threshold fear in golden

Question
My golden is 11 months old, and I've had him maybe 5 weeks. He wasn't socialized and was bought from a breeder, who let him mostly be with the other dogs. When we brought him home he had to be physically carried in and out to potty for the first 2 days by  my husband.  Now, he will walk out the backdoor into the fenced yard, but only for me, and no one else. My husband has tried treats to coax him, but nothing works.  The breeder said all of his dogs had "Threshold fear"(older puppies sold).  He will go from room to room through doors now, but is afraid of new places or spaces.  We crated him after the 2nd week, but he chewed his way out of the wire crate, and we were lucky he didn't hurt himself.  My question is what can we do to get him to go out for someone other than myself, and to go out other doors.  He will come into the house through the front and side door, but only if the car isn't on the carport.  We are going to the Coast in 2 months and taking him, but we can't carry him down and up hundreds of steps at the beach house.  He is afraid in the yard unless in the back area which is fenced.  If I get him into the front yard and he gets scared,  he will run directly into the fenced area in back, so we leave the gate open when I have him in front.  He will walk on a leash in the back yard, but crouches down most of the time in other areas of the yard.  He won't run away from me while not  being on a leash when I have him in front, unless it is to go back in his "safe area".  He is a very loving dog, is good with children, lets them and my husband love and pet him, but he thinks I am the only one to do anything for him.  He listens to me really good, except when I want him to come out another door.  Is there any "magic" you know of to help me.  I've tried everything I can imagine.  I haven't had him to the vet yet, because I can't carry him in and out, and I want to have him neutered next month by his birthday. I know you said no medical questions, but would some type of medicine help, or should I even ask my Vet about that.  My husband thinks another month and he will be doing everything we want him to.  I guess I need some reassurance.  This is so new to me.  I've always had the problem of my pets "running out" the doors, not being afraid to go out.  Sorry it's so long, but I'm at a loss for anything further to do.  We just spent $2000.00 on surgery for out 10 yr. old golden who had cancer, and he died within 3 days of surgery, so we really don't have a lot of money to spend on doggie specialists at this time. Thank you for any help you can give. Any information you can share on this fear is greatly appreciated, as I never dealt with it before.

Answer
Hi Kathy, Your dogs fear needs to be addressed with as much confidence you can muster. He surely needs a leader right now, not someone to feel bad for him. Put him on a long leash (6 foot or better) and take him for a long run, bike ride, or roller blading. When a dog is shutting down like this in fear, they will usually be easier to get out of it when you let them run at your side. When you get him back, teach him that you are his alpha dog and will take care of him.  Never tower over him, do not push down on him or grab his neck (unless he tries to fear bite).  He truly only needs a pack leader that is calm and assertive so that he can feel safe, calm, and free to be a dog. Don't be afraid to let your family put a leash on him and walk him. It will be good for him. Try not to use a collar which would hurt (punish) him right now, as it may frighten him. Just a regular collar and lead. If he drops to the floor, just talk calmly to him and demand he come. Don't say his name at this point, just 'come or heel'.  He can walk, so be assertive (not aggressive) and make him walk. He may try to wriggle away, but just carry on and he should eventually follow. After a good run, work on him heeling immediately, don't lose that time to work him while he is tired. Simply take him for a walk and tell him what a good boy he is, stroke his neck and heal calmly and with encouragement. Try this out for me. I will be gone a few more days, so write me back, leave some feedback...and keep me posted. Let me know how this goes and I will give you more instruction when I return home. Thank you. Regards, Susan