Most dogs and puppies are hesitant or fearful when introduced to new situations and new places. This is a normal reaction - part of their survival instinct! Our job as dog owner is to teach them that new places can be fun, or at least tolerable.

The first place you should visit after bringing the puppy home is a veterinarian of your choice. This is also a good time to start a POSITIVE relationship with the veterinarian, his/her staff, and the office overall.
Find a small treat that doesn't upset puppy's stomach. These treats will ONLY be available to your puppy when encountering a fearful situation. Give a couple treats to the veterinarian, the technician, or people there, to give to your puppy. He gets the treats when he approaches the person, but NOT when he hides, and NOT as a lure to get him out of hiding. As puppy realizes treats come from all the people at the vet's, he will become happy and eager to return.
If your dog continues to be fearful and hesitant in subsequent visits, continue bringing treats and have ONLY the staff give them ( NONE from you!). While you are there the dog gets no attention from you!
Never, EVER stroke your dog or try to calm him down. Instead, he will only get a treat or petting or both, when he acts less fearful and approaches.
Fearful puppies may also try to howl, or to climb on at their owner in seeming desperation of the situation. This should not be allowed or praised! Don’t give your dog any attention for doing this! Ignore this, or turn away, or stand up.

ANY time your puppy dog goes to a new and potentially scary place, BE PREPARED!! These places can include: veterinarian, groomer, boarding kennel, pet store, friend's house, railway station, airport, beach, park with other dogs, etc.
Always have your dog ON LEASH! No leash = No control! Have your special treats always handy, and give them to people to give to your dog appropriately.

The above instructions are valid for adult dogs as well

The fear of noises

Many dogs are afraid of noise - such as loud music, thunderstorms, firecrackers or construction sounds. Many fear-related problems can be successfully resolved. If left untreated, your dog's fearful behavior will probably get worse. When a dog becomes frightened, he tries to reduce his fear. He may try to escape to a place where the noise is less intense.
The owner's attitude can influence the severity of the fear. So, if owners themselves are nervous during storms, noise phobias in their dogs may occur more often.

How is fearful behavior treated?

Create A Safe Place:
Try to create a safe place for your dog to go to when he hears the noises that frighten him.
Notice where he goes when he’s frightened, and give him access to that place. If he’s trying to get under your bed, give him access to your bedroom. Encourage him to go there when you’re home and the noise occurs. Feed him in that location and associate other "good things" happening to him there.
A TV or radio playing can help to distract him from noisy sounds when you are not at home.

Distract Your Dog:
This method works best when your dog is just beginning to get anxious. Get his attention and distract him from behaving fearfully. Play with him fetch or practice some commands that he knows. Give him a lot of praise and treats for paying attention to you. If you can’t keep his attention and he begins acting afraid, stop the process. If you continue, you may inadvertently reinforce his fearful behavior.

Medications :
Alternative therapies with Bach-Flower-Essences have been used with success. ‘Rescue Remedy’ takes effect within an hour of administration, and should be given before the fear-producing situation.

Try to behave normally, as if you don’t notice his fearfulness!