How to instill confidence in a submissive dog?

[christybowles@yahoo.com]

We recently ( 1 month) rescued a jack Russell mix. He is incredibly sweet, but due to his past I expect, he has some issues. When you approach him, he cowers with ears back, rolls over on his back or licks you incessantly. What can we do to instill confidence in him?

[KOPsBecks]

Sit down on the ground with a bag of treats with you. Let the puppy do what he wants, and every time he takes a step towards you then praise him. Let him come up to you at his own pace. When he reaches you, give him treats. If he runs away just stay still and wait for him to come back to you. Hopefully his curiosity and love for treats will help improve his confidence. Slow and steady movements are best with dogs that are cowardly and wary like he is.

Hope this helps, Good luck,

Becks