He is a rescue, so we do nor know his history. "Jack" is georgeous, but he seems so nervous and anxious all the time, it is exhausting to watch him pace and walk in circles around the furniture. Sometimes he is so reluctant to go outside to potty, I have to tote him to the door, set him down, and slide him out the door while he is firmly sitting down. (Did I mention I have a broken wrist and am not supposed to lift more than a coffee cup?) He's wearing me out and I don't know what to do to help him.

I would not be surprised to learn that he came to a rescue home because of this tendency.

Dog personalities are hereditary in many cases, as are human personalities, or at least tendencies. Delving into the canine psyche became a topic in vet school long after I graduated. But there are 'doggie shrinks' now, and I suspect he would be a candidate for the couch, and probably some sort of psychomimetic drug.

Short of a couch, your vet may have insight into the problem and access to a possible life changing medication. Give him a call to find out if that is an area in which he may have an interest. I wish you both well.

Let him calm down and get used to his new surroundings. I would recommend sitting in the floor very still and let him get used to you also reward him with a treat when ever he goes by a door way or calms down he's just very worried that you might do what ever happened to him in the past he just needs to learn that you will not hurt him that's all