can gsd puppy be shy/nervous - Page 2

thank you everyone.

when i take her outside around my block she smells like crazy everywhere i lead to when she walk with me.

she learned sit, down, come, go & no .....within five minutes or less. now she also sleeps if i ask anytime. she just lay her body. learning commands is very quick  for her.

i'm thinking to take her for classes once she complete her shot, would that be better idea?

i live in bay area.

Sue-Ann, thank you for your help. i'd be definitely more than happy to discuss with you if its possible.

thank you all.

Check out

www.mysmartpuppy.com

They have some user friendly tips for training and socializing dogs.  I recommend their books and videos especially for people who are first time owners wanting a well socialized pup.  It's not anything more than pet dog training...not geared up for showing or trials, but it is what the average person needs help with.

Good luck.  If you need more specific advice you can call me directly if you want.  I'll help you all I can.

Sue-Ann

selectshepherds@verizon.net

Kool,
Without seeing the pup first hand and only making a generalization I would agree that this is not a good start. You need to do lots of socializing and start it now. You need to make this a daily practice and you need to get real creative in getting her into every conceivable place with noises, people, lots of people, animals, stores any thing you can think of. You are in a tough spot but I believe you can at least bring this dog to a respectable place. It requires lots of work and patience. Bring cubed chicken and give them to people to give her. Watch her to see she is not overwhelmed. Praise her when she shows courage. Introduce her to healthy dogs. I disagree about not taking her out until after her shots, you need to get moving now. Take her to safe places where there is little evidence of dogs for starters. Take her in front of grocery stores by the automatic doors. People love puppies and will be more then happy to pet her and love her. Take advantage of everything you can think of. Take her in stores until they ask you to leave, many will not cause they love puppies. Be creative.
I once unwittingly got a gsd that was this age and fearful. I worked my butt off with that dog and he came around nicely. I would not have put my life on the line with this dog but he did turn out to be a fine dog, but it was lack of early socializing more then genetic. If infact the fear is genetic then you can only hope for so much. If this dog did not recieve any socializing until you brought her home then you can work through alot of it. I do not want to pull any punches with you. You have your work cut out but I will also say that you will have a marvolous opportunity to learn to read your dog and learn how to motivate her. You may learn more from this dog than 3 healthy ones because you will be forced to learn to watch her, be patient, and build her confidence. You will need to be aware of NOT REWARDING HER FOR FEAR, and you and her will know each other like the back of your hand. Good luck with her and only you can decide what you want to do with her but I would at least work with her awhile and see what happens.

olskoolgsds, thanks for sharing your info.

i've started taking little bit more than a block introducing new areas. i just ignore if she shy and today also she saw someone walking coming right infront of us but far distance she just sit right there don't want to move any further.  once some one leaves then she starts moving.

i even saw this puppy's mother. she looks aggressive as if she sees new people like us she was barking until the owner told her to stop.

i just want to see if that mightnot be genetical but who knows what but i'll try my best of to get her going.

energy wise she has lots these days than i've posted in the beginning. if i do tug pulling she don't let it go even i moved my hands around.

i'm thinking to take her to new park this weekend where there will be very very few dogs maybe not either. just to feel her new place. also i've to take her inside the car often which i'vn't done so.

i thought to take socializing classes but i thought maybe i'll try by myself or would it be better off taking puppy classes.

i was thinking to take obedience class but not puppy. but if this is required i'll take it.

thanks

Kool, 
Obedience is definetly a good thing. You can teach her to focus on you in tough situations. This point was brought to my attention with dealing with aggressive dogs as well. It is impossible to relay everything on this board but something that will help in this process immensly is what you do and how you act when she is showing emotions good or bad. You need to be animated when out with her. If you see a situation where she will likely show fear or reservations then you need to draw her attention to you as you play with her, pat her and say something like lets go girl, whatever. You are distracting her from whats going on and telling her, " lets have fun". The more animated you can be with her, while distracting her as she goes through the fearful situation the better. She will soon start to associate these situations as something good and not bad. It is just basic conditioning or reconditioning. Use your head and be creative in finding places where she will either be victorious or places where she can be walked through as I mentioned and come out a winner. It's all about confidence building.

As I mentioned before, if you stick it out with this girl a little while and she shows marked improvement then she is worth working with. She may never be Rin Tin Tin but she can be a good useful dog for you. Also, it will give you and opportunity to learn how to build a dogs confidence and read them more then working with many  super dogs with no hang ups. This will be something that you can always use in the future. ALL dogs need confidence building if they are going to be used for work and you will never learn as much about this as you will with a dog that needs lots of it. Again though the decision is up to you, I just hope it works best for both of you. I wish I could see this dog but can only give you tips based on what I read.  Good luck and let us know how it is going. Remember Kool , dailey work if you are serious.

get a new puppy

Egsd, sure you mean to add another one.

what you do with this one? aren't there any method to apply for her to overcome? i don't think same mother will have same type of kids.

i think she will overcome when time comes by and i'll try my best to do it as lot of other member already provide me suggestions.

when i went to pick up this dog it seems so friendly and coming to us right away with tail wagging. and playing with us. i already invested on it and besides i can't return and now she is so friendly with us. she knows her name and she loves all of us and always wanted to be with us.

i don't think i be able to let her go right away. it would be very difficult for me now within two weeks of period. i'm trying my best taking everyday around the block and more adding to it. hope it will work out.

ifnot whatelse i could do besides keep on trying and i've faith she will change as looking at her behavior playing with us and other behavior makes me feel that she will change.

what would you do in my position? would be glad to hear.

thanks

oleskool:    I sometime think people see me acting animated with my pups in the parking lot of petsmart where I take all my kids and to lowes and they hear the big tow motor and see lots of people milling around makeing noises...

I think people probably think "that woman is a clown "  or" lost it "one or the other....I tell my people with new pups , just act silly and like a clown and use toys, keys , coffee cans with dog food in it..to make a noise,,,,empty vitamin botles with dog food in it to do same ....carry tugs and food everywhere you go....people will soon think you are nuts or figure out your training your new pup......

Kool

Pups do go thru fear stages but it is very likely this is just not going to be a GSD with strong nerves but can still be a good pet and companion. You need to keep taking her out and exposing new things to her all the time. Don't force her but let her learn to trust at her own pace and she should be fine. Be careful to gradually expose her to more stiminli and not overwhelm. See if you can get some very friendly dog people (in advance) to kneel down and let her come up to them. Might even have them have a treat for her.  Just spend lots of time socializing over the next year and this will help alot.

southtexan, thanks for suggestions.

do you think this will be my companion plus guard dog or protective one. i really don't need working or show line as long as i can make her my companion and guard dog should be good enough and i don't want aggressive either.

would be glad to hear.

thanks