[LegendsMami]

Hmmmm...I'n not sure on how to get Nala over being fearful. From the video you have done well so far and BTW all three are soooooooooo adorable! .-Okay back on topic- Maybe when you get home in the morning instead of letting Nala out in the backyard to go potty. Take her around the corner. Or walk her a block or two. Use treats if you have to get her going. Seeing/Meeting even one or two people will help. Even if you just stand there hold a 2 minute conversation and have that person just talk to you without giving Nala eye contact until she feels more comfortable around people. I know your lifestyle is very busy and you don't have that much free time. Maybe even take Nala out on a leash when you do have free time with your son(of course her on one side and your son on the other). And as she being fearful around you during feeding time leash her to you and when she's done. let her be and you go on with what you have planned for the day. Even if it's for a minute or two it will help.

 

[LegendsMami]

Question: What if I walk her down the street, and she completely freaks out over the cars or something? Should I pick her up? Or just stop in my tracks and wait till she's calm? Should I tell her it's okay, or just be firm and walk the other way?

Ok, instead of telling me how to train Nala, let's talk about how to train ME! I am probably 90% of the problem here. Maybe it's my body language, or my voice, or my tone. Maybe I'm too soft. But I'm afraid if I am too firm, she will be more afraid of me!

I wouldnt walk her toward the cars too much movement and if someone honks she may really freak out. If the other way is more quiet try that way. Even if its a block or two. Start out slow and work your way up to a the whole street if you have to. And...I forgot to make it clear..DONT let someone try to pet her or talk to her just yet. Let her get use to seeing people other than you first. It might take some time before she feels comfortable with others touching her. I would praise her while she's walking. If you pick her up while she's fearful it will make her think its what she should do.

When you approach her is it fast, direct eye contact, ever frustrated, mad, upset? Maybe you could try sitting on the floor and call her over to you. I know when I use to work at this dog daycare we had a problem with one of the dogs. She wouldnt come inside it was cold out and you couldnt even get close to her or she'd bite. And hated being leashed and would pee all over the place. So I went outside with a leash sat on the wall dropped my head down like I was reading a magazine in my lap and kind of turned my body like back was toward her. And within a minute she came over. I didnt say anything to her. I let her have a a couple minutes to feel me out. Then I put the leash on her calmly told her good girl and we went in. So I do think you could change Nala but it will take some time. Just have to be patient and consistent.

 

[LegendsMami]

Also, one of my patients and I got to talking, and she was telling me about an anti-anxiety pill for dogs. She said her dog takes it during thunderstorms and he hasn't been afraid of one since. Have you ever heard of such a thing?

I don't think she will need it. My dog Legend use to have some seperation anixety problems. I do believe I was the cause for it b/c I never left him alone due to he went to work with me, went out with me, etc. So I used some lavender oil(Its suppose to give a calming effect) around his crate just a few drops and started to work with him on the issue. I now don't have a problem with leaving him at home. I refused to put him on medication for it and we got through it!