I have had Amber since she was 7 weeks old and, as far as I know, she had not received any form of bad treatment.

She is the most timid dog you can imaigine and I have only just learned the reason why. The answer is ME!

As you would with a child, I comforted her when she was scared. I have unwittingly taught her that being scared is good!

They often say that it's not the dog that needs the training, but the owner. It seems that I have proven the theory correct.

I now no longer comfort her when she shows signs of being scared ( usually when approached by people she doesn't know) and instead I only acknowledge her when she has relaxed. So, if she cowers away from people, I say nothing, if she lets them touch her then I praise her.

If she runs and hides when I get out the grooming brush, I ignore her where before I would spend a lot of time and treats trying to cajole her out of her 'safe haven'

Anyway, she is getting better, but it's not going to be an overnight thing.

Good luck!