Instructions
Enroll your Doberman in an obedience class. In addition to learning basic obedience, which will improve his confidence in new situations, your dog will interact with other pups and new people. This combination of socialization and training work is invaluable.
Ignore your dog when he is acting timid or fearful. It is tempting to pet or comfort your Doberman when he seems scared, but what you are actually doing is rewarding the fearful behavior. When he regains his composure and begins to explore, praise him or give him a treat.
Bring your dog to new environments as often as you can. Be patient and do not rush him into new situations, but try to get him out in the world. The more places you go with your Dobie, the more quickly he will adapt to new environments.
Take your Doberman to a dog park and let him meet dogs at his own pace. Try to stay relaxed and positive -- your dog can pick up on your anxiety and may feel anxious in turn. Meeting new dogs keeps your Dobie well socialized.
How Can I Help My Timid Doberman?
Timid dogs are unsure of their surroundings, new people and other dogs. For some dogs, this hesitance can manifest in defensive aggression or fear biting, while for others it may simply cause them to hide and avoid interaction. It is important to socialize your dog and help him get over his fears, especially if you have a large animal like a Doberman. If your Doberman is timid, socialization and patience are the only methods to solve the problem.