We have a 5-month old all white German Shepherd named Angel and have noticed that she's afraid of sooo many things. She's even afraid to be in the laundry room if the washer or dryer is running. Last night a friend came over - first time he'd ever seen Angel, and she acted like she was deathly afraid of him and his little boy. To our knowledge, nothing's happened since we've had her that should spook her so bad by people or some other common things that she's afraid of. Is it just a "puppy" thing or will she get an 'attitude' at some point where she won't seem like such a chicken? Or should I be worried? I'm not sure what to do.

Questions; How long have you had the pup?
Has he been around other people much?
Another recent post was reguarding the vacum cleaner. They used treats to get their puppy use to it. First just placed the treats on it without it running a few times for a couple of days, then on to moving it around not running and more treats, then finally turning it on and placed some treats on it, etc. until finally the dog paid not attention to it while the vacum was used. SO maybe something simular would help you, just go slow over a few days and see what happens.

We got Angel when she was 12 weeks old - the end of December, 2006. She's been around some people - I try to get her out into different environments & people whenever I can, but mostly she's just experienced people coming to our house. She seems to be getting worse with respect to being afraid of other guys. The women don't seem to bother her.

We'd actually like to see "protection capabilities" out of her. Right now, she's just cowering around certain people and generally shys away from anyone she doesn't know.

Edited by Rosalind Watt (03/29/2007 06:02 PM)
Edit reason: Additional thought . .

Thanks very much, Mike. I must admit, I believe she needs more exercise that she was getting. We just installed an in-ground fence, and she's picked up on that very quickly, so we're now able to get out and play fetch, etc. with more ease. I've hesitated taking her out on long leash walks, because the last time we went, she crossed in front of me & I took a pretty good spill. I'll be getting her into a basic training class very soon & am hoping that her leash-walking skills will be refined.

We do keep a fairly routine schedule with bed times, feedings, etc. She's just getting over some problems with eating. I believe some of the canned food problems may have impacted her. We took her off all canned food, and she seems to be doing better. Either that, or it's just because of the teething.

This is the 1st dog I've had in a number of years, so I need to learn all over again myself. In looking through the Leerburg site, I'm excited to see so much information and so many tools at hand!

Thank you so much for your input - I know I'll be back again needing more advice, and appreciate all the good feedback, recommendations and sound advice.

Maybe ask a friend for some help, to come over often, give her treats, get to know her. Then after your pup is comfortable with them ask someone else to do the same. Finally out in public ask strangers to give your dog a treat, petting. This will ease the dog of strangers. Just don't over do it or the puppy may think everyone has treats for her.

All good ideas that I'm hearing! I've done the treat thing so that other people can use them to warm up to her when we're out, but you're probably right - if she thinks she'll get them from everyone, I'll have a whole new host of problems.

Having others stop by is a good idea. I'm sure it'll just take some time and reassurance. Thank you!

Have you ordered any of the Leerburg videos?

I would do that right away if I had my first dog after years of no-dog.

I'd also read (or listen to the podcasts) Ed Frawley's articles on groundwork while waiting for the videos.

http://www.leerburg.com/120.htm

http://www.leerburg.com/puppygroundwork.htm

IMHO, Mike Arnold has mentioned something crucial: Your calm confidence with the puppy is something that is communicated to him and that nurtures his own confidence, as well as the bond between you.

And your calm confidence is something that really can be enhanced by reading, listening to, and learning the information from a source like Leerburg.com.

I'll make sure I do that Connie - thank you for the input.

You know, I try to come across as very calm/confident, as I've read about how important that is. I hope it's perceived by her as the same, although I'm sure I appear rather unstable at time in her eyes, too!

I think Mike and Connie pretty much said everything there is to say. Very insightful information. Good luck, and keep us posted