Hi all, I recently adopted a Doberman and I'm struggling to socialize him properly with other people and animals. He's quite shy and timid around strangers and barks aggressively at other dogs when we go for walks. I want him to feel more comfortable and enjoy social interactions, but I'm not sure how to go about it. What are some tips or techniques I can use to help him overcome his fear and be more social? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hi everyone, I had a Doberman that was relatively easy to socialize compared to some of the other experiences mentioned here. One approach that worked well for us was taking our dog on regular walks in heavily trafficked areas so he could gradually get used to encountering strangers and other animals. When it came to meeting new dogs, I made sure to ask the other owner if their dog is friendly and would be willing to let my dog sniff around. It's crucial to give them the space they need and not force interaction if they're uncomfortable. In addition to walking, we also enrolled in a puppy class that met regularly to help him learn new socialization skills. Lastly, be calm and confident yourself when introducing your dog to new people and animals since they will pick up on your emotions. Remember to take things slow and stay patient, as every dog is different and requires different methods of socialization.