I took Fargo to a small but busy locally owned pet supply place.
We buy all our stuff there and they know my other two dogs.
This was the busiest most foreign place we have ever gone together.
It took maybe 3 minutes for him to decide it was ok to go in and then he did great, we walked up and down every aisle twice and sniffed everything, we people watched and he sat next to me like a perfect angel, no hiding or skittering away.

The owner was in who shows and hunts with German shorthairs and is brimming with dog knowledge fell in love with him and he seemed to feel the same way about her, he was relaxed with her right away compared to everyone else. We spent about an hour just hanging out watching people shop and pay.
We are going to go out to her place this weekend to see the dogs and start some basic tracking games.

Then on the way home we stopped by my parents house, he had done so well in the store I figured it was worth a shot.

He was relaxed with ears up and tail up and curled but not stiff and knew where we were. I let him play a bit first in the yard with their ancient old dog...she loves it

Then we went inside and he ignored my mom for the most part, which is to be expected and fine. But my dad was sitting on the floor and he got all goofy and was play bowing and rooggleee-ing and dancing around.

My dad slowly slid his hand out leaving it flat on the ground so he didnt startle him then wiggled his fingers...
OH lord it was on then, he was pouncing and playing and talking and having a ball.
All my dad was doing was moving his hand on the ground back and forth...he never lifted it up or made any other movements. and even though Fargo was pouncing and looked like he was being rough he never touched his hand with anything but his nose.

This went on for about a minute then pup was done and brought his chewie over to my feet and laid down.

well about an hour later my dad was still on the floor and Fargo walked over and gave him ear nibbles and chin kisses....(Im a little jealous) then fargo sat down beside him and just looked at my him, so he slowly reached his hand up to pet him.

He let him!!!! real scratchties, all over the head and ears and neck.
Then he rolled over for TUMMY RUBS!!!!

I was so proud and happy I had tears running down my cheeks.
We have been working for this since a week after he came home.
A week and half ago he wouldnt go near my dad and barked at him.

I am an only child and my son is likely to be their only grandchild, so we spend quite a bit of time with them.
Much of that is weekends at the lake in the summer which is a chance for my dogs to run on acreage and swim and be happy country dogs.
My mom also dogsits for me when I go out of town so it was crucial he accept them as part of the pack to some degree.

I love stories like this...they make me smile. Good job! Your dad also gets a big thumb's up for being so understanding toward your pup.

Wow, Jennifer - you must be thrilled, and I am thrilled for you! Isn't it amazing the rewards people get when they are willing to put in the time and energy and patience into a dog that other people would give up (or have given up) on???

Your dog AND your Dad sound amazing!!! That's awesome that he was willing to be patient and work at Fargo's pace. Too many people try to force a dog to work at their pace.

Way to go!!! I love hearing stories where patience and love conquer all!!!

Ya know, it wasnt so much patience on my Dads part as indignant resolve the dog was bound to hate him.
Which then caused him to ignore the dog like I had been asking for all along.

No matter what the reasons it all worked out, and it also once again proved my point both to them and myself that I do know what I am talking about lol.

This pup is making me remember why I wanted to train dogs proffessionally, I actually went through the whole program with Animal Behavior college, including the hands on hours but never finished with my hours at a shelter or rescue,

maybe I should look into it and see if I can finish up the volunteer hours.