threshold fear in golden

Question
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.

ANSWER: The best thing to do with a dog like this is mostly a lot of time,and when he does something,praise the heck out of him

And although it seems harsh,sometimes the best way to get them to do what you want is sometimes is to 'drag' them with a leash after they do it a number of times they will learn it's not a bad thing at all-although sometimes coaxing them with food does help,and have your husband coax him as well

Now as for medications,those are more for dogs that are hyper or have problems such as tail chasing or separation anxiety

Down the road it might be a good idea to take him to a trainer that deals with nervous dogs,as they can work one on one-but since he is not aggressive there is no rush for that

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QUESTION: I could never "drag" him any where.  That does seem harsh to me.  I was hoping for some information on "threshold fear".  I had never heard of it before.  If anyone has ever dealt with it and if so, if they had any suggestions as how to deal with it other than what I've tried.

Answer
Well that's usually what we do recommend for dogs adopted at our shelter,but some people don't feel comfortable with that

So what you can also try is to use his favorite treat and try coaxing him,it may take time but is also recommended by a number of trainers

I do see a few dogs with 'threshold fear' including one of my one(whom I did have to force and drag to do things)and the best thing like I have said is mostly time

It also may not hurt to just call trainers and ask them what they think,without enrolling or paying for courses