I have a year and a half old GSD.I have been socializing him with people and different situations on our walks. He is very shy of people. He is getting better.I've had him a year, I put a fence up in our back yard and he won't go out back unless I force him or go out with him. I believe the kids are teasing him and I've talked to their parents. On the other hand he's very protective in the house. Guess I need some insight on whats going on

Sounds like he is not well socialized and confident. This is a combination of environment and his genetics. With out really seeing the dog it is always hard to make a judgment. But from your description he is not sure in himself. Continue to get him out and have people give him treats. He needs to trust people and situations. Small kids can easily spook him. Most of the time the kids have no idea what they are doing, so it is not intentional on their part. I would try and monitor his interaction with kids and make sure the kids are not making the situation worse. If you goal is to have him social, work really hard at it while you can. He's getting older and your loosing your window. Keep on exposing him to positive experiences, take it slow, and be as consistent as you can. Try and get him out and about every day if not multiple times a day.

--Good luck.. Chet

I would think so too. A combination of a few things. You said you have him now for a year and the dog is one and a half year old. This means that this dog was six month with somebody else. For a young dog this is a long time and maybe there is the root of some of his behaviour.It will be not easy to correct this. Keep trying to expose him to things like you do and what Chet recommended.

Tom,

Difficult to tell through email if this issue developed from undersocialization during the dogs formative months or if there is some other underlying issue. Regardless, if you are committed to solving this problem....here is my two cents.

1)You need to be aware that you are likely on a slippery slope. It is reasonble to think that this "shyness" you mention towards people could develop into fear aggression (especially, with the situation you've described with neighborhood kids).

2) This dog needs solid on leash obedience training (forgive me if he already has this, I couldn't tell from the email). Meaning that you've proven his training with disctractions and his performance is 100% reliable. This includes around people of different sizes, shapes, sounds, etc. A schutzhund club, or similar, would be ideal (you'd have the benfit of the club trainers advice...another bonus). The people there are used to being around working dogs and can help you teach the dog that people are a source of praise (or at minimum, not something to continually fear) and that regardless of what a person is doing, where they're standing, what they look like, etc.....he still needs to obey your commands. I do NOT recommend that you use your walks to socialize this dog (unless you are a seasoned trainer and/or very, very good at reading your dog.....even then, not great idea)

3)This dog should either be with you and under your direct control, or in his crate or kennel. Leaving this dog alone in the yard can only hinder your progress. (if you don't have an outdoor kennel I would highly recommend that you consider getting one).

4) I've worked with many people who complained of their dogs being "shy" or even aggressive towards people during walks. However, when I would walk the dog it would behave wonderfully. Why?.....the anticipation and worry that these people have that the dog wouldn't behave properly actually triggered the dogs response. The anxiety would build as they watched someone approaching. In a very rudimentary way....they were communicating to their dogs that it is OK to be nervous or even aggressive towards people, other dogs, or whatever. What's worse is that often times people are hesitant to give an appropriate, well timed correction while in public (OR EVEN WORSE!!!! they baby the dog...."it's OK, it's OK"). I don't know that any of this is true in your case, but just something to keep in mind.

One mans humble opinion. I hope some of this is helpful to you .

Bryan

Bryan, Thanks for your reply on my dog. I do tell him its ok and have stopped this. I have a lot to learn. Thanks to everyon on the help. Tom

The short answer to your subject line question...would be...yes.