i have got a five month old american cocker spaniel who is fine if anybody comes to our house or if we go to any friends houses, but if we meet anyone on the street or go to a strangers house he backs away from them and yelps in fear.he also barks at other dogs but if they come near him he yelps at them too. i already have one dog who he gets on great with and he also plays with my sisters dog.i thought if i took him to training classes that would help but when i spoke to a trainer she said it could make him worse by forceing him to meet people. he is very loving at home, so any ideas on what would be best for him would be helpful.

I would find another training club

If anyone contacts me about the club i use I always tell them to come without the dog & have a chat with the trainers & then bring the dog the next week. The first week lets them meet people & the dogs & get an idea of what goes on. They are then told to come early so that they are not taking their dog into a hall with lots of other dogs there, this reduces the stress as the beginners class tend to come into the hall one by one. They are also avised to ignore the way their dog reacts if it barks or appears worried about anything but to reward if the behaviour is good ie ignoing the other dogs or being friendly

They are also allowed to sit a& watch with their dog until both they & the trainers think the dog is settled enough to join the class, no force or pressure on the dog that way.

Hi
Can you first take him to somewhere very busy like a shopping centre but leave him in the car with the tail gate open but in his safe home (crate), that way he will get used to lost of people passing and busy cars etc without anyone invading his space - do not fuss him or sooth him if he appear nervous - you are only enforcing his fear. 

After a few sessions - this will depend on his progression - take him out of the crate and sit with him in the tail gate area and ask people to approach him.  Eventually you should get to the stage where you can stand outside of the store and he will allow all to pet him.

Also take him on bus rides etc etc.

Good luck