Introducing anxious dog to family dogs?
My dog is a medium sized lab who has a bit of anxiety towards strangers and other dogs. I haven't had much chance to introduce her to other dogs in the past, and sometimes when I walk her she gets overly excited and yanks on her leash or when barked at will tuck her tail and cry and speedwalk away.
I did have her stay with a dog trainer a few months ago, where he claims she had no problems being around other dogs (even showing me video of her walking normally in a room with others), which makes me think that she may be anxious / protective of me specifically.
I want to introduce her to some of my family's dogs (both labs) that are familiar with me and play with me too. In a few weeks we will have to stay with them for a while and I don't want her to gettoo scared right away and possibly snap defensively. I have heard that putting her in a crate so that they can all smell each other might be a good option, but I don't want to accidentally overstimulate her. The other dogs get along fine with others so I'm just worried about her scaring them.
Any help / info would be appreciated. I'd also like to hear of aby non-harmful medicine that might help calm her until she is accustomed to the new environment.
I am sure by now your dogs have met, but in terms of anxiey there are a few things you can try. Thundershirts do word on many dogs. Some people swear by CBD oil or treats (for dogs that don’t like the taste add 🥜 butter). Lastly, a good trainer/behaviorist can be helpful as well.