My dog is nervous around new people and dogs. Is it anxiety? What to do?

Kurama is a very handsome guy! Some dogs aren't very comfortable in crowded places with lots of other people and dogs, just like some people who don't really like social situations. You can try using a DAP pheromone collar along with a natural calming supplement like Zylkene or Composure to help reduce his anxiety in these situations. You can also help by allowing him to keep his distance from people and other animals when he isn't comfortable - never force him to greet people or be in crowded places if he doesn't enjoy this. You can help him with his fear by standing at a distance, and giving him praise and treats for calm behavior. If his fear is severe enough to interfere with his daily life, then I would recommend getting in touch with a veterinary behaviorist who can evaluate him in person and help you put together a more detailed plan to help him. This may include specific training exercises to work on, as well as possibly prescription anti-anxiety medication to help reduce his stress and make it easier for him to learn. You can search for a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in your area here: www.dacvb.org

I would try to get a second opinion with another trainer just to be on the safe side - I feel like training couldn't hurt the situation. I would also consider putting him on an anti-anxiety medicine like fluoxetine to help. It sounds like he has developed anxiety over the years which sometimes happens. This could be due to a traumatic experience, a change in the household, a change in your schedules, or something else. I hope this helps!

Poor Mia! If she is too upset to take treats, this means that you need to be further away from the things that are scaring her. Some dogs need a lot of distance at first! When you are far enough away for her to be comfortable, you can praise and reward her for calm behavior, then gradually work on moving closer as long as she's doing well. It can be challenging to do this on your own at first, so I would recommend getting in touch with a veterinary behaviorist or a good reward-based trainer who can work with you in person. You can search for a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in your area here (www.dacvb.org) or a qualified trainer here (www.ccpdt.org).

Taking Mina to a group obedience training class can get her used to going fun places and help her relax around other people and dogs. Being able to redirect her behavior from anxiety to performing sit, down and heeling can give them confidence and reduce anxiety. I also like to use the supplement Solliquin for anxiety especially when I'm working on improving this behavior. Usually if your friends ignore her and don't make eye contact then when they are sitting in your home she may come investigate them on her own. This behavior can get worse if you force her to meet people and do things that increase her anxiety. Be patient, changing this behavior takes time and it's often a result of her insecurity so having her learn new things, go new places and get praise and treats for good behavior will make her a more confident and relaxed dog. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Mina.

The ASPCA website has some good information on the different types of aggression in dogs: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/aggression It sounds like you're already on the right track with some behavioral training. You may want to ask your veterinarian if there are any behaviorists they would recommend to work with you specifically on the fear of strangers issue. At his age, as long as he isn't showing aggression at home towards family members I would think you could have good success with a behavior modification program but it will take work. You will be most successful if you can work one on one with a behaviorist who has experience with fearful dogs. I wouldn't even completely rule out that Pepe could be a therapy dog some time in the future. Good luck to you and Pepe - he's lucky to have a dedicated owner!

Oh dear, poor Axel! Some dogs have innately anxious and nervous personalities, and German Shepherds (it appears that Axel has a fair amount of Shepherd in him from the pictures!) are known for anxiety issues. Continue gently trying to socialize Axel with new people and surroundings, and offer small treats and gentle encouragement as he is introduced to a new situation. Some dogs also benefit from thunder shirts ( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24037 ) for anxiety, as well as calming pheromone collars or diffusers ( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=33000 ). If all else fails, consider consulting a veterinary behaviorist to discuss behavioral modifications to try at home, and possible anti-anxiety medication. I hope that all goes well!

It could be a combination of being fearful/anxious and a bit possessive/protective. Try not to overwhelm her with too many people at once. Gradually acclimate her to one person at a time by exposing her for ever increasing periods of time. Correct any negative response immediately and praise good behavior consistently. Add in a new person as she accepts the previous one. Be patient. This will take time. A pheromone product, such as the Adaptil collar or DAP plug in diffuser, may decrease any anxiety she may have.