Any tips for a building confidence in my shy girl?

[HeatherA]

Some history - Veruca, our older F1b, the breeder recommended because she's more submissive naturally. I'm not a very experienced trainer so she suggested a dog that showed signs of being less willful.  She's easily trained, gentle and loving.. eager to please.  When we went to look for puppies we looked for the same personality traits.  We weren't woo'ed by the puppy that comes bounding up first, barking and jumping up.  Violet was the sweet little girl that was content to just sit next to my son and snuggle.  She wasn't the most timid in the litter, she would come to you if you made noises and got her attention (she came to check me out and get some loving.)  She had a sister that wouldn't do that.. so she was somewhere in between the two sisters not the most aggressive, not the most timid.

At home the girls wrestle and play, climb over each other, growl and steal each others toys playfully.  When my Moms new adoption came to my house - Violet bounded around and playfully tussled with her.  Even when my Moms dog stiffened and didn't return the playfulness Violet was not deterred.  She bounded around and tried to get some play.  Violet is just over 3 months.  She's obviously very comfortable and confident in her own environment.  You would NEVER call this girl timid at home.

Now... at obedience class is a completely different story.  There are about 8 dogs of various ages.  Violet sits next to the wall and just watches. The trainer says she's terrified.  I don't think I agree?  She doesn't have her tail between her legs, she isn't cowering, she's not shaking, she doesn't show her stomach, she doesn't pee, bark or growl.  I would say she is cautious and unsure of what to think, as a Mom ;)  She sits back and watches.. and even with high reward treats she only barely participates.  (she has to be lured out and then will sit on command)

At home, I rarely see this cautious behavior.  The closest thing I see is when my neighbor has his VERY large and aggressive dogs outside that bark like they want to tear you apart, she doesn't want to go in the yard.  (These dogs are so nasty, threatening and uncontrolled we put RAILROAD ties along the fence to make sure they didn't bite our kids under the fence or come through to our yard.)  I've had to walk her into the far opposite corner away from the threatening dogs.

Some additional factors::: My husband believes part of the problem is that she is not used to a leash yet, and she doesn't like car rides yet.  So for our part we're having her wear a leash and drag it around to get comfortable with it.  Another part of the issue is that she intimidated by him - which is why he's taking her.  Both dogs and my mothers dog are intimidated by him so he's trying to learn how to make his body language more dog-friendly.

Next week I am hoping to go with them (have to arrange a sitter for the kids so we can both go).. but I wanted to tap the wealth of advice and see how others have handled this?  Any one else have a naturally shy Doodle?  How do you build confidence and address the shyness?

[HeatherA]

Ginny,

Thats what we do with her backyard fear from the neighbors insanely aggressive dogs -- lots of praise when she ignores them and comes out into the yard. I will have a better feel on how she's doing if I get to see it. Hopefully this is just a little shyness and her being cautious in a new situation. :)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Three + months old. She is just a baby. I've been watching this post all day too but it was just now I reread through your descriptions. This changed it all in my mind--her age.
She may just be entering her fear stage. Be patient and supportive right now and maybe read up on the developmental stages again on puppies this age ( fear stage typically 4 months ).

Even PAP ( Spud's nickname--Pompous Arrogant Pup ) was shy and submissive at this age.