Accepted Answer

Her fearfulness might be just from a lack of handling as a puppy.
This site has a lot of info on helping a shy dog
http://www.goof.com/~pmurphy/shy-k9s-faq.html
Some people do feel tethering a dog to you so it has to follow you around can work to help this.
You may find using this training program called nothing in life is free can help her behavior
http://www.paws.org/cas/resources/fact_sheets_dogs/nothingfree.php
You may find the info on the calming signals site useful in 'telling' her that you are not scary. You can read here about that
http://www.canis.no/rugaas/
I also find the jolly routine can help some dogs
http://www.ncbr.org/info/social.htm
Lots more about fear and handling it here
http://www.k9events.com/behaviourF_M.htm
I've given you a lot to read and different theories on purpose. What I find works for me is bits and pieces of different methods depending on the dog. But training works no matter how you do it as making your behavior predictable to the dog gives the dog more confidence in you and your actions. You say sit, the dog sits, you praise the dog and maybe reward the dog with her dinner or a treat or a tossed toy. Now the dog has learned if I sit then good things happen. I can make good things happen by sitting. It builds confidence.
Hope this helps you!

Expert:	NancyH
Pos. Feedback:	99.5 %
Accepts:
Answered:	5/19/2008

Pet Health Care, Rescue,Train,Breed

30+yrs pet vet care & nursing, rescue, behavior & training, responsible breeding, small animal care