My youngest dog, Annie, has always had a problem with fear.  She doesn't trust other people (other than myself and my husband) and barks at them if they get too close, putting pressure on her.  She also barks crazily at other dogs when she is on her leash or in the car.  I know quite a bit about learning theory and have only used positive reinforcement techniques on her.  She is very intelligent and has always learned things that I have taught her very quickly.  Most of the time, when working with her at home, I don't even put a collar on her, let alone a leash.  She has never had a choke chain, prong collar or (god forbid!) one of those horrible electronic zappers.  I know that those types of techniques would just cause a dog like her to completely shut down.  I shudder to even think of it!  

I have been working on this for years with her, trying to get her to relax around strangers.  I have people, who are willing (they are hard to come by!) allow her to approach them and toss her treats.  Generally, she's fine until someone gets too close, or stops and looks right at her (she is very sensitive to that eye contact!) or leans toward her (aww!  what a cute puppy!).  She and I just recently participated in a special Relax class specifically for reactive dogs with a very good trainer.  She showed improvement, but the trainer was concerned about her reactivity to humans as well as other dogs.  She suggested that I get Annie more involved in an activity, such as agility, which improves their ability to focus on the handler and the task at hand, rather than worrying about the rest of the world, which I am doing.  She is very athletic (border collie mix) and she seems to take to this activity like she was born for it.  Another thing she suggested was the possibility of giving her something like calming herbs, or even something pharmaceutical, like doggie prozac.  She said that others have had success with this sort of thing.  She had a client with a very reactive dog that benefited greatly from herbal therapy.  I am thinking of trying this with Annie and was wondering if anyone else has tried this and experienced success with it (or not!).  If so, what type of herbs (or other therapy) was used?

I'm trained in massage therapy for people, horses and dogs, and I use that on her, but while it's great for relaxing her at that time, it doesn't seem to carry over when we are out in public and she sees another dog out for a walk.  

 I would greatly appreciate any feedback from anyone who has had any success or failures in this area!

Rachel 

 Hi Rachel,

In my opinion your trainer was right about getting your fearful companion more involved in the world. I would not suggest medication but I would suggest a couple of approaches. The barking from the car could well be a natural territorial protection stance or announcing to the surroundings "I am in charge here". That would not concern me unless it is a problem to you. You mentioned your youngest dog so I would take from that you have at least one more. If that is true I would recommend you doing frequent and consistent walks as a pack being sure Annie and the other(s) dog(s) heel in proper discipline formation never getting ahead of you so it becomes a fact that you are the pack leader. These excursions should be where there are other people, dogs and distractions. This will give you the opportunity to issue corrections where necessary, you just have to be sure to give the corrections properly and with precision immediately. Timing is important. As to guest in your home, you should do things a bit differently than I think you might have been in that when someone comes into your home have them enter like they own the place and ignore Annie all together.If Annie is not in a calm state, return her to a calm state before opening the door and when you open the door she resumes aggressive behavior issue correction immediately letting her know YOU are in charge of the space.As for the entering guest, no talk, touch, or eye contact to Annie. If Annie approaches them, let her, and maintain the no touch, no eye contact, no conversation to her. When Annie is in a calm state you should call her to get a high quality treat, such as cheese or meat in very small pieces in her dish placed near your visitor but not directly next to. Repeat this a few times separated by a little time gradually moving the dish closer to the feared person. Again the guest is to ignore Annie. At a point that will feel right have the guest be seen putting down the food dish with the treat and maintain the ignore rule. Gradually you will desensitize her from her fear but as you know do not force her or expect sudden change over night. I wish you success.