I suck at parrying (god of war)

I've been playing god of war valhalla after completing the main game, and it encourages you to use different shields and stuff. However, I literally only used the stone wall shield for the entire main game. Like, I literally got all the trophies and I've played for 100+ hours. The stone wall shield can absorb attacks so I got used to having it out often or taking it out the second I see a yellow circle. 

Now, whenever I use a different shield in valhalla, I keep taking it out too early and getting my guard broken by an enemy, which leads to them beating me up 🫩 To parry, you are supposed to use the shield right before you get hit but my dumbaa keeps forgetting 😭

I remember trying to use the guardian shield early in the main game and not realizing that you're supposed to time it, so I just stuck to the stone wall. I'm so mad cuz I look like I suck at the game when I use any other shield 😔