Timidness

Question
Hi, I have had boxers for nearly 35 years and have had about 8 or over this time. Some from puppies and some rescues, so I am not new to the breed or their characteristics. At present I have a 3 year old lovely male dark brindle. He is as the vet described last month when he went for his check up. "almost perfect" He is a pure bred boxer but has no pedigree. We got him @ 8 weeks old, he was from a litter of 4 where the mother died 2 days after birthing and he was fed and reared by a specialist breeder ( This was not the owner) on goats milk and then returned to the owner after 7 weeks of this hand rearing. We had him castrated fairly young as part of an agreement we had with the owner. He is everything one could want from a dog. He is loyal, obedient, playful and unusually very calm for a boxer, he is the only one we have ever had that doesn't jump up people to greet them when they come in, or meet him in the street. I do know how boisterous they can be. He is a pure pleasure to have and walk. My problem is this.... the slightest unusual noise he almost jumps out of his skin and runs away from the noise or sudden movement. Rather than investigating fearlessly and protecting, as is normal in the breed. eg. Last week I opened a bottle of fizzy drink and as doing so it made a noise as sometimes they do.My dog (Denzel) was sat beside me and promptly bolted out of the door and down the stairs. He did after a short while edge his way back into the room. We have never hit/hurt him in any way and the breeder was SO determined he was going to a good home he made thorough checks with us first about our knowledge of the breed. What do you think could be causing him to be so timid all the time and can you suggest any tricks or procedures we could try to get feel reassured and calm down when this happens and not be so frightened of sudden noises /movements. Many thanks.. Robert.

Answer
His fear is due to not having a mother to rear him, nor siblings to learn from as well throughout his 8 weeks, which is too young to let go anyway. It should have been 12 weeks.

Record different sounds such as the can opening, telephone ringing, doorbell, vacuum cleaner, etc.

Play it all the time for awhile to get him used to the sounds and acclimate him. Within a month, he will be better. If a new sound comes up that scares him, record it and do the same as above.