6 yr old female bitch

Question
We have recently adopted a 6 year old standard bitch retired showgirl.  We are a family with no children and a 2 yr old standard male poodle.  Our male poodle is well balanced but not neutered (He is getting neutered this Friday).  The 2 poodles get along very well together and we has no aggression issues.  The new member of our family, has spent the last 4 years in a kennel with about 30 other poodles.  We have adopted the female to be a house pet.  She has been in our home for a week and she cannot relax.  She scurries away at the slightest of noises.  She does not relax her body is rigid at all times unless she is asleep.  She uses her crate as her safe place and seldom engages as part of the family.  She is playful in the yard and enjoys talking her daily walks.  Our main concern is that she does not allow herself to relax.  She will not lay on her side and let us roll her on her back.  She does not seem to enjoy when we are holding her or giving her affection.  We are 100% certain that she has not been abused or neglected but she does not know how to be a dog... Help us help her to come out of her shell and become the doge we know she can be.

Answer
Hello Kate,
You didn't say how long you have had her, but you did say that she has been in the kennel situation for around 4 years.  It is going to take some time for her to just be a dog when all she knows is how to be a Kennel Dog.

You said that she doesn't react when you roll her on her back or side, but try the Doggie Exam Position with her and see how it works for you.  

Start with you sitting on the floor with your feet out in front of you and get your dog to lay in your lap with her head towards your stomach.  Rub and massage her belly, legs and face (Poodles love to have their faces rubbed) until you notice that her body relaxes.  Talk softly to her and don't get discouraged if she doesn't seem to react for the first few times.  Inside she will enjoy it, its just her outside that doesn't yet know how to react.  
Lots of Praise and Love to her.  

You also said that she seems to enjoy her walk, so why not try her with Obedience classes.  She is used to ring work anyway, but Poodles love Obedience because they have such a strong desire to please and with Obedience, they are doing as you ask them to do.  
Try to find a Trainer in your area that will work with you in a private lesson first, then will move you to a group lesson when she is more confident.  She will benefit from learning first with just you, then with other people and dogs.  

If both dogs will allow, see if you can tether her to the male and let him lead her around the house for awhile.  If she sees him being comfortable in his enviroment and the fact that he doesn't mind her in his space, that might help her come out of her shell some.  

It won't happen over-night and for each dog it is different.  Take it slowly and don't over rush it because you will only set her back.  Let her go at her own pace and soon you will see a more relaxed and calm dog.  

I hope this helps you and her some.  If you have other questions or concerns, please feel free to ask me.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim