my german shepherd mix need a psychologist

Question
Hannah is our 4 year old german/mix who is afraid of everything from sitting golf clubs to fly swatters. We have never ever abused her, but we did adopt her as a puppy. Perhaps the she had some kind of past complex she can't get over? She use to love to ride in the car but now she won't step foot into the car. For a year now she likes to hide in the bath tub even when she isn't scared. We give her lots of love and walks, but she can be just plan weird at times...do you have any answers for us? Thanks.

Answer
How old was she when you got her?  Dogs that stay in the kennel until 12 weeks old often don't do well later on.  they need to be out in the world before that.  Perhaps some of the confidence building things I suggest for submissive wetting wold help.  

Start with obedience training.  The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts.  Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  As you praise the dog for following your commands, it will build its confidence.  

Play tug of war with the dog and lose.  However at the end of the game, take the rope or toy and put it up, less the dog becomes confused about who is top dog.  Ropes from the pets' store quickly turn to hazardous shreds.   Ones I made  lasted much better.   Go to a hardware or home center that sells rope by the foot.  Buy 2' of 3/4" poly rope. Melt the ends, and tie  knots in it.   Get them as tight as possible, put it in a vise and pound it with a hammer.  Watch carefully, and be ready to discard when it comes apart.

Finally, make sure it has a den to live in.  If you are not using a crate, buy one.  The dog may be happier in its den than loose in the house.  It relaxes, it feels safe in its den.  It rests, the body slows down reducing the need for water and relieving its self.  Dogs that have been crated all along do very well.  Many of them will rest in their crates even when the door is open.  I think the plastic ones give the dog more of a safe, enclosed den feeling.  Metal ones can be put in a corner or covered with something the dog can't pull in and chew.  Select a crate just big enough for the full grown dog to stretch out in.

A dog that has not been crated since it was little, may take some work.
Start out just putting its toys and treats in the crate.  Praise it for going
in.  Feed it in the crate.  This is also an easy way to maintain order at
feeding time for more than one dog.

Be careful about consoling her.  She could interpret it as rewarding her for showing fear.  Instead make a fuss over what she is afraid of.  keep a happy patter.  Go up to it and pat it.  ''Good golf clubs.''