Acepromazine

Continuing our discussion on pet medications..

Some nervous or noise phobic dogs are prescribed Acepromazine. Although this drug has it's place in veterinary medicine, as with all drugs (psychotropic or not), if a pet is not in an emergency situation, pet parents should do their own research in addition to discussions with their vet. Some info that I've found on this medication:

Treat/Retreat

Sit quietly and wait for her to approach you. when she does, don't pet her,
toss a treat away from you behind her (as long as it doesn't scare her).
It's like a double treat. Relief from pressure and food.

Forcing dogs to meet strangers

When I was a little girl, I remember going to see my grandpa in a nearby
town. He would always want a hug and kiss. I liked my grandpa but he had
very rough razor stubble; and I found the ordeal quite painful - like
hugging a thorny rose bush.

Recognizing Stress

A few years ago, my shy dog, Murphy had to see a vet specialist about a
surgery.
As the vet and I spoke at length, Murphy stopped pacing, sat down and
looked like he was about to fall asleep. It seemed odd to me. How could my
nervous dog sleep in this strange, scary place. Surely he wasn't
comfortable enough to dose off.
I know that yawning is a stress indicator in dogs, but sleeping??

Cortisol Vacation

First, I'd start with a cortisol vacation for at least one week.

Too late for socialization

Books like Ian Dunbar's "Before And After Getting Your New Puppy" and others stress the importance of socializing young puppies.  They tell pet parents how important it is for puppies to meet people of all different races, sizes, genders, people with hats, people with sunglasses etc.. That puppies should be introduced to new surfaces, new sounds and smells....

New family pet

Make sure pets are allowed - per your rental agreement or insurance contract.
If pets are allowed, be sure that the breed and size you have are allowed

1. Let the dog live indoors with the family.
http://blog.mysanantonio.com/latrenda/tag/outside-pets/

2. Let the dog settle in before inviting friends over, taking the dog pet stores, etc.. If the dog is shy or not confident around strangers, keep him/her away from strangers for now