thanks for the advise! we've tried treats with him, but he's not a big treat eater. The only thing he likes is milkbones and he takes forever to eat even a tiny piece of one. When meeting a new person, he'll run up to them, but as soon as they try to pet or catch him, he'll take off in the other direction. The only luck i've had is giving these "scary strangers" one of his squeaky toys, because he'll go to anyone who has one. I'm just not sure if this is temporary fear or not. we take him on lots of walks in public places and our apartment is pretty busy. I just really don't want a fearful dog i can't take places.
