puppy skittish around children

Question
Hello!
We adopted a 7 week old boston terrier/spaniel puppy that was born in a local shelter. She has been shy and skittish from the day she was brought home but we've worked really hard to socialize her, even to the point of overwhelming her, which is a concern. She is improving in alot of ways, she's fine with other dogs for example, but she still doesn't accept strangers petting her or getting close or especially children. I try to take her to the park where children are and she observes fine but if they get too close she tries to run away and barks. I was just wondering if there was anything more we can do, if she is likely to calm down if we continue this type of training or if we are better off finding a home for her that will be child-free (we are a young couple and will be having children in the near future) now, while she is young and could be adapt to a new home. Also, is taking her to a park where children are running and screaming too much for now, maybe we should start slowly? Thanks for you help. We love her very much.

Answer
If the dog is only 7 weeks old as stated then you are expecting a great deal from such a young dog.  The dog has neither the mental or physical maturity to deal with this seemingly harsh environmental exposure.  I applaud your awareness for the need for environmental socialization but give the dog an opportunity to mature mentally in an environment that offers comfort and support before you expose it to the great unknown. (from the dogs perspective)  At this age it needs to be reassured that it can explore and learn in its own environment before socializing in more uncontrollable ones.  I would suggest that you back off and slow down a little bit.  All this being said some dogs do have a more skittish behavior development and do not take well to small children but this dog is far to young to determine this.  The good point here is that the dog is young enough if its current behavior does not fit your life style you can easily find a new home.  Personally I view my personal dogs the same as children.  I do not get rid of them because they don't live up to my desires.  My personal dogs have been, and always will be, a life long commitment and I will do what is necessary to develop acceptable behaviors to make the dogs part of my environment.  Sometimes it take great effort and other times it is simple.  So this is a choice you have to make.  Good luck and if you need a good understanding of how to deal with, modify and develop proper behavior in your dog I would suggest purchasing my booklet at:

http://invincibleservices.com/html/one__two_good_dog_.html

Good luck,
Dr. Hogan 509-991-0385 until 10 pm pacific time