Hello,
I have a 7 mos shep/mal. He is a bit fearful of people. Hes not mean, he just prefers to run away, hide, or coward. He doesn't bite, bark, growl etc. He just submits when finally confonted. We don't know anything about his parents. We have started taking to Petsmart to try to get him used to seeing people. It is a terrifying event for him. Where most dogs are excited and running to get in. He's running to try to get out. We live in the country and he only has myself, my husband and a couple friends that are in contact with him.

Any suggestions?

Hi Sarah, I'm new here and I am not a trainer but I have socialized a few dogs for my friends and family. I work at a nice old saloon near the University and I bring my pup there a couple times a week. I keep him in the crate most of the time but he gets to hear, smell and see new things. I think for your dog petsmart or any type of pet mall might be too busy for him. A nice relaxed bar in the country might do wonders for him. Just make sure it's not loud and jumpy.

Don't feed him much that day you pick to work on his problem and feed him bits of food as people walk by to keep him busy. He will start to relax and then maybe if you know the people well enough let your friends walk up and give him some pieces of food. If he passes, then try it all again out of the crate with a leash. Stay close to his crate so it's the only place he choses to hide.

Also I would praise him for being good and brave, but I would not comfort his nerve problem. That's what his crate is for IMO. When he's on the leash if he gets scared he can always go back in for omfort. It's hard to do at first when you see them cry, so be brave for him. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

again I am no trainer/behaviorist so take with some salt

Good Luck,

Eva