Adopted a 4 year old German Shepherd

Question
Last month we adopted a then 3year old German Shepherd who just turned 4 years old.  She is a female and is not altered.  We have not heard her voice except to softly cry once when she could not climb up our basement stairs.  She had to be carried up.  She is good, very attached to Dan but will not allow me to take her out.  She is cautious with me.  I am the one who took her from the only home she ever knew.  She lived on 3 acres of land with 14 other German Shepherd - all show dogs.  In the month we have her, she has learned to sit on command, sit and wait for her dish to be filled with food, not grab, wait at the door when she wants to go out, walk well on a leash with Dan.  She does not seem to want to go into the yard which is just for her and seems to be afraid of any visitors.  We know that due to her age it will take longer for her to adjust but just how long do you feel it will take?  I have talked to out Vet as we do want to have her altered.  He said it should be done as soon as possible but to be patient and let her get comfortable.  She has to know that this is her new permanent home.  Although she was wonderful in the car on the trip from her old owner to our home, she will now not get into a car.  She seems to be afraid.  What can you tell us to help us?  We have owned German Shepherds all of our lives.  Most came from a rescue although they were much younger.  She came as a rescue referral but was never in a shelter or foster home and she is the first dog we have had over a year old.  Thank you for any help you can give to us.

Answer
Go to alpha  dog boot camp on the web to learn to establish and maintain pack order in your home. This is so important to build her confidence and make her feel safe and secure.
Read Cesar Milan's Be The Pack Leader.
Get her involved in an obedience class.
Power walk her at heel for forty five minutes EVERy single day.
This is not for exercise but is to establish you as leader, and helping her to form and maintain a sane secure mind.
Don't baby her. To a dog saying oh baby it's ok nothing to be afraid of, she hears that as agreement that there is something to be afraid of and you are complimenting her on her behavior.
I can't tell you how long it will take her to adjust. A lot depends on how socialized she was in her previous home.
You're doing great :). Lots of praise for good, strong behavior.
Good luck and enjoy
Cindi