What worked for me when building up Annie's confidence was, taking her out and just sitting someplace where people where walking by. Not too close by at first, then move closer to them as she relaxes. Let her see them coming towards her and walking by her with nothing bad happening. Talk calmly to her, but don't coddle as you don't want to 'encourage' her to be afraid.
Take some treats and if you see someone you think would be open to helping, give them a treat and ask if they'd walk toward her, stop and offer her the treat, "Here Maggie, this is for you.", then walk on. She may be too frightened at first to take the treat, so you can have them lay it by her. Don't have them pet her or linger.
Also, do you have any friends who have dogs that Maggie knows? Taking her for walks along with another confident dog will help ease her anxiety.
And like Yorkie Mad said, she will sense your tension, so you must have a calm, positive attitude. Be very upbeat and happy, not excited, just calm and happy. Good luck! |