Some people really like Petsmart for socializing puppies. I'm just not one of them, in general. Especially not for an already fearful pup. Too many variables and opportunites for it to backfire, despite good intentions.

 Quote: angela burrell

The problem with being in public is there is no control... I cannot predict if anyone will be where we are and where they will walk and what they will do. (i.e. will it be a gang of noisy teenagers hollering back and forth, or a couple quietly taking a stroll).

Unfortunately, this will almost always be true (even at Petsmart)! That's why keeping the pup walking at a brisk pace is a good idea. It keeps him from obsessing AND unless you get a weirdo who wants to run after you, it decreases the chances that someone will approach you since you'll look "busy."

What I like to do is take dogs just a nudge past their comfort level and stay there until it is the new comfort level. Then I move it up a bit.

Think about it: If you had a fear of snakes, it would probably be better for you to view them behind glass rather than being forced to deal with a handful of them writhing in your lap, right? There are some people who would say that the latter would make you get over it more quickly and maybe so in some situations. But there's also the chance that you're just going to increase the trauma and the phobia.

This is not to say you should avoid the situation, either...that will also make it worse. If you thought you were going to a low traffic area and suddenly a group of walkers comes your way--make the best of it: Square your shoulders and act confident! Remember it flows down the leash so pay attention to how worried or anxious you are. Show the pup by example that there's no reason to be worried (because there really isn't)!

Is there any place in your area where there are SOME people but not a TON of people? A downtown area or park? If you only have access to places that are really busy, then that's fine...just stay at a distance for a time.

ANd don't forget: It's not just about eliminating the fearful behavior...it's about replacing it with confident behaviors! Think of ways that you can get the dog to associate the busy areas with positive things...like treats or play.

Keep it short, frequent and sweet. And most of all...be patient. As his exposure to new things happen positively and his bonding with you strengthens...you'll see an improvement. Don't give up because it won't happen overnight!

Amber had some very good suggestions. I think you are expecting too much too quick. Step back and take your time. Introduce your pup to less distractions.

For your pup to get more comfortable around strangers take him to an area where he can watch people from a distance with no one approaching him. Wait for him to show curiosity towards strangers and let him work through it on his own. The same with dogs let him watch and investigate from a distance and move closer has he gets more comfortable.

When he is in that fearful state and people approach him and try to give him a treat or try to pet him he thinks that is the way is supposed to act. You are actually trying to praise the fearful behavior at this point.

When you have visitors over have them ignore him. Let him come to them, don't try to coax him out to greet them. No talking, no eye contact, no touching. Anything that you or people do or say will only reinforce this type of behavior.

Just from them approaching and bending over him he sees this as a threat or challenge and gets scared. If one of your friends is around that he is afraid of have them sit down on the floor and just have them sit there with their back to him and let him investigate and go to them. Don't praise him or anything until he comes out of the fear. It might take awhile but this will build his confidence with people. Some people might say that this might cause a dominance problem later. It won't if done properly and you get away from this exercise when he comes out of his shell. Since he is in such a fearful state showing submission will help him get over his fear. When he starts to build some confidence and figures out people are ok nobody will have to show submission to him.

When walking him try to keep him moving forward pick up the pace, or tug on his leash to keep him from fixating on what is causing his fear. Touch him with your foot. Distract him and get him to focus on you and what you are doing. Block the fear somehow. Move forward. Break things down into smaller steps and build from there.

If he is afraid of objects like the sweeper or a broom as an example, just set them in the middle of the floor and let him investigate them when he wants. If he goes out of his way to avoid them that is ok. He will learn that it is ok. You don't want him standing there and barking at it either. If he does something like that distract him from doing it to block his train of thought and move on.

He is going to have to work through his fears for the most part.

He could also just be going through that everything is a scary monster stage too. Also when he is scared remember not to try and comfort or talk to him. That will only reinforce his fear. It would be much better if you get him to redirect his attention to something else if he gets fearful of something and act like nothing is wrong. Anticipating or worrying about what he is going to be afraid of will also affect him. Live in the moment and stay in the frame of mind of how you want him to act.

Introduce and expose him to things as positively as possible and let him go at his pace when he is introduced to new things. If he does spook back up and let him work through it and redirect his attention with a touch or tug on the leash turn him in a different direction.