Got an 8 1/2 week old Giant Schnauzer pup. Female. Bred from German Schutzhund lines. Have the dog 2 days. Pup is very fearful of car and people. Shakes like a leaf. Not afraid of any of the other things or noises she has come across, yet. No problem with blender, or trucks passing by on street, or pot that dropped right next to her by accident in the kitchen. Did great on the temperament test. The dog comes to me no problem. Good prey drive, and very high food drive. Already learning sit. She stays in the crate fine, after a little whining. Has no problem with any obstacles (swingset, rock wall, pile of wood, etc.), but does have problem with people and the car. I was walking the pup this morning and a neighbor approached, but the pup did a lot of avoidant barking and posturing. Hid behind my leg. Was shaking. I handed my neighbor a treat, and told her to hold it out for the pup and to let the pup come to her. This helped, the pup was able to calm down at least a little and eat the treat. Also, she shakes like a leaf in the car. Trying to do short car rides to nuetralize her to the car. She won't go in the car on her own, even for treats. Maybe before breakfast tomorrow, I will work on this with treats, when she's good and hungry. But, is this type of fear normal? I was expecting the confident pup I saw on the temperament test and that I was planning on doing Schutzhund with. I am concerned about a genetic based fear problem. Maybe just the shock of the new home and environment? Thanks for any feedback

Give her a little time, she's only 8-1/2 weeks? and you've only had her 2 days? She's a baby, just been taken away from Mom and everything she knows. I'd be a bit nervous too!

When you saw her she was (most likely) in her home environment, where she knew her family, mom, etc. Let her adjust a bit more than 2 days worth.

True, she'll get over it. Keep doing what you're doing- short car trips with praise and positive situations with people with treats. She'll get better with time. Sounds like she has a big future! Good luck with yur new puppy! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I'm with Theresa, you have a tiny baby who's used to be safe surrounded by her family in a known environment. Suddenly she's 'torn' from all she know and is in a new world with none of her dog family or human family and with a STRANGER (that's you). Her world has been flipped upside down, so (or course) she's a bit whiny and afraid.

Sounds like she's basically a great pup who just needs a lot of TIME to learn you are now the center of her life and as long as YOU are there she is safe and you'll take care of her. The more that bond forms, (time time time) the more she will gain her confidence when out an about. I think using the food with strangers is a great idea. Make sure you use REAL stinky treats (not Milk Bones ie), sharp cheddar cheese, bologna, hotdogs, chicken, etc.

Have you had a chance to read up on http://www.doberman.org/articles/puppy.htm yet? Great place to read up on what's going on with your puppy emotionally right now. http://www.uwsp.edu/psych/dog/lib-Puppy.htm#soc gives good hints on socialization.

Additionally, I think I'd just pick her up and put her in the car right now. No drama, no time for her to worry or think about it. Just be all happy, pick her up, and go on with the drive.