I read another message posted about typical fear 'phases' in a GSD puppy. I can't find it now. Can anyone elaborate a little on typical periods of a puppy's life that are a little insecure?

While it's not a major issue, it's something I noticed yesterday during a walk in the park. I live in Phoenix and the weather had been way too hot for walking during the day. Now, with the weather cooler, we walk the park before sunset (not thrilled about the place after dark).

Asta, my 8-month old GSD, is somewhat nervous around people. A few people are okay but groups get her nervous. We sat and watched some kids playing for a while (gently refusing the "can I pet your dog?" requests) which seemed to help.

At five months, during the early part of summer (still reasonable here in Hell on Earth), we took these same walks and she didn't seem to have a problem with similar circumstances. Admittedly, part of it is lack of a variety in socialization during the summer. We visited folks, went places, etc., but they tended to be the same places and people. I hadn't even realized what was happening until yesterday. Got a little complacent, I guess. :rolleyes:

She is very nervous around children and I'd like to get past that. It's a catch-22, though: to get her over children, she needs more contact, which makes her very edgy. I've never seen her attempt to lunge or bite but I'm not risking a child's wellbeing for something like that.

Back to the question: is this a typical phase or did I exacerbate it by not varying her social schedule? Aside from socialization, what techniques would help her get over this?

Ultimately, she is a family dog, with some mild obedience work right now (motivational primarily). I considered Schutzhund work (her parents are both working Germans with an extensive lineage) but I'm having trouble finding a good trainer and don't have the time for it myself. It was a secondary consideration when choosing her, though, so I'm not too worried about it.

Thanks for any input.

See this link:

Fear periods

I have 2 9 month old pups. Both hit about the same time. First was around 5 months, now we just started phase 2. Fun isn't it?!

That's what I was looking for. So it looks like I didn't completely screw up but probably didn't alleviate the situation over the past couple of months.

We went through the first period at about 4.5 months, just for a few weeks. It's kind of fun to watch her figure things out on her own.

Interesting reading. I hadn't realized about the 'setting' of teeth, which explains some of the mouthiness lately. She's trying to chew everything that she hasn't specifically been told NOT to chew. Not aggressively but more like "I'm bored, this is here and I may as well eat it to see what happens" kind of stuff.

Thanks!