[yorkietalkjilly]

I would start to give him some responsibility and get him involved in obedience training - any good online source is fine - just get him working to learn and getting positive reinforcement when he does it right and a goodie treat to boot, plus give him interactive toys to bring out his competitive and inquisitive nature and get him some little agility course items set up to jump over a tiny jump, go through a little tunnel made out of a cardboard box or two, some things like that to give him a sense that he is capable and is a member of your "team". Stay very, very upbeat, call him upbeat things like "hero" and "champion" and "winner!" since words like that tend to fill the human with more power and change your state of mind and less sympathy for the insecure dog. Sympathy won't help him but pumping up his ego and self-confidence through your attitude toward him will as will teaching him how to work and achieve things and feel pride of accomplishment.

Also, Google the terms "timid, shy puppy" correction and read up on a lot of other ways to work with your little guy aside from all the advice you will get here.

Once he's got more self-confidence, it will be important to positively socialize him. When he goes out and about, carry treats and treat him for every experience he undergoes - a loud truck, a helicopter overhead, going into a store - don't pet or praise him if he's shaking or scared but just keep whispering power words into his ear and take him right out, then treat him. But every time he undergoes stress or a new situation, a treat can reinforce that that was a good thing. Praise him if he stays calm during any new stress. Take a squeaky toy to distract him if he does get scared and won't take a treat. If he's walking, turn him around on the leash and keep him busy going around in circles for a couple turns if he gets nervous over something - that can help to keep him focused on something other than the noisy or scary thing. Squeak that toy and walk him around in a circle or two. Start to run with him - anything to get his mind off being scared. Laugh and smile during stressful times, too, and don't look concerned about his worries - just stay upbeat and happy. Keep his socialization short so he doesn't have much time to get too scared and repeat the sessions often.