I have a 1 year old Blue Heeler with lots of energy. We adopted him from our local Humane Society 
. My family and I have come to a consensus that he was beat in his previous home because when we first got him he would cower away when you approached him, (and for various other reasons). Now that he knows we love him and that we are safe that has subsided. But now he is picking up the habit of rolling over on his back when approached. It's not a scared/nervous gesture, he seems happy to see you, he just always rolls over! 
I guess what i'm asking is if this behavior is in any way related to the fact that he had an abusive previous home, or if it is just a way of showing his excitement? Should I discourage this behavior?
. My family and I have come to a consensus that he was beat in his previous home because when we first got him he would cower away when you approached him, (and for various other reasons). Now that he knows we love him and that we are safe that has subsided. But now he is picking up the habit of rolling over on his back when approached. It's not a scared/nervous gesture, he seems happy to see you, he just always rolls over! I guess what i'm asking is if this behavior is in any way related to the fact that he had an abusive previous home, or if it is just a way of showing his excitement? Should I discourage this behavior?