Cesar,

I have a two-year-old Pomeranian who is afraid of everything; and so worried about things falling on him.  Although since I've have him (about one year), nothing has fallen on him.  He even approaches his food dish as if a snake will attack at any minute.  Drinking water is the same, he is always prepared to run away.  I have tried to show calm and assertive direction and a matter-of-fact attitude.  Is there anything more I can do?

Alice Jackson

Dear Alice,

This sounds like a self-esteem problem, so you must approach it delicately. We want to challenge the dog physically and mentally with things like obstacle courses, busy environments, and any situation in which the dog can get feedback from other, more confident dogs. We have a case right now that will be in Season Four which is very similar. The name of the dog in this case is Luna, and she is afraid of everything. Even the wind scares her; she comes into a room and sees “ghosts.” Every part of her is on hyper alert – her nose, her eyes, her ears – and everything makes her afraid. We’re trying to bring her around by helping her self-esteem to blossom, and that’s all about exposing the dog to many different situations.

Helping a dog build self-esteem is a very, very long process, and not nearly as fast as aggression rehabilitation. You have to build confidence slowly, and the way you build it is by helping the dog to repeatedly accomplish small goals. Practice obedience training, practice obstacle courses; they don’t have to be champions, but they have to go out and do it. With every success comes a little more confidence. 

Choose the right trainers. The trainers are going to help you to find the right energy in yourself, to help provide the support your dog needs. You have to be thinking about that rehabilitation, and about training yourself just as you train your dog. To do that, YOU have to have a good role model. The role model will guide and ensure that your dog is always getting the best out of you. Remember, it takes time, dedication, and patience above all else. Good luck.

Stay calm and assertive,

Cesar Millan