This seemed to be the closest subject to fit my problem so...I have a year old female GSD-excellent working bloodlines. I have had her since she was 10 wks. old and have raised her with lots of play and praise, like all my other dogs. She was well socialized, going to work with me most days, to parks, training etc. the first few months. The problem is that she was always reticent around strangers, suspicious might be a better word. She never relaxes unless she is with me alone. She will play rough with me but will not take the prey item if it is closer than 12 inches even from me and will only play with strangers at a distance of 3 feet or so. Obviously, this is a problem with working with a helper! She is not afraid of noises, new footing or new things unless they are related to humans.She will shy away if anyone makes fast movements. It is very strange because I have raised her the same way as my 13 other dogs, none of whom show these behaviors. Has anyone ever seem similar traits from a genetic standpoint or does anyone have any suggestions on helping her? I would appreciate any ideas- she is a beautiful, sweet dog with many positive characteristics but I am out of new things to try. Thanks a bunch!

I have several dogs(huskies) like this - not nervous or easily spooked by enviromental stuff but suspicous of strangers. In my kennel I know it is genetic- involving one line of dogs that are known for tendecies this way. They are nice dogs - awesome work ethic, tough, easily trained, healthy, smart and produce a lot of leaders - but not really interested in socializing with strange people. The only comfort that I can offer you is
that some of them get a little more tolerant of strangers as they get older and are exposed to more people - never social butterflies, but more accepting of new people. Mine accept strangers better if I have people completely ignore them and not interact at all - they seem to want to observe first before making any overtures of greeting. If the person is around consistently they usually are completly accepting some to the point of being outgoing.
Probably not much comfort to you if you are wanting to work with a helper - I can see definite limitations!

Cindy
What, for example do you do when , say, you are with her some one makes a fertive or quick move, and she shys away?
Ron

Most people will try to comfort the dog. Get down and pet it and say, " thats of. dont be afraid, its ok." Etc.
In doing so you would be teaching the dog that by acting that way it will get attention and love.
There reinforcing the very action they want removed.
Other that that. I would force her. Tie her out. Set her up with someone doing quick movements etc. ultill she ignores it . The first time she acts as you want or moves in that direction. Praise and reward.
If she has food drive everyone who comes in the house or were ever she is has food for her. Its all obediance. Ob. is not just sit down stay. Train her to do what you want. If you look at it. Its all the same.
Ron

Thanks Ron and Lynne for the input. I always ignore her when she shys away and praise her for forward movements. I will go back to having 'friendly strangers' feed her treats. I has done that when she was a pup but I will start that again-it can't hurt.
She does sound like some of your huskies- she is just standoffish with people. She may make a good personal protection dog!

Hi Cindy,

I own your dog's sister and although she is social and not shy around people she does have an edge to her. She is quick to fire up at home and in her crate. She does well with the helper and will engage with no problems. I do believe this is genetic as several of the littermates are sharper. I think in time with maturity that she will become more confident in herself. Good luck and keep us posted...