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Originally Posted by zenzele  She's just generally skittish... she's very calm and happy with me, but ANY thing else causes her to get nervous... she will hide in a corner, turn her head away from anyone's attempt to pet her, she may start quivering... other than the skittishness and pacing she is perfect in every other way, very quiet, loving and loyal to me. I just wish she would not be so fearful of everyone and everything. She is 5 years old, I've had her for six months, she's a retired show dog so she is a beauty and people are naturally drawn to her... you would think as a show dog she would be well socialized, but she doesn't seem to trust other people and animals! And she has MAJOR panic attacks in thunderstorms.... panting, heart racing, body shivering to the point where you can feel the crate vibrating because of her shivering.....The breeder that use to show her said that she was caught in a thunderstorm during a show and since then she has these major panic attacks... as soon as the thunder stops she's fine. |
i HIGHLY suggest Rescue Remedy for the thunderstorms. Layla is the same. But i give it to her 20 min before the storm and she is a new dog.. playing and calm. It is really importnat that you get the kind made just for dogs because it is alcohol free but i'm pretty sure you can get it at Petsmart or Petco. Give it a go you will notice a COMPLETE difference.
As for the skittishness.. it is VERY important that you don't baby her when she is upset... just go about what you do and as heartbreaking as it is (i know) don't pay attention to her until she is back to normal. You might also try something like training classes. It will get her social and build her confidence. it will bond the two of you and hopefully expose her to things. When she sees that other dogs dont' react.. she might be ok too. It sounds like you rescued her from something not so great if this is how she is. Give her time and make sure you don't reward her shy or timid behavior. and try the Rescue Remedy
