My 8 month old Bulldog is shy of everyone and everything. I have had him since he was 10 weeks. I know he hasn’t been mistreated, what should I do?

I have an eight-month-old male American Bulldog puppy. I know Bulldogs aren't your breed of preference, but after reading several of your articles, I would very much value your insight. He is a well behaved puppy (sits, comes, etc.) but whenever I take him away from our house, he is terribly shy. He was from a litter of eleven. I met both of his parents, and neither one of them were in the least bit shy. He trembles badly, won't eat treats (especially from strangers) and tucks his tail. At the same time, he appears to be curious of his surroundings. I followed your advice, and took him to Wal -Mart to people watch. A few strangers came by and offered him some hot-dog. He turned up his nose at it! I don't mind some aloofness, as I know it is a trait of the breed, but I sure would like him not to shake and tuck his tail. No stranger has ever done anything to this dog, as I have had him since he was 10 weeks old. As a puppy, any slight change in the house (moving furniture around, loud music,) would send him scurrying to his crate. He seems to have overcome that, though. Do you think he will outgrow this, or am I in for a tough time of it. Also, he is never aggressive, and never pees himself. Any help you can offer would be very much appreciated, as I am getting discouraged and I love my dog very much.



Thank you very much,
Bob