This is a strange thing that I've noticed, and wondered what other people think.

Trinkett is doing very well at settling in to my home. However, she is a cautious dog. One of the best ways of summing it up is "New is scary". And, being a greyhound, she just freezes when presented with new situations.

However, I have noticed that if I put her leash on her, suddenly she will be much better at whatever the situation is. For example, she loves the car. Climbs in and out with no problems. But I have recently just gotten my garage back from the construction workers, and now it's "different". I open the car door in the garage for her to get out, and she goes to the edge and just looks. Refuses to put a foot out. (I think it's the wall... she seems to have a problem with small spaces.) Clip the leash to her collar, and suddenly it's "ok, fine" and she gets out with no problems. No other changes. It was the same way with the cat. Wouldn't go past the cat on her own, but clip the leash on, and suddenly she was fine with walking past him.

So... why is it that she seems so much more self-confident when she has her leash on?

Froggy, you evidently are doing a good job at being the Alpha. Congratulations! When you attach yourself to her (leash), she knows you are in control of the situation, and that gives her the confidence and sense of comfort she is looking for.

Exactly. Without a strong leader, the world is a confusing, scary place to a dog. Children too.