Puppies that did not have a good start in life, were not well socialized, not handled as a youngster, or are naturally reserved pups can become nervous and fearful. They may periodically become anxious, and show fearful postures such as crouching, lip licking, shaking, and trying to get away. The puppy that bites during this is biting to try to make you go away because it is afraid you are going to harm it. While moving away may reward the fearful behavior, you must do so the first time so you can evaluate the situation. Determine the cause of the fear and begin to desensitize to the item that caused the fear. It is possible to strengthen and increase nervous behaviors by generous petting. If you can do so without getting bit, it is okay to pick up the pet and move it away from the fear and act jolly and happy encouraging them out of the fear. Try not to overly coddle and soothe the pup. Instead look for all and reward calm, relaxed behaviors with verbal attention and treats.

If you are the source of the fear we need to build up trust between you and the pup. Don't try to force anything. Place your pet in contented confinement such as a kennel or exercise pen or small room for today and start tomorrow. Withhold breakfast and when you are ready, you and the pup move to a a room large enough for the pup to get away. Act relaxed and initially ignore the behavior, but don't intentionally move away, instead let them move away. Hand feed breakfast and if the pup won't eat the regular kibble get our some tasty treats. Handfeed all meals with dry kibble (no bowl) until the fear is gone and only give attention when the pup is acting confident or playful. If the puppy is acting fearful, instead of moving away, a better response is to act "Jolly" or very happy. The idea is to show the puppy that as the teacher, you don't see anything to be afraid of. Other strategies are to begin Leadership, Learn to Earn and Gentling Exercises.

• If these techniques are not working, stop and consult a behaviorist.

Do this by gradually introducing the situation that normally causes fear from a distance that the physical symptoms to not occur. Gradually move closer while being jolly and giving treats. Stay at this level of stimulus unil the pet ignores the fear and them move a little closer. BABY STEPS!!!  Go very slowly, this may take days or months! If in doubt, consult a behaviorist knowledgeable in systematic desensitization and counter conditioning.