5 month old doesnt like men

Question
I have had a 5 month old dachshund for 1 week and he is petrified of men.  He came from what seems like a loving home with a man and a woman in it.  He runs and hides and won't come out for hours.  If he does come out he just crouches down and tinkles on the floor.  What is a gentle way of teaching him to be comfortable around all people????

Answer
Put him in a room which has activity, especially where males are at, in a crate.  Give him good chew items, and that will help him build a positive association with all the activity and especially the males, while helping him feel safe.  The next step is to put him on a leash in the same situation, and let him understand by experiencing it that nothing bad is going to happen.  

Have any males who are interacting with him do so in a very nonthreatening manner-get on the floor, do not look at him, hold a very tasty treat in an open palm and let the dog take it.  At first they should not even talk to him.  

Since we don't truly know what happened at the past house, it is hard to judge if this is a learned fearfulness or just the normal fear stage every puppy goes through.  Do not try to verbally calm the dog, or pick him up to comfort him.  Praise any curiosity toward a new experience, and keep things low keyed until he is more confident.

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