sudden shyness towards men?!?!? and great socializing article....

[Kristine and Charlie]

I thought we had done a lot to socialize Charlie so far but after reading a really good article on socializing/exposing puppies I realized there is a lot we haven't covered or done enough of with him.  I'm now feeling anxious that he is already 7 months old.  See the link below for the article.  I think the section of '12 by 12 weeks old' is so beneficial for all new puppy owners to follow as soon as they bring puppy home.  I haven't seen it put that way (12 by 12) and liked how thorough the list was.  So anyways today we took Charlie to Lowe's to do a little shopping but mainly to meet people and see new things.  I can't believe it was the first time we've taken him there because it's such a good place to meet all kinds of people and to see all kinds of crazy things (large carts, ladders, forklifts etc).  I think we will be visiting there a few times a week now because I noticed he was acting shy towards men.  He wouldn't shrink down or run away from them he just wouldn't approach them.  When we stopped to talk to a friendly (dog liking) man and he tried to pet him Charlie wouldn't come close.  When I gave a few men treats to offer Charlie he had no problem coming closer and eating it but wouldn't warm up and stay close.  Otherwise he was very well behaved walking around with me for 45 minutes and walking past or near men wasn't a problem.  I'm concerned because he loves many men in my life (husband, bro/father-in law, neighbor etc...) and hasn't had any issues before.  He is a pretty confident, calm dog who hasn't been afraid of anything so far.  He has been completed a couple classes and is enrolled in two right now, goes to multiple pet stores often and is around kids all the time.  So my question's are...Is this a stage and if so what is the best way to get him through it?  I'm seriously going to Lowe's a few times a week starting now because it's an obvious manly place ;) but when I'm there what should I do....approach dog friendly men and have them give him treats or just talk to men while he is near me so he knows it's fine or???

 

http://ahimsadogtraining.com/blog/puppy-training/

 

 

[Kristine and Charlie]

I wanted to give an update on Charlie...it's been 2 months since I posted this and I have good news.  I believe it all stemmed from being in a new place (Lowe's) and his age (2nd fear stage) not necessarily men.  Anyone who has been to Lowe's or Home Depot would know that it is huge, loud and busy.  I think he was just being cautious and I was being overly aware of his behaviour because I want my puppy to grow up to be the perfect 'Canine Good Citizen'. :)  In the last couple of months we have gone back to Lowe's a handful of times, had new men (one covered in tatoos) over to our house (he greeted and loved on all of them) and he has been around (at parks, stores, school) a bunch of new people and all was good.

[Jaime and Barley Barker]

Thanks so much for the update! You've inspired me to take Barley to a Home Depot or Lowe's. He has his CGC, but he gets nervous around strange noises. I'm working on desentizing him to "scary" things during our walk. Anyway, congratulations for getting over the second fear stage hurdle! =)

 

[Crystal about Murphy Bach]

I just posted regarding Murphy our 7 mo. old. Thanks for this Thread. It has helped me with good tips! 

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/puppymadness/forum/topics/skittis...