[Castlemaid]

Hi CapBeard,

Sorry that you are having such issues with Eva. This type of extreme fear and anxiety that you describe is not your fault. It is poor nerves, the way Eva's brain is wired, and she was born that way - poor genetics.

At this point, if this were my dog, I would just focus on managing her and keeping her i a safe zone. If she is happy and relaxed at home, then I would let her stay home as much as possible. I don't know why at 1yr old she has been to the groomers so often? I've never taken my dogs to the groomers. I brush, bathe, clip long coats (my mixed-breed), clean ears, and do nails myself. My GSD is four years old, and he only gets a bath a year (if that) - but to be fair, we have six months of frozen winter, where the dogs do not get a chance to get dirty.

I have not had to deal with extreme anxiety in dogs, but I don't think that medication is all that evil if it allows them to live a fuller, happier life. Nowadays, medications are very good at pinpointing and treating the exact issue, helping brain chemistry to re-balance, instead of just sedating the dog so that they are dopey and out of it.

Medication can be a big help in getting an anxious dog to learn coping behaviours. Your vet or an animal behaviourist may help with this. Depending on your dog's level of anxiety, the medication can be only for a few months, during which time you work with your dog to desensitze her to some of her most common fears.

She will probably always be a fearful dog. I think she can improve with medication and some more training, but I would dial back the socialization and outings - socialization is only beneficial if the experience is positive. With Eva, it probably just re-enforces her fears.

And I'd really not worry about taking her to the groomers - especially since it is such a traumatic experience for her. GSDs will do just fine with the occasional brushing and the once-in-a-while bath.