Shy/scared of strangers (not dogs)

[Julie & Wrigley]

Hey everyone,

Our Labradoodle, Wrigley, is almost 2 years old. He's is incredibly loving, playful and great with dogs of all sizes. But, he's extremely shy/scared of strangers (men, women, children etc.) He's not aggressive, he doesn't lunge/try to bite. When someone wants to pet him, stops to talk with me on a walk or comes in our house, he barks and runs away scared. We've had 2 private dog trainers, multiple group classes. We got him at 12 weeks (late, I know) and he's constantly around people/dogs. He's a LOT better from the beginning, he barks less and warms up quicker, but we're still not where we need to be. He's not extremely food motivated - so when we ask people/strangers to give him a treat (without looking him in the eyes, etc.) he doesn't take it right away. He circles them, and 30 seconds later, decides (maybe) to reach for it.

I'm about to hire another trainer to try some new methods (no choke collars or anything) but before I do, I wanted to know if anyone else has similar issues with their doodle. I've read this is common with Labradoodles and our friend's doodle acts pretty much the same.I've read a bunch of posts on here for the past 2 years or so and have tried many of them.

Any tips, feedback or suggestions are welcome!

Thank you!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Calla used to be a bit shy of strangers. She was 17 weeks old when I got her. She still is usually slower to warm up than Luca. On at least two occasions she has barked at people coming in the house, good sense perhaps? Anyway I just told people she was a little shy and offered Luca for petting. If she wanted to back off on her leash I let her. Now she is much less leery of people. I just didn't see any point in forcing the issue. It's her doodle right to not be petted.