unsocialized dog

Question
We adopted a 7 month old Australian Cattle dog/Dalmation mix who had been abandoned in a cemetary at a very young age.  He was fed by a Good Samaratin until he was 5 months old when he was sent to a local shelter for care and socialization.  They neutered him, repaired a hernia and dewormed him.  He is very shy and scared.  Amazingly he is potty trained.  He is one of the sweetest, most patient animals I've seen.  He will let you play with his feet, his mouth, bathe him, pet him and gets along with our 14 yr old Jack Russell terrier.  He just sits in corners all day long hiding.  Not shaking...just hiding.  He doesn't understand coming when called.  He has to be carried outside and back inside.  He runs just like a runaway dog runs....is not leash trained.  I've tried various training and reassuring techniques - he's ignoring all.  He does not take treats.  He eats and drinks as long as he is alone.  We want to make him a part of our family but need to know what to do to help him.  Please, please help.  Without our help he'll live his life in a shelter.

Answer
A dog that has little human contact between 6-12 weeks may never be as comfortable with people as it should.  Continue to be available to him, but it is going to take a while.  You might try some of this:

''Elevation for small puppies:  Sit on the floor and gently put your hands around your pup's middle, below his front legs, and lift him up.  He is facing you.  Hold him for 15 seconds.  Repeat until he no longer struggles.  If he is past 10-12 weeks, lift his front feet off the ground, but don't pick him up.  

Cradling for small puppies:  Hold your puppy gently on his back, as you would cradle a small baby.  If he struggles, hold him firmly until he quiets for 10-15 seconds.  With larger pups, you can do this as your sit on the floor, with your pup between your legs.

Quiet lying down:  Place your pup on the floor on his side, with all 4 legs pointing away from you.  Use your hands on his neck/shoulder area and middle, to hold him in this position.  When he is quiet, praise him.  Lengthen the time that you keep him quietly in this position.  When he accepts this position well, handle his paws and muzzle, while keeping him quiet.''

The quotes mean this isn't my original work.  It is copied from my Puppy Raising Manual.  I have long used these or minor variations of them, and they are very effective.  You may want to give him a belly rub while he is on his back too.  Helps bonding.  There is a big difference between him rolling over and demanding a belly rub, and you choosing a time to roll him over and rub his belly.  The latter cements your place as pack leader.

Get back with the shelter, they may have some ideas.  Also go to http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm  Check with some of the ones under Jack Russell and see if they have some ideas.