I need help with my dog.

Question
I have two Shih Tzu's and they both have very different personality's. My girl Ginger is terrified of everything and everyone. When we are around anybody she hides behind me like a little scared child. People joke and say what have you done to that dog. It makes me feel horrible. I have to pick her up and hold her like a child and she will dig her claws into me. we can't go anywhere in public because she tries to run under cars even on a leash. I have done nothing but love her and I don't know why she behaves like this. Also she has a compolsive licking problem. She will lick me for an hour if I let her - then she just sits and will lick the air. What could I do to make her feel safe around people and other dogs. When she gets around other dogs she freezes and lays on her back like she is dead with her eyes really big. I'm just really worried about her.
Thanks,
Kristin

Answer
There are some confidence building exercises you can use.  Start with obedience training.  Use lots of praise.  It will make her feel competent and  and accepted.  The dogs see all the
people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in
the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members
outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by
reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class
or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with
a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/

Play tug of war with her and lose.  At the end of the game, collect the rope or other toy and put it up.  No sense confusing her about who is really top dog.  

Finally, buy a crate to be her den, maybe another for the other dog.  The dog may be happier in its den than loose in the house.  It relaxes, it feels safe in its den.  It rests, the body slows down reducing the need for water and relieving its self.  Dogs that have been crated all along do very well.  I think the plastic ones give the dog more of a safe, enclosed den feeling.  Metal ones can be put in a corner or covered with something the dog can't pull in and chew.  Select a crate just big enough for the full grown dog to stretch out in.  You don't need to shut the door unless you are having other problems with her.  You might even leave it off the plastic ones.  

Have ''strangers'' show up carying  treats.  Doesn't need to be large or elaborate, some of her regular kibble will do.