Hi all!

I just adopted a GSD one week ago that will be 2 on 6/9/2002, and was a Confirmation Show Pup who went to the very top when she got her AKC Best of Winners ribbon in 2001. She was also kenneled all of her life for the most part unless she was being exercised, trained or shown, and from what I have learned, is socialized with dogs, but not people very much, yet has a very sweet personality and is totally non aggressive.

When she got here she was just fine on a leash, but obviously had never gone for a walk on one. She was very happy with this place too, but was really scared of us. Then as she did nothing but pace nervously, I learned quickly she not only did not know what a toy was, but was quite scared of them. Bottom line too is that it seems this dog has none little if anything, except work for treats.

She is now my dog to be sure, and is warming up with the rest of the family, but if anyone comes over she becomes very anxious and paces. She is almost housebroken, and has done very well with her 2 half hour walks each day. And lastly, she is now over her fear of most of the toys, and even shags & plays with one of them, thank GOD!!!

I have only heard this dog bark once, and that was at the cat when she wanted to play, she is terrified of a flash light beam, and gets spooked very easily at any loud noises she is unfamiliar with, including bouncing basketballs she has encountered on her walks. Also, she is now showing a bit of an interest in pleasing, and hates to be scolded.

Anyway, what I want most for this dog is for her to be more self-confident and happier more of the time, and if anyone could help me here, I sure would be grateful.

Sorry so long too.

PJ <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

It sounds like you have a very nice American Show Shepherd. Don't expect too much from her and she will make a nice pet. I would get her spayed if she is not already. That will help avoid future health problems.

It's important to keep up with the obedience training. She will gain comfort and security in knowing where she stands in the 'family pack'. Ob. training helps to establish that comfort zone. Ed has a good tape that explains a lot of the basics.

You need to take care to ensure that she doesn't feel the need to defend herself. That could establish a fear-biting pattern where she feels she must attack first to protect herself. Get her out and about as much as possible and expose her new experiances. That will help build her confidence. But do control those experiences -- meeting people, going for rides, meeting other dogs, so she always is in her comfort zone.

If you have just got her, don't sweat the bonding process too much. It will take a while. It may take several months before she really decides she's home and absolutely, positively your dog.

It sounds like the dog was a victim of poor early socialization. However, the shyness/fearfullness is primarily genetic. She will never overcome that. Just make certain she stays within her comfort zone, secure in the family pack, and she will make a nice, loving pet.

As I think you are figuring out all those ribbons don't mean much in the way of having a good liveable home-type dog.

You have only had the dog a week in the next month or so you will see a different dog emerge as she realizes the home life is pretty good and people are pretty cool too.

With any dog, and especially an insecure dog, obedience will help. When the dog is scared and doesn't know what to do the OB will help because you are able to tell the dog what is expected of her. Being with a strong leader relieves the worry from your dog. She may never get over the fear of loud noises but more exposure will help her to realize the basketballs are not out to get her. I wish you the best of luck with her.

Obedience, Obedience, Obedience. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Good advice above.

You all know what I'm going to say, don't you?

I've had lots of success with extremely shy dog by doing obedience with an Ecollar.

Because the dog is made responsible for what happens to her confidence is gained. She can't go into fight or flight yet she learns that nothing bad happens to her so she gains in confidence.

So let me see if I understand. You recommend the use of Ecollars. LOL.

Nothing gets by me. LOL.

Multiple positive exposures to new things boost confidence.
It sounds as if she has had very little exposure to outside stimuli. I recommend working on standard obedience commands: sit, down, etc. When she feels a little more confident and has her basic manners down pat I would enroll her in a class (horror of horrors!). I still believe a good obedience class is a great answer to socialization. After that, maybe try some agility.
When I was first training my dog, I took him to a nearby large mall. I would walk him around the mall several times. I'd stop at each entrance for around 5 minutes and make him sit. He watched people and cars go by. I always carried treats and if someone wanted to pet him I would give them a treat. There was also a grocery store in the mall. He watched the grocery carts being pushed around. He didn't like the noise at first, but now he's fine. I can take him to a garden centre. loop his leash around the handle and he walks calmly at heel (these carts make a racket as well).

If I had used an e-collar I do believe I would have given him a heart attack. Unless you really have a problem, try the simplest solutions first.
There is really no substitute for time, repetition and patience. LOL
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Since I have never used the e-collar, I cannot give a knowledgeable response to that idea, other than that I understand that Mr. Castle is the person to take instruction from if you choose that route. I have heard horror stories about e-collar demos by other trainers, and only positive things about Lou.

As far as the multiple positive exposure thing, I do have some experience in that area, and have had good results. The key is for "the big bad world" to become normal and nonthreatening. I also agree with the "obedience approach", as well as an "extra" activity, such as agility, or some special, new kind of training that she has never done before. Often, a dog who learns new things and overcomes the challenges of learning new things gains confidence through that process, and it increases your bond with one another, increasing her trust in you. I don't believe that will work for all Nervous Nellies, but since you've seen improvement with yours, it seems like she's receptive, which is paramount.

If I had used an e-collar I do believe I would have given him a heart attack. Unless you really have a problem, try the simplest solutions first.


Can't argue with your second point but could offer a different view on your first. Not the time or place but not sure I agree totally. Lou has more patience then me and might expand. If I participate in another ecollar discussion I will commit suicide.

Ps. That was not an invitation for your questions on Ecollars VanCamp. LOL.

LSwanston, I have never used an e-collar either. Nor have any of my friends or acquaintances in the doggie world of obedience and agility. I know it works. There are many perfectly well adjusted dogs out there who have benefitted from it. However, I would rather exhaust all other methods before using that type of compulsion.