dog anxiety

Question
I have had my dog for two years. I did get him at a shelter.  He is part black lab and what else we do not know.  Where I first got him they said maybe part Rotti.  The vet that I had take care of him did not think Rotti.  Where I lived previously I could not leave him outside.  When I did go out on the deck to sit outside I would sometimes take him with me.  He hated it..He could not wait to get inside.  Now where I am, I have a runner and shelter for him outside.  It has been terrible...he does not want to be outside for long periods of time tied up.  There is water there for him and a place for him to get into.  He barks a lot and has caused some problems with neighbors complaining.  I went to get him the other day because he was barking so bad, when I got to him, he was shaking very bad.  He was 4 when I firt got him, so we have had him for two year now.  

The thing that has changed is where we live.  We moved from Vermont to Louisiana.  I am staying wtih a friend who does not want the dog in the house, he stays in the room with me, which I hate...he has always been a house dog with me.  Goes out to go to the bathroom with no problem and loves to go to the park and for walks,,but does not want to be on a runner outside.  Should I be making him stay outside everyday on the runner?  Will this cause more anxiety, or should we do things slow, a little at a time?

Lynne

Answer
Dogs are definitely products of their environment and habitual creatures.  It sounds as though your dog has become accustomed to being indoors and as with most dogs doesn't care to change.  You are correct in assuming you need to "force" the dog to accept being where you need it to be.  Do it gradually and take care to make it a positive experience for him.  It sounds to me like he is more afraid of being left alone by you in an unfamiliar place.  By moving his food outside and making the run a positive rewarding experience you will gradually gain acceptance on his part.  Dogs need to be exposed to FEAR ANXIETY STRESS and TRAUMA  (FAST)as part of their training and growth as these things are impossible to avoid as part of life and a dog who has learned to deal with them through gradual exposure will deal with change much better than one who doesn't.  Just take it slow and work on the dog developing independence from you.