[Britster]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

If she isn't underweight, I would stop the hand feeding, unless I was training. I think you may have made her too dependent on you, and this doesn't do anything for her confidence. No matter what you think, she will not starve herself; you just have to be more stubborn than her. Bugs sprays with Deet are really effective in keeping mosquitos away. Or perhaps you can get someone else to walk her. I hate to think of you cooping yourself up all summer long, that in itself would be depressing. I really think she is picking up on your anxiety, are you talking to anyone about this? My little rescue Ralphie suffered from severe panic attacks when I got him, his owner also hand fed. Ralphie is a totally different dog a year later, and while Ralphie previous owner loved him completely, she couldn’t give him the independence and the confidence he needed. She too would baby him and try to protect him against the world, and this just made him more scared. I know babying her makes you feel better, but it’s really not good for her. You have to ask yourself, do you really want her dependent on independent? You are training her to be dependent and this doesn't make a healthy dog.

Absolutely!

And not to go totally off topic -- but is Ralphie officially yours?!?! I always thought he was just a foster ... but it sounds like he's a permanent member of your family? If so, exciting!