Excessive sniffing?

Question
HI there and thank you for taking my question. This past april I adopted a 7 y/o german shepherd. He is male, fixed and in pretty good shape. His previous handler kept him in a kennel and I don't believe he had a lot of exercise.
When I walk him on a leash, he doesn't seem to walk with his head held up and has a tendency to sniff everything. Off leash is worse. He doesn't interact with other dogs and he keeps his head down and sniffs constantly. I believe he had some shutzhund training, so I don't know if that is a factor. He is very loving and we love him very much.
I would like to see him with his head high, looking and hearing rather than sniffing, running and playing with other dogs. Please help.

Answer
Hi Charlie, We have worked with many older dogs that have had this issue. His nose is exploring his new world and his mind is not paying attention. Teach him to walk at the heel. Take him for walks several times a day at the heel, being sure he is paying attention to you and not letting his nose lead him. This will exercise his mind and body. Plus it will help him establish you as his pack leader, someone who will protect him and that he can trust. Walk him in as many places as you can, dog parks, dog stores, country roads, any other places that you can think of to give him good socialization. Obedience lessons and/or behavior training are always good for any age dog.  Thanks for writing. Leave me some feedback and a follow-up to let me know how you are doing. Thanks. Regards, Susan