Where did socialization go?

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

Hurley was quite socialized. At least we thought he was until about 4-6 week ago.  We take him for neighborhood walks all the time and he is fine.   But, like today, we took him to PetSmart and he was so scared he was jumping up on me and when someone went to pet him he peed.  He freaked out if he could not see me even if DH was by him.  Also, anything new brought into the house seems to be cause for caution.  

I always act excited about the new 'thing' bring him to it slowly, etc. and if we are out around other dogs or people I go through the 'how exciting to meet new dogs/people' process.  

When we got home from Petsmart he would not leave my side for awhile then he crashed on his 'place' doggie bed.  

We take him every place we can. 

Is this something puppies go through at a certain puppy age?  It started with Hurley around 8 months.  He turns 9 months this week.  

[Geoff & Mico]

from: http://www.diamondsintheruff.com/DevelopmentalStages.html

Second Fear Period Many dogs will show a rise in their level of aggression (reactivity) during this time. They may become protective and territorial. Incidents of teenage flakiness may recur.

6 to 14 months In large breeds this period could extend longer since it is tied to sexual maturity. Incidents may occur more than once.

Corresponds with growth spurts. Therefore it may happen more than once as the puppy matures. May suddenly be apprehensive about new things or shy or timid of new people or situations. Most of height growing is over, but pup will start to fill out over the coming year. Puppy begins to mature sexually: male begins to lift leg, and female has first heat period anywhere from 6-12 months. Puppy coat being replaced by adult coat, starting down the spine.

This is a fear of new situations and are handled with the utmost patience. The dog is encouraged to work it out on his own. If anything, it is better to ignore the whole situation than to reinforce the fear by praising the dog or petting him while he is afraid. When you "reassure" a dog with pets and "it's okay, fella", you are telling him it is okay to be frightened and you are creating a potential problem. If your puppy appears apprehensive, avoid confrontation. Build confidence through training. Avoid any potentially overwhelming circumstances you cannot personally oversee, such as shipping your pup in the cargo bay of an airplane.

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

Geoff, thank you very much.  I have tended to want to protect him when he gets overly shy or apprehensive even though I knew better.  Usually he hides so that he can see between my legs and if i move either side direction he will follow keeping behind me but where he can see between my legs.   I so needed that reinforcement that I should not in any way be overly catering to his fear.