puppy training, socialization etc.

Question
Hi Erica! :)

I have a bichon puppy and she was EXTREMELY socialble when she came (3 months) liked every dog, human, creature etc lol.  Well we socialized her and that kept that attitude going but by around 6 months we didn't take so much care in socializing anymore since we thought it was already set.  Now she's still GREAT with dogs of any size but with some people she'd wag her tail to go see them then runaway and run back at them wagging her tail.  Is that just playing or is that fear? (and how do i get her just to greet people nomrally?) she's only like that with certain people.  Also when sees people with snow pants she goes to see them and she hears rthe sound she runs away whimpering, how can i get her to be more brave about it?

with some peop[le she's fine, some people she just doesn't like i dont know why.  should i get the person a treat to give it to her and let her know that everythings fine?

thanks, jessie

Answer
Jessie,
Kudos to you for starting her on the right track!  Here are a couple of things to consider:

People are tall...especially to a Bichon.  So if she is nervous and a person starts bending down to her, it usually turns into OVER her.  This can be very frightening to a young dog.  Have anyone that wishes to interact with her kneel instead of bend-and yes, having them give her a treat is a great way to build a positive association.  

Snow pants make people look even bigger, make weird noises and are generally either very bright or very dark so they tend to look much different than clothes she normally sees people in.  Do not try to comfort her verbally or by picking her up.  Keep her on a leash, and do not get too close to the "snow pants monster".  Act normally, and she will read your body language that it telling her everything is OK.  Have the person in the snow pants stay very still while doing this.  When you see her start to relax, very calmly reward her-I use food as this is a high motivator instead of verbal praise.  Talking to them can many times send them back into an anxious state.

Lastly, puppies almost all go through a "fear" stage.  Just like children with stranger anxiety.  Do not cater to her through this-act as though nothing has changed and she will more than likely follow your lead.  If she does not calm down in a reasonable amount of time, just take things slowly-do not force her too close to the scary person/object/situation, and reward for any curiosity towards something new.  This will build her confidence.

Keep persevering and you will succeed,
Erica Slomka
Jumpin JACS Dog Training