nervous dog

i have a three year old border collie bitch who is very nervous about going out, she also does not like it when people come into our home the olny exception is my mum and dad who she has known (and lived with) since we got her three years ago. she shows alot of nervous behaviour like licking her lips, panting and pulling on a lead when she is out. she is that bad when she is out that we have been asked if she was a rescue dog and if she has been beaten, neither of these things have ever happened to her. we have two other dogs who are the complete opposite and we have not treated them any differently. i'm just wondering if anybody knows how to help her because she is a very loving dog to people she knows and i dont know how to help her.

Collies can sometimes be nervy - and they remember things that you have missed too

Do you do any training with her?? some classes to build up confidence and trust might help and some gentle socialisation to different situations. I know a collie who was terrified of people but time spent with strangers ignoring it and dropping lots pf random treats and now it is a totaly cuddle monster

If there is a good positive behaviourist in your area it might be an idea to get a bit of help to build her confidence

we dont do any training at the minute but ,my boyfriend is going to start taking her to training class es with me ( i take my german shepherd) we are also thinking of starting agility classes with her, my boyfriend has also started to take her on short regular walks around people to try and get her used to them.
awww i hope she turns out like that eventually
i do animal management in college and im going to ask the tutor who teaches behaviour if she has any suggestions.
thank you for your reply it has been helpful

Sounds like you have the right plans, and I am sure she will love agility and training

Best of luck with her, I look forward to hearing how you are getting on

thanks i appreciate your help. ill let you know

Hi Belle you may find this Dogsey Article on shy and nervous dogs helpful..

http://www.dogsey.com/dog-articles.php?t=8050