Yikes... well -- now you know how not to scold your dog... good that you have a crate for him -- probably best to keep your distance from that for awhile -- dogs are pretty forgiving, if fido gets some space -- things should work out soon... this might sound stupid, but it's times like this that you might have to act like a dog -- just lay on the floor with your neck exposed, and in full view of your dog... then from that position try to coax your dog into a play fight. Dogs understand exposed necks. http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/play/audiogallery/soundseen.shtml Have you gone to obedience training class with your dog yet? You can learn consistent signals for "good" and "bad", and also get advice on suitable responses you can make for "bad". The best thing to know about this is to follow a correction with an activity your dog can excel at... for e.g. sitting, then reward that excellent behavior. Dogs can't stand it when you're not happy with them, it's a horrible punishment for them -- so it's good practice to make up quickly. That's also how dogs communicate themselves -- they only have to flash their teeth for a second to indicate their displeasure.

Why not try lying on your back on the floor, then call him. Make yourself look as vulnerable and helpless as possible. =)

Some dogs will respond rather quickly, others can take many months or years, others never come around. Some may never become fully confident and trusting. Some become confident around family members, but remain aloof & distrusting of strangers. What You Need to know for Socializing Your Shy Dog: Timing Development Feeding Housetraining Name Socializing http://www.winnipeghumanesociety.ca/your_Pet/Socializing_Your_Shy_Dog.php

GOLD STAR FOR YOU...you botched up..you know you botched up and you are KIND ENOUGH to admit it and share it so others can learn from your mistake...hell..2 GOLD STARS!! Some great ideas here so far...I'll add.. do not make strong eye contact..look, but look away too. FOOD...really super flavor food...BRIBES yupper! Boiled chicken livers (cheap) tiny hamburgers...no bigger than about an inch...meat ball style...drain the fat off of them AND don't forget to include these treats as PART OF the total daily diet your dog would get...we aren't out to chuck him up here...just smooze him back into your loving arms! PLAY...on the floor as suggested by pretty much everyone here...GET SILLY, lay on your back, assume the classic and totally understood in dog language "play position" on your knees...front end down and back end UP..and wiggle your butt in the best wag you can manage... Speak softly, and now might be a good time to use a squeaky...silly..."baby voice" while sounding over joyed...but NOT loudly. A great canine support FREE web site is http://www.doggiebagonline.com/ Good tips for training and all positive reinforcement training too! If you are having potty training issues...you are welcome to email me and I'll send you a copy of Potty 101...the FUN WAY to house train your dog or puppy!

Dogs are mostly loyal to mankind because we feed them. It's part of the whole pack mind set. Those that feed us are to be trusted. I donesn't sound like you abuse your pet, you just scared him. He'll come around. Feed him something nice and he won't be able to resist it, or you. All will soon be forgiven.