gs and strangers

Question
QUESTION: Our German Shepherd is very shy/scared of strangers and other dogs.  We have three dogs in our house and he is our new addition.  He plays and gets along fine with our dogs but is either very shy bordering on aggressive with other dogs.  He is not aggressive with people, but is very stand offish if he does not know the people and does not want people petting him if he does not know them. We have two kids 17 and 9 and he i fine with all of the 9 years that we have running in and out of the park.  We have him in puppy class and the trainer just says to keep trying to take him places to be social.  He is very laid back, so when other dogs his age (he is 5 months) come up to him they are jumping, pulling on the leash and to wound up for him.  Help
Thanks Susanne

ANSWER: Hi Susanne
Sometimes shyness can be an inherited trait in a GSD and socialization is not going to get him out of it. He needs to know he can depend on you as pack leader to make the right decisions for him. YOu're doing the right thing by taking him to obedience classes though I can't say your trainer knows a great deal about GSD's from the sounds of things. You need to walk him as well. Twice daily EVERY day with a pack at heel, on a fast walk until he's tired. Give him lots of outlets and encourage him to feel comfortable and safe. Whatever you do DO NOT baby him when he is feeling like this. If he is anxious and uncomfortable don't encourage him by petting him and babying him., This just reinforces his behavior. Ignore it, AND him when he acts like that., Is he not making eye contact with other dogs and people whenthey approach him? That is fear and insecurity. Get Cesar Milan's Be The Pack Leader, it will help immensely as will the daily walks. Type alpha boot camp into your web browser. It is a WONDERFUL source of information to teach you how to give your dog confidence in you. ONce he is confident in you he will be calmer, and in a happier state.
Cindi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Cindi,
Thanks for the help.  He gets walked at least 3 to 4 times daily.  He does make eye contact with people and dogs and his hair all stands up on his back.  He was much better yesterday when my dad came over because I put him on a leash and kept him by my side.  He usually circles the inside of the house barking at him.  I gave my dad a bag of treats and we sat on the couch and he would eventually take the treats from my dad, but did not want him to still really pet him.  When we are walking he will see someone walking towards us and get as far away as he can while still on the leash.  When he sees other dogs he seems scared and his hair on his back is all up.  Like I said we have wo other dogs in our house and he plays and roughhouses with one of them, the other one is small and doesn't play with either dog.  He is a five month old male and is just getting the basic down such as sit(well he very good at that one), lay, come, leave it and drop it.
Thanks again.
Susanne

Answer
How long are his walks? They need to be long enough for him to be tired when he gets home. Keep him at heel at all times , especially when he asks to move away from you. YOU choose when to let him sniff and when to let him potty , use an ok command to make him aware that he can move away from you. Your dad doesn't need to give him treats, he needs to completely ignore his behavior. You are the one who needs to control him. This is basically fear/aggression and needs to be handled correctly his next step will be biting. His circling behavior is leading up to that. If at all possible have your father walk him as often as he can.  Tell him to ignore him just put him on the lead and walk him. NO petting him or eye contact, just walking. I can't recommend Cesar's book enough. It is an eye opener. Also do check the website that I gave you. Using their methods can be the difference between a dog that is part of your family and a dog that is a threat to your family.
Cindi