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I would try to get my dog to enjoy going outside again, play with his favorite toys, play fetch, tug, put him into drive, use hotdogs, anything to get him excited. Take him in and out often, take him out for 5 minutes then go back inside for some water, then go right back out and act very enthusiastic, try to get him excited and wagging his tail n wanting to chase the frisbee or the ball. Soon he'll re-learn that going outside means play time.

As for fireworks, I'd have someone set off a few quiet fireworks in the front of the house while working the dog in drive in the back yard, if he has a negative reaction, ignore it and try to catch his focus again with his favorite toy or food. Gradually bring the noise closer to him as his reactions and focus improves.

I was told by a horse trainer that they use this technique on horses with gun fire, distract the horse and gradually bring the noise closer till they understand that the noise doesn't mean anything and is just background noise.

I am not sure if this will help, but my older GSD has suffered through numerous fear situations also. Hot Air Balloons were the worst. These things will shut her down to a complete state of panic. Bad breeding and weak nerves make one neurotic dog. When I know there are balloons out, I take her for a walk. During our walk she has a tendency to focus on the sky and nothing else. She whines, cries and acts like I am torturing her. I guess in her mind, it is torture to face the thing she fears most. I do not touch her or comfort her in any way. I just keep on walking. Once she is over the panic stage we do some obedience work, on leash. After the walk is playtime, one on one, with no other dogs around. This is her first spring-summer working on her fears and it is going well. IMO, which I am sure someone else can put in better words... If your dog knows you are the alpha, he should trust you enough to go for that walk. He should trust that you will not let any harm come to him. A word of caution though. I have seen dogs in such a panic/state of fear, that they will lash out at their handlers. If he begins to hyperventilate or vomit, the stress may be too much for him. I am sure Mr. Frawley could offer some words of wisdom on this subject. Good Luck. It is a hard road to travel. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Nick - a nice home in the country followed by a new dog would be my option of choice. This is geneitc so dont go back to the same breeder

Nick. Ed's right (of course). <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

If you GSD is just a house pet, you won't necessarily have to get rid of him. However, he'll probably end up being scared of all loud noises, including thunderstorms. You will have to watch carefully for a fearful reactions around people, as he could become a fear biter.

A fear of going outside 2 weeks after being scared by the fireworks is a clear indication of weak nerves. A dog with solid nerves may be briefly startled, but they will recover quickly. My 6 month old male GSD, Ripley, was briefly startled by a car going over a loose manhole cover on the street. (It made a surprisingly loud noise that even startled me.) He was about 3.5 months old at the time. He barked fiercly at it (no hackles), then made me take him to it (when there was no traffic, of course) so he could check it out. He sniffed the manhole cover, I told him it was okay, then we got back on the sidewalk to wait for another car to drive over it. A few cars later, the same thing happened and he barked briefly. I again told him it was okay. We waited and it happened a third time and he didn't even flinch. We walk down this particular street every day and it happens all the time and he doesn't even notice it any more.

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When I took my GSD outside over 2 weeks ago, he heard fireworks go off and he became and remains frightened. Each and every time I take him out, fireworks or not, he runs in circles and his tail is straight down...he can't wait to get back into the house. Since the 4th of July is just around the corner, this situation is only going to get worse. Prior to this event, I would walk with him for hours each and every week with no real issues. He no longer wants to go outside to exercise or play...not good! Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I might assist him in getting back to normal? THX...

Assuming the dog got the right genetics and good foundation. its normal to get startled with a firecracker the first time.
the stress of obedience will relieve the stress of the firecracker.
forget the toys, balls, treats and tugs.
try it

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forget the toys, balls, treats and tugs.

I always thought a balance between compulsion and positive re-enforcement was the way to go? Unless the dog is already 90% on obedience, wouldn't obedience with incentive on a young dog like that be a better distraction than the handler forcing the dog outside "because I said so"?

I'm asking - not saying... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

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I always thought a balance between compulsion and positive re-enforcement was the way to go? Unless the dog is already 90% on obedience, wouldn't obedience with incentive on a young dog like that be a better distraction than the handler forcing the dog outside "because I said so"?

I'm asking - not saying... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

a sincere praise will be enough. it will do much more than toys. isnt it wonderful to know that your dog became confident because of your soothing voice and sincere praise.
"will you bribe a friend to get what you ask for" a friend of mine always say.

I have always been told that if the dog is scared of something, the handler can either help make or break the situation. By reading your dog, you should be able to know if it is too much stress and to try another time or that you can take a few steps closer to get him used to it. Some dogs can be thrown into the pit and get used to it, while others need a softer approach. By telling a dog, "good boy, it's ok..." when they are nervous, you are only nuturing that feeling and he thinks that he has an approval from you to be nervous and the problem worsens. By ignoring his nervousness and calmly, confidently(and mostly silently) applying a little more stress (depending on your dog, that may mean getting closer to smell or walking a block away again) to prove that there's nothing wrong. Depending on your bond and leadership, your dog should look to you for a reaction. Would anyone else agree?