Dog Health Questions: Dog refuses to walk in the city?

I have an 8 month old Lab/Shar pei mix. We just moved her from Hong Kong to New York City. She has always had a nervous disposition, but her fear of the city is preventing her from getting the exercise she needs. Our area (Chinatown) is very noisy and busy. If I take her in a cab to a quieter part of the city, she will walk around -- hesitantly, but not as much of a struggle. If my husband and I both walk her, she will walk with much less apprehension, too. However, this is not always possible, and we need to be able to walk her individually around our neighborhood -- especially in the daytime. I have taken her to a vet to rule out medical issues. We've also just enrolled her in a dog training class. I am hoping this builds confidence, but am not sure it will alleviate the fear she has. Do you have any tips/advice for me?

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The training classes should help.

I'd positively reinforce it-take treats with you on walks, and praise and give treats when she behaves.

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• try walking around with some treats and when she takes some good bold steps reward her. You yourself should walk with confidence and bravely to try and show your puppy that your comfortable here and so should she.


• Any obedience training you can do WILL build confidence. Just to practice it with her each day is to empower her. Rewarding her for good behavior makes her feel that she is pleasing her alpha, so be sure to never reward her submissive behaviors.
  
  One of the best ways to build self-esteem is by hand-feeding. I would work with her on that. Also, keep in mind that dogs simply do not like change. You didn't say how long you've been in NYC, but that's a lot for any dog, let alone a puppy. She may simply be overwhelmed by the change in environment, smells, noises...etc.
  
  I would practice just walking outside and walking back in. Treat her when she's outside, then take her back in. Work up to walking down the block and back, praising and treating the whole way. You may also try just sitting outside in the city...acclimating her to all the noise and activity. Just be sure to not overdo it...if she seems anxious or fearful, take her back in for the day and try again tomorrow. She just needs to make positive associations with walking in the city. The more you force her into it, the less she's going to benefit physically and mentally. You may have been just a little bit too confident that she would accept this new place right away.
  
  Also keep in mind: she is really a puppy. She has a lot to learn and accept. She will eventually get used to her new surroundings (provided you don't move around often) and will feel more secure. In the meantime, don't coddle her, but act confident and enthusiastic on your walks. Be patient and consistent....best of luck!