I have a 6 mo. old puppy named Pepper. She learns very quickly, listens to our commands, and is a very affectionate companion. Pepper is definitely a more submissive dog. Is that something she will "grow out of" or something that we should work on with her?

For example, Pepper gets very excited to sit and stay for rewards and was really enjoying the assessment. By the second game she started to seem wary of my intentions and eventually stopped listening to my commands and backed away. I've learned to stop the game at that point and let her relax. Otherwise, when she is unsure and you try to call her she tries to go in her crate and will even start shaking.

I realize she is young and still learning, but I want her to understand there is nothing to be afraid of and she is free to be happy. She was never abused and seems to have bonded very quickly with us so it's hard to understand where this worry comes from.

Since Pepper is so sensitive, I don't use punishment (physical, verbal, or crate) and I've learned not to vocalize my frustration with housebreaking so as not to make matters worse. We try to build her confidence with games, positivity, walks, and rewards for using the bathroom outside.

Can you help me understand where this sensitive and submissive behavior came from? What can I do to help Pepper understand she has nothing to worry about so she can relax?