Have you had a
FULL thyroid panel done and sent to Jean Dodds? I would strongly suggest it. Thyroid problems can cause a wide variety of personality changes and issues. Be sure if you do get a thyroid done you get the full panel, they need to check everything to get a true reading.
You are doing the right thing by not coddling, but I would also try introducing novel noises and objects to him at home in a quiet or non threatening method. Any interaction or interest earns him a cookie. I use clicker shaping to turn it in to almost a game. See if the dog will offer me an engaging behavior towards the item or noise. Sometimes even staying calm is worth rewarding.
Be sure you stay calm, cool and upbeat throughout.
About being scared of men you need to work on actively seeking out men to help him get over this issue. Get volunteers at your club to stand nearby and act happy (in a calm manner) and offer cookies if he is behaving appropriately. It will not get better on it's own you need to counter condition him in to liking men. The more you can get exposed to men in a positive manner and making the experience very positive for him the better.
If I think of anything else I will post it.
Dawn
U-CD Cammcastle's Mystic Riven CDX OAC OJC OGC OAJ NA TT CGC
http://members.aol.com/dplantier http://members.aol.com/rottweilerworld