I just got my puppy, Dakota, a week ago (he'll be 8 weeks old this Sunday) and he seems to be little scared towards inviting humans. At first when people are kinda far away and we're on a walk, he'll freeze and perk up his ears and barks at them a couple of times. But when they approach, he kind of barks and hides behind me or in between my legs. If someone is walking by, he likes to walk behind them and follow them but as soon as they turn around, bend down, and try to pet him he gets scared. If someone gets down on his level and extends their hand, he'll approach them really slowly and sniff them. When he's done sniffing them and the human tries to pet them, he runs away and hides behind me again. He's starting to socialize with dogs more and more. If the other dogs are EXTREMELY hyper he gets a little scared but attempts to play with them until they scare him again haha. I think that when he gets to a dark park, he'll be much more sociable and learn to run around and play a little more.

Anyways, I just want to him to play and have fun with other humans because, of course, EVERYONE wants to play and have fun with a Husly puppy! . He's even still scared of my roomates which is depressing because I want my roomates to be able to play with him a lot. It may just be a phase, but if anyone has any advice I'd love to hear it

Brett

I would definitely get him into a puppy class, it not only will help with dog socialization, but it will really help with human socialization.

My sister in law had similar issues with her mastiff puppy and she entered her in Petsmart puppy classes and she has became a great dog with just one 6 week class.

I put Blaze in a beginner class at Petsmart and it really help with him.

I would try a puppy class with Dakota.

I was having similar issues with my puppy and I enrolled him into puppy kindergarden and it really brought him out of his shell! I also hired a private trainer as well and she told me the main thing is to get him exposed to as many new things/people as possible, because after 14/16 weeks their socialization time closes off and it's so important for these first few weeks to get as much social time in as you can! Have treat's with you (really good ones!) and when you meet someone new that wants to pet you're puppy, hand them a treat and tell them to give it to him! it worked great for my guy! he is still iffy with people, but I'm working hard at it and he's made great progress so far! The dog park at this point may overwhelm him being so young ... I would stick to the puppy classes as of now and after he gets all his shots, then hit up the DP! I'm taking Hayden to the DP for the first time tomorrow, I'm so excited!

Oh yes dog parks are great! Our puppies are almost 5 months old and they just love it! At first, they would only sit on the bench. Lol

Thanks for all of the advice everyone! He actually just played with one of my roomates for the first time today!!! He must be coming out of his shell. I can't wait till he's completely immunized so I can take him to the dog park. I am looking in to some puppy classes for him based on ya'll's advice! Thanks again!