Why is my puppy so submissive and shy?

I have a 3 month old Alaskan Malamute puppy. She is so wonderful and gets along great with my other puppy. Only shes so submissive! Whenever I try to train her to "sit" or "shake" she just gets scared and rolls over on her back.Anyone have any ideas on what I can do to get her out of her shell?

your not a nice mother... sorry, but I believe thats what shes trying to tell u. she knows ur the boss and wont mess with the line. do more.... fun activities with her... also, try taking her to a dog park. she needs socialization from other dogs, not just one other puppy... she'll break out of her shell in no time...nick

Didnt you see this coming when you picked her out or has this just recently developed?A 12 week old puppy is still very young and you need to go easy on the training as they go threw a fear stage when they are growing.Just take it easy with her and be rewarding with her for now. to 7 WeeksNeonatal, Transition, Awareness, and Canine Socialization Puppy is with mother and littermates. During this period, puppy learns about social interaction, play, and inhibiting aggression* from mother and littermates. (*Note: Some lines of dogs don't begin to get incisors until about 7 weeks, so this time period may last two additional weeks in those dogs--one can't learn to inhibit his bite if he has no teeth.) Puppy learns to use species specific behaviors that make him a dog. Practices body postures, facial expressions, and vocalizations and learns their effects on siblings. Plays chase games to learn coordination and timing, greeting behaviors to learn body postures and fight games teach him use of his body. Learns to accept discipline during this time from his mother. Learns bite inhibitions and weaning. Mother dogs set up the puppies for these lessons. (Very important to let mother dog stay with pups to teach these lessons.) Puppies must stay with their mother and littermates during this critical period. Puppies learn the most important lesson in their lives - they learn to accept discipline.7 to 12 WeeksHuman Socialization Period The puppy now has the brain waves of an adult dog, but his attention span is short. This period is when the most rapid learning occurs. Learning at this age is permanent so this is a perfect time to start training. Also, this is the ideal time to introduce the puppy to things that will play an important part in his life. Introduce the puppy to different people, places, animals, and sounds in a positive, non-threatening way.8 to 11 WeeksFear Imprint Period Avoid frightening the puppy during this period. Any traumatic, frightening or painful experience will have a more lasting effect on the puppy than if it occurred at any other time in its life. Avoid any elective surgery* at this time. (*Note: This is the time period during which ears are usually cropped on a schnauzer. I find that the fear period usually occurs in my dogs around 7-8 weeks, so I generally have ears cropped a bit after this time.)13 to 16 WeeksSeniority Classification Period orThe Age of Cutting Puppy cuts teeth and apron strings! Puppy begins testing who is going to be pack leader. From 13 weeks on, if puppy attempts to bite, even in play, it is an attempt to dominate. You must discourage any and all biting because such biting is a sign of dominance! (*Note: A quick pinch of the puppy's lip while staring him in the eye and hollaring in his face works well in most puppies.) Pup is attempting to clarify and resolve the question of leadership. (Establishing rules for pup extremely important at this time.) It is important that you are a strong and consistent leader. Formal training must begin. Such training will help you establish your leadership.4 to 8 MonthsPlay Instinct PeriodFlight Instinct Period Puppy may wander and ignore you. It is very important that you keep the puppy on a leash at this time! The way that you handle the puppy at this time determines if the puppy will come to you when called. At about 4-1/2 months, the puppy loses his milk teeth and gets his adult teeth. That's when puppy begins serious chewing! A dog's teeth don't set in his jaw until between 6 and 10 months. During this time, the puppy has a physical need to exercise his mouth by chewing.6 to 14 MonthsSecond Fear Imprint Period orFear of New Situations Period Dog again shows fear of new situations and even familiar situations. Dog may be reluctant to approach someone or something new. It is important that you are patient and act very matter-of-fact in these situations. Never force the dog to face the situation. DO NOT pet the frightened puppy or talk in soothing tones. The puppy will interpret such responses as praise for being frightened. Training will help improve the dog's confidence. Use treats and positve methods to coach dog at this time. Any training classes begun at this age needs to be fun and non-stressful for the dog. Neuter or spay the dog now.1 to 4 YearsMaturity Period You may encounter increased aggression and renewed testing for dominance. Continue to train your dog during this per

Three months old is a little young to start training. It's like trying to teach a 3 year old child something. Sit on the floor to make yourself less intimidating. Make sure and have treats handy and try to make it fun. I wouldn't push too much for at least another month or two. Also, check out some training books at the local library. They usually have neat tips.

She is probably that puppy in the litter that is a little on the shy side.. You take the time to encourage her.. Set her up with things you know she can do, so that you have plenty of chance to praise her.. Get into some training, so you are encouraging and socializing her.. She'll come around.. she is a baby and just needs some encouraging.