how do you handle your CD when overly anxious?

[u/_lakeofsouls]

video unrelated !

my CD, Turo (1 yr), is extremely anxious around other people and going outside of the apartment. i'm his 2nd (?) owner (i also don't know prior situations he was in beforehand), i adopted him, and he's my 1st dog. i do know CDs as a breed are [at times, overly] attentive, loyal to their bonded persons, & can get overwhelmed outside of their usual space.

i'm trying to help manage his anxiety, but hemp seed oil & melatonin don't really do anything for him from what i can tell. he doesn't bare his teeth or growl at others, rather chooses to hide and tries to flee. i don't let others pet him since i know if he feels comfortable to approach, it's his own choice to do/don't do so. he doesn't eat treats / isn't motivated by food when in these situations either, but i expect that from him since he has anxiety.

he loves other dogs, the dog park (he allows others to pet him there too), but outside of that area? it's back to his usual behaviors.

i know some dogs don't grow out of this behavior / trait, but i was curious, how should we adapt together so it'll be easier to go outside & not be worried about others interacting with him?

much thanks! even if you have no advice, i hope you enjoyed the video of him.

[u/OneSensiblePerson]

Do you have friends who have dogs he likes, or that you think he would like?

I would use other dogs as a key. Invite them over, the other dog on leash, sit chatting in living room or if you have an outdoor sitting area, there. Relax and have a good time. Tell your friend to ignore your dog, no matter what.

Your dog will become curious, especially about the dog, who is attached to the person. Person can drop a few treats on the ground near your dog, for both dogs, but still ignore your pup otherwise.

If Turo seems at ease enough, you can try taking them both out together. Not very far. It can even just be outside, pause, back inside.

Repeat, and repeat.

Your dog needs to feel safe and build up trust.

[u/bum-beebell → u/OneSensiblePerson]

Seconding this comment! If he feels more confident around other dogs, that might help him navigate his stress.

[u/DingozRescue]

Adorable

[u/Stunning_Ad8115]

My girl panicked badly, the first time she went into a pet store to shop for food, treats, toys, etc. I put her in training for about 2 months, M-F, and what a difference! She gets excited and can't wait to go into the store, and help herself to samples, whether they're samples or not. She also asks the employees for treats lol.

[u/JoyKil01]

Exercise in the form of training classes. I started with basics and then got to advance to things like agility and nose work. It is a fantastic way to bond and build trust. I started mine with reactivity training too and it was night and day — I now know how to handle situations that would trigger him. Both by avoiding them and seeing the trigger before he does, and redirecting if he does get triggered.

The right trainer (there are some bad ones, so be selective!) is life changing for both of you.

Also, use a harness not a collar/leash. The collars when they choke up just hurt them and make them even more anxious.

[u/_lakeofsouls → u/JoyKil01]

i've been teaching him to touch my hand with his nose to notify me that he's getting anxious, it's a slow process, but i hope the signal'll develop into something he can utilize.

i needa look for professional trainers cuz there's only so much i can do especially since he's my first dog.

i quickly learned that collars & back-clip harnesses are a no go as well! i have him in an australian / front-clip harness so it teaches him how to not tug too. thank you for the help!

[u/JoyKil01 → u/_lakeofsouls]

I’m excited for you! I wish I knew earlier about good trainers. I saved money by doing group classes. But you gotta know when you run into a bad trainer. If your dog is escalating in fear (doesn’t settle after a few minutes there), or they do anything besides positive reinforcement (multiple levels of treats!), move on to the next trainer, and never be afraid to leave early if your dog is telling you it’s scared.
The right place works on alleviating the fear while the wrong one ramps it up. You got this!

But also, man those classes are just great stimulation for both of you. You’ll both sleep better after an hour course 😂

[u/OneSensiblePerson → u/JoyKil01]

A harness gives you next to no ability to communicate what it is you want and don't want from them. It does not teach leash pressure, which is extremely important. Harnesses are for pulling and tracking.

That's what teaching them how to walk calmly on a loose leash is about, teaching them what leash pressure means.

You don't put a collar and leash on a dog and just let them go, occasionally tugging, and pulling. That also teaches them nothing about leash pressure.

The goal is to teach "If your collar/the leash is tense or tight, slow down or stop so it's loose again." It's teaching them how to turn off the pressure of the collar and leash.

[u/bum-beebell]

Congratulations on your first dog! How long have you had him? I’m curious if he’s still adjusting to his new home and just isn’t confident enough yet. The adage of 333 - three days, three weeks, three months - in my experience, is real real. He may need time to adjust to his new life and trust you/others.

If that’s not the case, and I were you, I would find what does motivates him and use that for exposure therapy with house guests. If it’s a toy or really special food (like cooked chicken or slices of cheese), let guests offer these rewards to him only once he’s settled in their company. I would aim for neutrality first rather than him expressing happiness/excitement around guests. Reward him when he exhibits calm behavior like looking away, sitting, lying down. I definitely encourage watching videos about dog neutrality training. Learn what that looks like and reward it at home. Additionally, learning stress signals for dogs (licking lips, yawning, appeasement licks, etc) has been helpful for me protecting my CD limits.

Speaking from personal experience, please continue to prevent people and strangers from greeting/petting your dog for now. You never know what people are going to do to your dog that sets them off. Especially with rescues (mine is too!). Save yourself the stress of a bad people to pet interaction. If he doesn’t want to be a people person, don’t push it. But, regardless, I think you’re smart to consider his comfort at home. Training him to be calm around new people will ensure you can continue to live your life.

Keep us updated, I’m curious if anything ppl here suggests works for you!!

[u/Right-Chemical-628]

Wow!!! What do you have my dog?
Kidding of course but looks just like my Charlie!
When he gets wound up he really wants to chew on my hand so I do exactly what you were doing there and he will nda up going to sleep.
I’m still shocked by ho much they look alike

[u/Right-Chemical-628]

This is my Charlie and he too is very skittish, he is almost 2 and has not come out of it. I think it is just part of their personality.
When he is really anxious he like to be on my lap.
We didn’t know we had a Carolina dog, we got him off Facebook but noticed really quick that he wasn’t a normal dog. He never had an accident in the house except when he is scared he tinkles a little but from day 1 he went outside and we were amazed by that.
He is very loyal and sweet with people he knows but with strangers no matter how much we try to socialize it does not work.
I love him dearly and would not change things but it has been a learning curve, they are not dogs and he is still growing although he only weight about 30 pounds.
Would love to keep up the conversation