Puppy Timidity

[Gracie's My Girl]

The world is a big scary place for a little puppy. I would not stress over the shyness at all. Instead, work on making it the most positive place ever by taking small steps. Before you know it, you'll have a crazy teenage puppy who thinks they know and can handle everything!

[Lucy Dog]

This type of behavior is normal for a puppy? We're talking about an 11 week old puppy... everything should be fun and an adventure to them.

What is going on with this breed where this type of shy and fearful behavior is now not only acceptable, but normal?!

[JoMichelle]

Originally Posted by Lucy Dog

This type of behavior is normal for a puppy? We're talking about an 11 week old puppy... everything should be fun and an adventure to them.

What is going on with this breed where this type of shy and fearful behavior is now not only acceptable, but normal?!

I'm interested in replies to this. Indeed all the advice I've received is that it is completely right that my puppy should be reserved and a little held back. Which contradicts what I thought I knew about puppies, ie the more outgoing they are - the more balanced they become as adults. This is my first GSD and a new experience, so I just wondered how other people's dogs were as puppies and how they turned out as adults.

[PaddyD]

Originally Posted by Lucy Dog

This type of behavior is normal for a puppy? We're talking about an 11 week old puppy... everything should be fun and an adventure to them.

What is going on with this breed where this type of shy and fearful behavior is now not only acceptable, but normal?!

I think people are just being supportive of the OP, not making a statement about the breed. A lot of people have seen that behavior and they are helping the OP work through it. Once you have a puppy that is shy you have to accept it and try to help the pup overcome it. You don't have to accept that this is considered 'normal', especially for GSDs. My puppy started out shy but now she is more bold but still reserved because of a LOT of socialization and getting out and doing things. As a GSD owner, I was disappointed in her shy nature but I accepted her as she was and helped her to work through it. I don't consider it 'normal' for the breed but it is very common. I also don't consider DA or HA normal but they are also common.

[MaggieRoseLee]

You may want to go to this section to see more people with puppies and socialization.

Development & Socialization - German Shepherd Dog Forums

Welcome to the site! Make sure YOU are upbeat and happy. Pay attention so your pup isn't overwhelmed but also don't completely avoid challenging your new pup with new sites/sounds/situations.

I do a TON of offleash hiking at this age to expose them to alot of safe new outdoor sights and sounds and smells. Gives them exercise and confidence as well as teaching them to stay with me cause I'm moving on!

Glory B (11 wks) and Bretta Lee (5 yrs) Wildhaus Hiking at Toms Ck (PA) - YouTube

Glory B (11 wks) and Bretta Lee (5 yrs) Wildhaus Hiking at Toms Ck (PA) - YouTube

[JoMichelle]

I wish I had a place like that near me, I live in a city. Looks so much fun! (I've subscribed to you because your dogs are too cute)