I sent this to Louise, but I think that a broader input would also be helpful -

Recently I've noticed that 11 week old GSD has been afraid to walk in the woods in the dark. I have a lot of deer and racoons and such local. He senses the critters and won't go past the wood line to go down his poopy trail. I was a bit taken back, but I assume its a phase since he is only a puppy. I usually pick him up and carry him to his spot and show him that there's nothing to be afraid of (and that Dad's around). I hope that when his testoterone kicks in, he'll get a burst of courage. He's fine during the day. Marches right down there like he owns the place. And is otherwise quite brave. Any thoughts?

DHC

You can try making it irresistable to him: bait the path with his favorite food before you take him out and see if the lure of the food (something good and stinky) will help him overcome his reticence. Put a large reward near the end of the path. Or put his favorite toy on a string and drag it behind you and see if it helps him follow you. I wouldn't pick him up to solve his problem for him.

It might no be a bad idea to get his eyes checked. He may not be able to see well at night. At 11 weeks he should be focusing better now.

Another theory is that your pup may be going through the 'fear period'. This is normal at this age and actually may last a few weeks. Go about your normal socialization with the pup, just don't do things to stress him or push the issue. Like Lee said, encourage him and make it fun.

My pup went through this, she sure acted spooky, had me wondering and concerned! Like predicted, she grew out of it and is as confident as anything now.

Thanks Lee, Richard and Maggie,

The other night we took a flashlight and ran around in the dark some. I think he warmed up to it a bit more. He's still a little hesitant, but he did have fun running in the dark a bit (in a large open yard).

His eye are really fine. He can see too well. I think that is part of the problem (if you can call it that).

I'll try some bacon if it continues (nice and stinky!)

If there are any other replies, please post them!
DHC

It is normal for pups to want to stay closer to the den at night - nighttime is time predator time in the wild. As they get older they get bolder and like a nighttime prowl- if they can get away with it. Two of my alaskan yearlings buzzed off on me last night - just a short walk from the workshop to the house and during the day you can recall them off the barncat or a chipmunk, no problem. Well last night I had the two siberians on leash(not the call off kind of dogs!) and the two yearlings loose- they obediently followed me to the back door - sat while I got the door open - then made eye contact with each other and took off- fast. 3 hours of searching later(2:30 in the am)....and when I got back they met me barking in the driveway and smelling of skunk and beaver pond. During the night it became apparent that they had dined well but unwisely and upchucked something (someone?) on the floor. I guess my point is nightime has its own set of attractions for dogs and sometime instinct kicks in at inconvenient times. In this instance it was completely my fault due to complacency - shoulda used the leash!

There are a couple of eye disorders that begin with night vision problems. If it continues I would have it checked.

Lynn That's awesome .. I so get a kick out of your story. Juen-Sak is getting better .. slowly. We have his poopy place a bit further away so that we don't get the stinkiness aorund the main yard. I never considered that there were predators out there (LOL). But its wise of him to be careful.

He started out a bit timid. I made the mistake of carrying him the first few weeks. I've stopped that for a while now (he's getting to heavy anyhow). But I think he's getting over it. He hesitates a little at the edge of the open yard, but when he needs to go .. he finally just bolts out!

Rich Thanks, I'll mention it to my vet.

Thanks everyone for your great advice! (Jeun-Sak thanks you too)!!

- David C