Welcome to DF. I would 2nd the suggestion of the fearful dog site - it's very helpful. Two other resources I've also found helpful are "Cautious Canine" by Patricia McConnell and "Help for Your Fearful Dog" by Nicole Wilde.
The hardest part about having a dog who reacts to so many things is breaking it all down and deciding what to work on first. It is a long process but it does get better. My personal choice would be to work on the things that can make help you make life more livable for both of you the soonest, e.g. if there are a lot of people in your life and you need a dog that can handle being around them, make that the priority in your training. So make a list of all the things your dog seems to be afraid of, prioritize them, and start working on desensitizing him to them. The resources mentioned will give you step-by-step details on how to do that.
The good news? I've known several rescue dogs that acted just the way your pup does and within 6 months to a year you would not know there had ever been a problem. So there is much hope. Patience is the key.
Good luck & let us know how it's going in the fearful dog thread on this forum. And post pictures - I would love to see your pup!
The hardest part about having a dog who reacts to so many things is breaking it all down and deciding what to work on first. It is a long process but it does get better. My personal choice would be to work on the things that can make help you make life more livable for both of you the soonest, e.g. if there are a lot of people in your life and you need a dog that can handle being around them, make that the priority in your training. So make a list of all the things your dog seems to be afraid of, prioritize them, and start working on desensitizing him to them. The resources mentioned will give you step-by-step details on how to do that.
The good news? I've known several rescue dogs that acted just the way your pup does and within 6 months to a year you would not know there had ever been a problem. So there is much hope. Patience is the key.
Good luck & let us know how it's going in the fearful dog thread on this forum. And post pictures - I would love to see your pup!
