6 month old puppy barks at people. Advice?

[Roy]

Hi everyone,

Nickie just turned 6 months old today! She's sleeping right now so I thought it would be a good time to ask for advice.

She barks at everyone she doesn't know. She barks at people walking by and at people who try to pet her. She's very shy and cautious when strangers try to pet her but she loves getting pet once people touch her. We're not too sure why she barks at strangers because we brought her out all the time the moment we got her. We also took puppy classes to expose her to other dogs and people. 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Continue to socialize her. Soothe and calm her, when she begins to bark, showing her it's ok and nothing to fear. I believe right around the 6 th month is another " fear stage". Let people approach her slowly, never forcing her to be petted.

[Tina]

My pup does the same and is 9 mo. now. We socialized her A LOT and she's just more vocal than other dogs. When I spot someone or a dog coming, we walk the other way or around them in a arc or we stop and wait for them to pass.

I purchased a head halter a few days ago (after my regular training did not work) and that has helped tremendously. I have treats with me at all times and if she barks, I say no bark in a soft voice and I pop 10-20 treats one after another and praise. If I need to, I tug the harness gently, then praise and give treats. When there's no one around, I remove it all together. For us, starting to treat/praise her well before people get close has worked really well. 

If people try to pet her I just tell them she's friendly but very shy.