Oh, yes, you can teach him not to be afraid of the flooring. There are probably many ways/methods to do this but here's what I'd suggest:
1. When he asks afraid, ignore him. Never comfort him or pet him or react in any way to his fear.
2. Be ready to praise praise praise. What does he really really like? (cheese, hot dog, liver treat, toys?? you want to identify what he considers a "High Value Treat")
3. Always be on the lookout for any move Jack makes toward the floor he fears--if he moves toward it, praise/treat; if he touches it, praise/treat; if he puts a paw on it, jackpot praise/treat (give a bigger treat, more praise).
4. Put his favorite toy or treat right on the edge of the floor and ignore him. Let him retrieve it. As he gets comfortable with that...place it further in...work toward the point where he has to step on the floor to get the item of his desire...keep going until he is walking on the floor.
This process is called "desensitization"...a gradual process of ignoring the negative (fear) and praising the positive (brave).
This same method works for any other fear he might reveal as you get to know him (this is the one you just adopted, right?).
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