning to life.

You’re doing everything right regarding training and exposing her to people. But don’t force her to remain with your company if she is scared. Pets are less stressed if they have an exit strategy. Her exit is to go to her crate for comfort. That’s good. You want her to know her limits and find ways to soothe herself.

You might consider putting her in an Anxiety Wrap or Thundershirt and give her some calming chews daily. These things can help calm anxious dogs, which makes it easier for them to listen and learn.

In addition, teach her the “leave it” command and use this when she is barking at the door. Shake a can of coins or use a Pet Corrector (available online). This will interrupt her barking just long enough for you to say, “leave it.”

She should always be monitored around children. This is another instance when she may be happier in her kennel. Please respect that and let her go to her kennel whenever she needs to escape. Also, do not let anyone bother her in her kennel. That is her space, and she must always feel safe there.