Mini Daschund with anxiety issues

Question

Abigayle   QUESTION: I have a 3 1/2 yr old mini daschund (Abi) that has developed anxiety around loud noises and we are having a problem getting her to go out to walk and relieve herself. When we try to put on the leash she starts to piddle and sometimes shakes. We have recently moved (4 months ago) and still have on-going new home construction going on around us that terrifies her. She goes out fairly easy early morning and late evening (when it's quiet) but cowers down and shows no interest during the day when we try to get her to go out.  How can we get her outside knowing she is going to "go" as soon as we touch her? She has always been shaky around fireworks too, basically loud popping or banging noises in general.  Any suggestions would be appreciated!!!

ANSWER: Your dog is terrified by what's going on around her, and she can't escape it.  She is so terrified that she is offering a strong submissive signal (urination) now when she realizes you are forcing her to go into the maelstrom.  DO NOT FORCE HER TO CONFRONT THIS PROBLEM, even if it involves house training problems (such as, she can't hold it).  If possible, get the dog OUT OF THE HOUSE during the day.  You're apparently able to afford construction so find a doggy daycare facility (and do serious background check, including multiple references which you are obligated to call and question.)  Or find a pet sitter who can take the dog on a daily basis (after construction begins and until it ends each day).  How you could expect a dog that is sound sensitive to live in an environment where the very sounds she fears (loud popping or banging noises) go on every day is beyond me!  This dog is terrified; even medicating her temporarily for anxiety won't help; YOUR SITUATION (as chosen BY YOU) is subjecting her to this circumstance.  Find a way to remove her from this situation until your construction is over.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I thank you for your response, however, I don't think it's your place to be telling me what I can and cannot afford to do. You don't know my personal issues or to what extent I'm caring for an aging parent. You act like I knew this would happen and should not have chosen to live in such an area. This behavior just started...after the fact. I'd love to take her out of the house every day, but she still pees when I have to pick her up because she won't come to do that either! It doesn't fix the initial problem. I am taking her to the vet to make sure their are no unseen medical issues and get a second opinion.

Answer
Put a body harness on this dog, rather than attach a leash to her collar.  Lead her out slowly and carefully, no matter how much time it takes.  use a favorite toy, or a favorite treat, to attempt to persuade her to move forward.  Get some anti-anxiety medication for her and find a daytime location she can spend quality time in with other dogs, until your construction is finished.  I'm caring for an aging parent also, plus I have other family issues that are quite serious.  I'm still able to see to the emotional, physical and psychological health of the animals in my care.  If one finds oneself so overwhelmed that one is unable to act with responsible forethought, I suggest counseling might help alleviate the stress.