Please keep us posted Tammy. Thanks.

Update #1 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Liberty and owner met yesterday with a behaviourist that specializes in gsd's. According to the behaviourist Liberty comes off as a dog that WANTS to meet people and other things in the world that she has never been exposed to in her past life. Her owner according to the behaviourist has been reinforcing Liberty's fear of the unknown. Apparently the behaviourist left them out in the waiting room for quite a while so that she could 'spy' on them so to speak. When Liberty would venture forth to smell something, owner would pull her back...when Liberty would show obvious signs of being scared, owner would reinforce the behaviour by reassuring Liberty..hugging...baby talk...it's okay...etc.
They have 2 more scheduled sessions with the lady, followed by private obedience lessons followed by small group agility lessons to get Liberty out an about. She is to keep her leashed when visitors come over, take Liberty as many places with her as she possibly can and have all visitors/people/whatever ignore Liberty like the plague. Will post more updates as I get them.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Those actions would tend to reinforce fearful behavior, but I'm not certain that that is all there is to it. I'd imagine that changing the owners' behavior will help, but it may not be enough. Keep us posted, I'm curious to see how things are 6 months from now.

Thanks JParker-I'll definitely keep you all posted. I know there were other things she is to work on b-4 the next visit w/ the trainer but I can't remember them all...I'd imagine that they will learn more and more at each of the sessions...everyone keep your fingers crossed for this girl... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Tammy - what is Liberty like with strangers outside on walks etc? Is this behaviour only shown in her home?

Hi Laureen <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I'm not sure about how she is out on walks and such. I know when I picked her up (she was transported directly from the shelter to me) she was completely fine w/ the switch off of vehicles and people. After being at my house for a few weeks, she did bark terribly at guests that would come to my house but I always spoke cheery to her and in the end she always settled down-my dogs probably helped out too though because they know most people that came to my house and go nuts for attention from guests (my sisters/brother-n-laws). I'm sure she fed somewhat off of their relaxation w/ everyone.
When I took her in to the vet for spaying, I was a bit 'tense' when I dropped her off because she was SO scared and I worried a few times if she would bite someone there...I kept calm and acted like it was nothing and she was fine.

Other than those incidents...I am unknowing! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Hi there, I'm a bit concerned about keeping the dog leashed with visitors. A person's reactions travel right down the leash to the dog. When my dog was nervous and growly I used to tighten on the leash to bring him closer. I hoped to have better control over him that way. It was the worst message I could have given him. When I loosened up on the leash he didn't react as negatively. I gradually taught him to sit for strangers and be petted. I don't know the whole picture, but I would muzzle the dog to avoid bites and work seriously on socialization. I would give treats at a comfortable distance and gradually start getting closer. I would start with no eye contact and gradually add it in. I understand the crate suggestion and it is a good one, but doesn't teach the dog to deal with strangers, just to avoid them. I think teaching the dog to go to the crate on command is a wonderful thing to do. There are some times when it is necessary or desired. I'm just passing on my personal opinion. I'm sure others have theirs that work as well. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for your comments Phyllis. The owner is actually working on re-training herself for these situations also so that she will not give Liberty any bad vibes (ie..tightening up on the leash). So far so good....this past weekend she took Liberty and her male Remington along with her to get the oil changed in her car. Both dogs went inside w/ her and were perfect...amazingly everyone in the place automatically ignored the dogs, mom stayed calm and all went well.