Behaviour

Question
The newest member of our family is a 14 month old American Fox Hound.   We bought her a year ago from a local pet store.  She is a beautiful, happy, playful, exhuberant, friendly dog.  BUT she is so afraid when we take her for walks.  She has walked our neighbourhood for a year now and is frightened of almost every sound. The wind even scares her.  She is not afraid of thunder or lightening and she plays well with dogs in the dog run.  We have tried everything to try to make her feel comfortable  such as always taking her to the same areas for walks.  She also pulls when she knows she is on her way home to safety!  It is difficult to hold her since she is about 110 lbs!  (Not fat at all!)  What can we do for her?  

Answer
I would recommend getting a gentle leader to help reduce the pulling and this will give you more control of her head.  You can try to desensitize her by taking her out for very, very short walks and praising her and rewarding with her by giving a special treat when she ignores or is not bothered by the noise.  When she seems comfortable with the few minute walk, increase the time slowly--the process will take quite a while--and eventually work up to a regular distance walk.  You can also try giving Rescue Remedy, about 4-5 drops, in her mouth before walk to help with the anxiety.  I don't know if they make ear plugs for dogs but you could try putting some cotton in her ears to help buffer the noise as well.