tips for walking an insecure dog?

[Piglet68]

Hi everyone. I have a 1 year old rescue dog, a Blue Heeler mix. She started showing aggression towards other dogs on our walks, but after sending her to a daycare for a few days I've learned that she loves other dogs, loves to play with them, and had no trouble at all when new dogs came into the centre. Yesterday I took her for a walk along a new route, and was rather startled to realize how nervous she is. I'd mistaken her energy for just pent-up excitement, but today I really got to see how insecure she is. I wish I could adopt a couple more dogs to keep her company, lol, but that's not going to happen any time soon.

I'll be starting a class with her next week for "Reactive Dogs", to give me tips on how to keep her focussed on me when we walk. I also plan on starting some basic obedience training to help with that and to build her confidence.

But in the meanwhile, I'm walking a dog who pulls madly on the leash (to the point of choking and I'm worried she is damaging her throat), goes nuts when she sees other dogs (even off leash) and it's not much fun. I've tried a Halti and it's no use, she is too smart and can whip it off in a flash. She does get good exercise because we head up into the forest trails and she runs off leash for a long while (she is very obedient at coming when called, so long as other dogs aren't around).

Any tips on how to make walks a bit easier on both of us?

[gingerstar]

For a dog like that, I think a Sprenger prong collar is ideal. (Here is an article about using one.)
It is a tool to communicate with your dog, and when used correctly it can make all the difference.

Hopefully someone wiser will chime in regarding the insecurity - my only thought is the Cautious Canine book by Patricia McConnell.