 Will my puppy outgrow her nervousness? Puppies go through a four-month anxiety period, during which they are scared of many things that didn’t used to bother them. Working though this period and continuing to socialize them is a must. Be careful that you aren’t encouraging anxious behavior by trying to calm her down when she seems scared. If you pet her and try to calm her, you are praising the behavior, and behavior that is rewarded is repeated so you may be making the problem worse. If she submissively urinates, don’t punish her for it, because that could also make the problem worse. Puppies urinate and show their belly to tell you that you are the boss. Getting angry and punishing them only makes them try to tell you that you are the boss more. Instead, ignore the behavior. When you get home, take your dog outside before greeting her. Greet her only after she has relieved herself outside. Also, try not to bend directly over her. This is a dominant posture and submissive puppies will try to appease you by urinating. If your puppy continues to have behavioral problems, your veterinarian may be able to suggest training classes in your area or a veterinary behaviorist that can help you. | 
