I wonder what all they have tried. Like have they tried having the boyfriend giving treats to London every time he first comes in. Have they had the boyfriend sit on the floor and let the dog come to him when he has had treats. My neighbor's dog is afraid of me for some reason and we have tried this. We will put the treat closer and closer to me until he has to take them from my hand. Pippi is scare of most strangers and she does better if they ignore her and let her approach them. Also when they go to pet her if their hand is palm up rather than down coming up towards her - like to pet her on the neck seems to help.