fearful rescue puppy

Question
Hi Cathy,
 We recently rescued a mixed breed puppy.He was from a litter found thrown away on June 11 of this year. Apparently the pups eyes weren't even open yet, so we estimate that to be his birthday. That would make him almost 4 months old. He was put into foster care with his litter mates where people nursed him to health. This home apparently had 4 grown dogs there that he played with.They also told me that they had socialized him by taking him out to meet new people nd places.
Anyways when we brought him home he was a little shy of our 2 border collies (4yrs old) but adjusted to them in just about a day. They all get along wonderfully now, but soon after, I noticed he was extremely frightened of our neighbors dog, a small bichon. He ran into the house squealing as if he had been hurt when the other dog approached him, but he wasn't, I was there for the encounter. He also seemed ok meeting new people in the beginning, but in the last 4 weeks I notice that with some people he has started barking at them and hiding when they approach. I have people ignore him when they come in the house and this seems to help. After a little bit he'll come investigate.
I really want him to be fully socialized so I have started taking him to puppy class. He was the worst one there!! He is very bright with the actual training, will sit, listen to my commands and is house broken with few accidents every now and then. He hasn't been an excessive chewer and he walks well on a leash. He was just so scared of all the dogs in his class and most were smaller than he is. He was quiet during the training portion when I was working with him one on one, but when there was a meet and greet with the other puppies he wanted nothing to do with them and was pretty grouchy about it. I don't want him to become even more aggressive, I want to make sure that what I am doing isn't making matters worse. When he is at home with just my husband and I you wouldn't know he has any issues, only when new people and dogs are around does he start to act up. What should be my plan of attack to correct this bad behavior?

~~Sally

Answer
Hi Sally,   You are doing everything right and it seems odd that your boy is exhibiting this behavior with all of the socialization you are doing.  
Some dogs, even if properly socialized can be like this.  I suggest that you continue doing everything you are doing and continue to take him out to meet new people and dogs.  Lots of walks are good.    When people come to your home (especially first time visitors), immediately have them toss him a treat so he can learn to associate visitors with a yummy treat.   When you are walking him, always give a treat when a new dog approaches.   

Take a few minutes to look at the following website:  www.paw-rescue.org   Look for Robin's pet tips on the home page.  You will find some great articles on fearful dogs; socializing pups and adults.  I would copy/paste them here but I think you will benefit from reading them all.   This is a rescue groups web-page and it is really helpful.