obsessive compulsive rat terrier

Question
I have a 17 month old mini rat terrier and he constantly licks his paws. This is annoying and my vet says if he keeps doing it, he may lick them raw which would lead to an infection and so on. I just want to know why he does this. He's also a very nervous dog. He understands a lot of words and there are a couple of words that make him stop what he's doing and assume the prone position like he's submitting. It's an adorable trait but when anyone raises their voice in the house (whether it's laughter or someone yelling at the tv) the dog hits the floor and submits like he's in big trouble. What's up with this?

Answer
Usually feet licking is attributed to food allergies.  Try changing his food to a no grain diet.  You can find this at a good pet store and stay away from store brands as they have wheat and other food allergy ingredients in them.

As far as hitting the floor like he is trouble is he is not been introduced to any of that when he was a puppy.  He needs to be sensiotized to that.  Bang pans.....turn the tv up...talk loud.  When he is not on the ground give him a treat and not coddle him if he is on the ground.  Never tell him its alright.......you are just TELLING him it IS alright to act like that.  

Hope this helps.......
Tammy