Yes I definitely have a hard time NOT coddling him when he is so scared of new or other people. I always try to hold him and slowly introduce him to the person, but it sounds like from the response below that I should sort of let him be scared and have the people slowly approach him

Thank you for this advice! He does go to his kennel and quiet spots when he feels fearful around new or large groups of people. I always thought that allowing him to do this kind of enabled his fear and would never get him to see that these people are nice and aren't scary...but I see your point!

Thank you! Yes, I have tried several different toys. I think seeing another dog play with the toys might help, but he has seen it before and just kind of not cared... I will see! Thank you for the comments/answers!

Thanks! He will get a little excited at first and then pick the toy up, then drop it and keep running around, wanting me to chase him as the game... I will try the string!

My dog is very playful and rowdy with me and his "father". And very playful and excited with other dogs - goes right up to them to greet them. However, with other people and in people settings, he gets very nervous and timid and shy. He is a rescue so this leads to me believe that he was hurt in some way by people only. But he never gets aggressive, just simply seems shy and "quiet". Less playful and looks worried. Even when he is begging for food to a human, he is so nervous to take it from them if they give it to him!

My rescue will be playful at times with both me and other dogs...but he doesn't really play with his toys! He has robber, soft, squeaky, all different kinds. He likes to chew and sit with Kongs & Bully Sticks that have a taste/food incentive to them...but even when we are playing I will try to incorporate a toy and he doesn't really know what to do with it!