How to help my timid 2-month-old rescued puppy stop being scared?

I'm so sorry Athena is scared but glad you are trying to work with her. Sometimes puppies have just never been socialized well or she may have had a bad experience. Start by try to figure out what About your boyfriend scares the puppy. Is he a much bigger guy, is he generally loud, deeper voice? Some of those things he can't change but some he could. Have him sit on the floor to be in her level. Let him feed her and give her treats. Right now have all of her interactions with him be positive. Some dogs may always be submissive to certain people. But give it time and lots of positive interactions. Having them take a puppy training class together may also help. Here are a couple of article that give you more ideas. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1811 http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1751 https://drsophiayin.com/resources/dog_behavior/#fear%20period

Behavior training would be a great way to help her gain confidence. You can look into puppy socialization and obedience classes in your area. I'd also recommend asking any strangers to allow her to approach them, and to offer a treat. Sophia Yin's website is a great resource for behavior questions - this link has good information on socialization in general: https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/puppy-socialization-stop-fear-before-it-starts/

Use a pheromone product such as the Adaptil collar or DAP plug in diffuser. Either may decrease any anxiety. If your daughter is old enough, have her feed Bambi and offer treats and toys to him. She can play or interact with him for very short periods of time initially. This time can be increased as he acclimates. Always use praise and reward as he progresses. Be patient and be consistent. Do not force him to play or interact. If your daughter is an infant, show her to Bambi for ever increasing periods of time. If she is crying or moving, go slow as this could be scary to him, especially if he's never seen a baby.

Consider a pheromone product, such as the Adaptil collar, to help decrease any anxiety. Next, expose her to a "new" person forever increasing periods of time. Praise and reward her as she progresses. It will take time and consistency, so keep at it but don't force her to move on if she gets too worked up.

Gradually introduce her to one person at a time. Do this in a neutral location such as a park. Begin with a short intro from a distance and gradually increase the time while closing the distance. Correct any negative behavior immediately and praise good behavior. End each session with a small reward. As she acclimates to one person, add another then another. Take her to as many public places as possible as well. This will acclimate her further to people and crowds. The use of a pheromone product, such as the Adaptil collar, may help decrease any anxiety. This will take time and patience. Do not rush or force her to meet people, especially if she is trying to run away. Give her a break when this happens and try again once she settles down.

Give him some time to acclimate. A pheromone product, such as the Adaptil collar or DAP plug in diffuser, may decrease any anxiety. Consider short visits to a dog park or short walks to get him further acclimated. Praise and reward him as he progresses, but correct any negative behavior immediately. If you need help, consider an obedience or socialization program. The local Petco may offer one or both.

Continue with gradual introductions. Correct any negative behavior immediately and praise /reward good behavior. Be consistent. You can also try a pheromone product, such as the Adaptil collar or DAP plug in diffuser, to decrease any anxiety.