[I] am so glad things are getting better. My trainer told me that when we reach down at a little dog, like putting his leash on, it would be comparable to a 7 story building bending down at us, which I too would find frightening. He will get better as he grows to trust you more; but maybe you should squat down to be closer to his level before you reach for him at first. Hope things just keep getting better for all of you
