Hi folks,I was reading some of the other posts and thought I'd try and get someone elses opinion on my pup.Shes a GSD and just turned 7mo old.Todays outing was pretty typical of her behavior so I'll use that.We went to a pet shop and as usual she is curious about everything when approached/greeted by strangers she stands still and just watches them,if they stay where they are she will go over and sniff and let them pet her,if on the other hand a stranger walks directly up to her and trys to pet her she will move away from them to my other side or even behind me,then as soon as they go to move away she will go up behind them and sniff them.And the usual response is "oh you were just a little shy huh"Once we got home I put her out on the front and just watched her from the window.My neighbor across the street is an elderly lady with 101 cats,and my dog as usual ran up and down our fence barking at her cats that were on her front lawn.Soon the owner of the cats came outside and walked directly over to my fence to my dog to greet her and she continued to bark only she backed up away from the woman about 15 ft.and stayed there steady barking at her now but all her movements were side to side,as soon as the woman turned to leave she ran up to the fence to continue her barking.Is this typical behavior for a 7mo.old female GSD and what does this say about her temperment?The only exception to this is kids,she loves them.We have walked to the neighborhood park everyday since she was 4mo old and everyday her (fanclub) of kids can't wait to play and fuss over her,so now whenever she sees any small kids the tail starts wagging and she wants to play but with adults she is reserved and cautious,I can put her in a sit and anyone can pet her but shes uncomfortable with it any ideas?

I see no problem, keep exposing her to different things and people. She is a puppy and her reaction is fairly typical of puppies at that stage in life. My female when she was 7 months old, reacted in same way. Except I wouldn't let people appoarch her, I would tell them its best that I introduce her to you then for you to try to reach out to her. Its good that she has built such liking for kids.

At 7 months she still very much a puppy, keep treating her like one, protect her and control the people around her. GSD are handsome dogs, alot people will want to pet her, you control if they have that privilege.

Thanks for the reply Goodogu,I was'nt sure If her behavior was ok or not.She does well in obedience and has good prey drive but I have always wondered about her reserved behavior around strangers and thought it might be a lack of confidence.I had read on this site that shyness in dogs=fear,and I dont know if that applies to pups as well,anyway thanks for the input.

Pups can go through a "shy" or fearful period. Continue her obedience training and socialization (repeated positive exposure to new places and people), and she should, hopefully, outgrow this phase. When she acts up, don't coddle her or try to soothe her, simply redirect her with an obedience command.

L.Swanston,thanks for the advice I will continue to train and socialize,however this is not a (period) this is her usual behavior.I have been told that as she matures in training and age that her outlook/confidence level will change. When she was younger she used to pee when I greeted her and this same person told me this would pass and it has,so I guess I'll wait and see.Thanks.