A Doberman's journey from confident to skittish concerns his loving owner, he does everything he can to socialize him and bring his confidence back in heartwarming story

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Briana Viser • Writer and Editor
Aug 7, 2026 10:45 AM EDT

Doberman's are known for many things, but usually skittishness is not one of them. Read the full story below to understand what the issue is and what this owner can do to help his sweet boy. 

Our pets are everything to us. When our pets are unwell or acting different, we immediately want to tend to them. They can communicate us in ways that neither party really understands, they can't use their words, so it can be quite the journey to understand what an issue is and how to help them. That's where the internet comes into play. When we have full access to asking other people things, for their stories, anecdotes, and advice, then we're already making steps in the right direction. In the situation here, a Doberman Pinscher owner worries for his sweet boy. They've been through quite a lot together, and he wants the best for him. He claims that a couple of months ago the Doberman, Forrest, started acting really skittish towards new people and people he doesn't know very well. He's met some of them before, but his behavior towards them changed. He's usually happy and confident without the introduction of new people, but the owner is still very worried. 

He says that he was confident before, and he doesn't know where to start helping him. He thinks he's still relatively normal and loving towards him and his mother. But he worries he's done something wrong and that this stage will last longer than he wants it to. Forrest will even run away or behind his owner out of fear. The owner just wants his Doberman to be comfortable with people and not afraid. He's on a mission to fix the Doberman's skittish fears and boost his confidence again. The internet comes in with socialization advice and the owner seems to take it. Enjoy! 

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    BULLDOGS SPOO D A DO NAY
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    Okay guys - so, I know a lot of you have followed Forrest's journey and know a lot about his background.
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    Here recently (started around a couple months ago) he began acting very skittish toward new
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    people and people that he doesn't see frequently, but has met before several times. Besides that he
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    Cheezburger Image 10653555712
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    appears to be a happy, confident dog. I really don't know where to start as far as helping him gain
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    more confidence goes, so I need advice on a starting point. He is still very normal and loving toward
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    a SG CO G
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    myself and my mom. No strangers have been mean to him or anything like that. Is this just a Doberman fear regression stage?
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    Attached is a photo of him interacting with a good friend of mine who he's never met before.
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    His typical reaction is to run away/get behind me. I want him to be neutral with people, to where if
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    someone asks to pet him or a kid asks to pet him, he's not scared to d_th but I don't necessarily want
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    him just overly friendly either. What can I do to bring this sweet boys confidence back. I'm afraid that I messed up with him. Please help!
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    D
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    Cheezburger Image 10653557248
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  • Doberman's are one of the world's most favorite dogs. That's why it's so surprising this one is going through such a hard time. Most of the time, Doberman's are known for being independent and strong, they're friendly and don't get fearful of people. If you have advice, please comment below. 

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    SideEyeFred I would start taking him out in public asap. He needs to be
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    socialized around people. You can walk him at the park and big box stores where he will see people, but not have to
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    interact with them so he can get used to being around strangers.
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