Why is Rocco acting this way??
 

Rocco has been acting very timid lately. He runs when we (family) go to pet him. When he goes to the door to ask to go out, he'll run away when we go to put the leash on him. He was never a big fan of being picked up, but lately it's worse. Also, when we go for walks, or out (Petco, bank, park, etc.) he no longer wants any strangers to pet him, when he used to run right up to everyone. He'd even try to follow people that walked by or whine for attention! Today we were in Petco (he usually goes about 3-4 times a month) and a very sweet young girl that worked there got down on his level, spoke softly and offered her hand but he cowered away. There was a time not long ago he would have been loving all over her! I have been able to pick him up, and he does still come to us, but it's like he doesn't want to be touched. He is not sick, he has no discomfort when picked up or patted, is eating well, sleeping well, playing well. Is this typical behavior for a 9-month old? I have done everything possible to socialize him and be sure he is well balanced and now he has been changing slowly. He is walked at least twice a day and is outside and goes to public places on a regular basis. Sorry for the long post, but any advice would be appreciated.

Has he been left with anyone who might not have been as gentle with him as they should?

Not at all. He did go to the groomer's two days ago (who happened to do a horrible job!!), but this has been coming on before then. Any other ideas? Does anyone know if this is a stage that they go through (like skin babies)?

I do know a lot of dogs go thru a fear phase. I think I would just take things slow. Jackson has always been a shy dog since I got him. He's the kind of dog that loves his family (my grandparents, mom and dad, siblings, cousins, aunts, etc) even if he barely sees them. But strangers he will always shy away or be really timid. He has gotten SO much better lately. He will be 2 years old next month and will now willingly go up to people and sniff them, and be really content being petted (he will have his setbacks of course) but he's been making me so proud lately! Anyways, I accomplished this through conditioning him to enjoy strangers. I always carry treats with me and ask people that want to pet him to give Jackson a treat, and I started bringing him to my cousins little league games so there were a ton of kids that would give him attention and treats! I would just start carrying treats everywhere with you and praising him when he does right, and that people will not harm you :)

I would try not to worry- Keoki is very shy as well but loves certain people. A friend of mine said dogs are like people, they like some people and don't like others. I'm not saying this could be it either but my vet has a theory that certain vaccinations can lead to fear, shyness ( some dogs have bad reactions to them) and checked Keoki's levels to make sure that is not why he is the way he is and he was fine- just a theory of course but it's always something that comes to my mind when I think of a dog's behavior changing. I also do agree with Britster that when they are babies they go through a fear stage- not to worry :)

Buster is almost three years old and he acts this way. No one has hit or even acted like they are going to hit him. If a stranger wants to pet him, he will run away, even after he has approached them. If he is touched when he is not expecting it, he will jump and run. Any time we want pick him or any time he wants us to pick him up, he will cower. It's very sad. I keep hoping he will get better.

Thank you
 

Thanks everyone for your ideas and advice. I just hope it's a phase that he outgrows and goes back to his usual outgoing self. :confused: