Jack Russell- afraid to go out

Question
We have just got a Jack Russell terrier. His journey to us was by two flights(we live in the Caribbean)He is very timid but we are making good progress in the house, although he is not keen on my husband! The problem we have is that he is very reluctant to leave the house, we have to lift him over the door step & he is very reluctant to go for a walk, tail between his legs & is afraid of passing cars & loud noises etc. I have left his lead on in the house so he can get used to it as his ears went down when we produced it.That has helped. What can I do to help him.He has the sweetest nature but not keen to go out of the house. Thanks in advance.

Answer
I've seen a few dogs who were very traumatized by long flights. I'd keep his life as uneventful as possible for a while and give him time to recover. I'd treat him for stepping over thresholds, try to walk him in quiet areas away from the street, and start some positive obedience work with him - allowing him to progress at his own speed. When you can get a dog to think, he's going to be less worried about things in general, as the anxieties don't "live" in the same part of the brain as problem-solving, and the dog is in one part of their brain or the other. Reward little braveries and don't cuddle him for being afraid (but respect what he tells you he can't do yet). I've found that teaching a dog to hit a target with his nose or paw is a great first learning game, and also that if a dog is worried about something, if you give him the chance to play the targeting game with scary stuff, he gets the chance to approach at his own speed, and if he can decide to touch it, it becomes much less scary. I'd start the game with fingers or a toy, and either a soft clicker (like an i-click, for a noise sensitive dog) or a word. Put fingers or toy right in front of his nose, and when he explores it, reinforce with your marker (click or word) and a treat. Soon he'll be reaching to touch, and then you are on your way. Sandy Case BFA MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com