Shy GSD

Question
HI Cindi,
I have a gsd thats about 10mths old, not neutered, and still is shy.  He gets shy around people that he see outside and will run away from them.  He's a BIG dog for his age and its surprising that he does that.  But, on the other hand when we have people (strangers/ friends) come inside our house he's ok with them.  He usually goes up to them and sniffs them out.  I don't really understand what to do at this point.  I have taken him to puppy classes-primary- and am willing to continue them, but it doesn't seem to help him that much with this socialization.  
I think that this may have started with him getting scared of my neighbor when he was 11 weeks old, due to her yelling veryyyy loud at her own dog when we were outside.  He was fine with people before that so I'm guessing this was the beginning of it all.  
What measures must I take to improve his behavior, he's too frightened of strangers and even my neighbors. He's actually a big baby, and part of it may be because we all treat him like the baby of the house or perhaps its because we spoil him.  We love him and we want him to become a good gsd that's more confident and mature as he grows. Any help would be great.  

Thank You,
S.S

Answer
Hi
Some GSD's are just naturally more sensitive in nature. You need to make your dog feel more secure by establishing yourself better as pack leader. Type alpha boot camp into your web browser and you will find a wealth of information to help you do this. Also make SURE you walk your dog, twice per day, every day this is crucial Keep him at heel and walk him briskly. Keep him tired out, work or play with him three times per week long and hard enough to make his tongue hang out. Exercise is a great key to helping your dog find and maintain a calm , mental state. Buy Cesar Milan's book Be The Pack Leader if you can possibly do this. It'll change your life. Once your dog is confident in your ability to lead, he will follow YOUR lead rather than being afraid.  When you have him around strangers or other dogs, ignore the dogs, including yours, don't even look at them or him, don't encourage his behavior in ANY way by sympathizing etc. Also give him a slight correction with the lead and collar in the form of a short sharp jerk or tug when he begins to act or appear tense, tail or head down, panting, pulling etc. Praise him for good behavior
Happy Holidays
Cindi