Confidence building made simple!
We all want our dogs to be their most confident version of themselves, right?
Your answer might include a question like, “ Well, of course, Kait, but how do we do that?”
I’ve got you covered! I think there is this misconception that confidence building means signing your dog up for agility classes (there is nothing wrong with this!), keeping them away from the things that scare them, not pushing them out of their comfort zone, and protecting them from anything that could cause even a smidge of stress.
I am here to encourage you to keep it simple and make is sustainable. Afterall, we are training our dog for life, right?
Below, I have laid out some of the things we do with all of our training dogs that indirectly result in a more confident, neutral and balanced dog!
GET OUT and Hang
Never discredit the value of going somewhere in public with your dog and chilling. Teaching your dog to relax on command (we use “down” most often) while watching the world go on around them is priceless. Here is the caveat…it is your responsibility to advocate for their space and be able to interrupt any unwanted behaviors from them (excessive barking, breaking commands, fleeing).
I.e., Your dog is nervous about new people: someone sees your cute dog and starts approaching. Remain calm, extend your leg out with clear body language that space is needed, and verbalize, “My dog needs space, please!” If they continue to move forward and disregard what you said, stand up, put your hand out towards them, and repeat, “We need space; do not approach.” Remember, how people respond to you advocating for your dog’s space is not your responsibility.
Pick a spot to go that will set you and your dog up for success. Challenges are great, but pick somewhere attainable for you both. If your dog is reactive, a super busy outdoor cafe on a weekend in the summer probably isn’t where you should start. Instead, grab a coffee and head to a park where you and your dog can take things in from a distance. That is a great start!
up up!
“The world is your oyster!” There are so many opportunities in your everyday life and environment to give your dog a little confidence boost, even if initially they feel like they can’t do it. We use the term “up up” to encourage dogs to hop on things like benches, big rocks, tree stumps, half walls, carts, etc. Your dog's confidence will skyrocket when they conquer hopping up on that "scary" thing. What once was nerve-wracking becomes fun!
Tip: Your dog will most likely initially try to back away from the object, flee, or even buck on the leash. We handle this by staying super neutral, providing consistent leash guidance, tapping on the thing we want them to jump up on, and cheering them on at any attempt to move onto or towards the targeted spot.
starts at home
Does your dog run away when you get out the vacuum? Get flighty when you open a new garbage bag? Try to bolt when rolling the garbage can back down the driveway? Go crazy when they hear someone knock on the door?
I recommend you show them what you WANT them to do in those situations. They are currently defaulting to a pattern and state of mind they have already practiced. They need to be taught a new one and given direction. Having something else to focus on will help their nervous system regulate, which will lead them to process the fact that their fear or response might, in fact, be irrational.
Teach the “place” command! This is one of the best household management tools you can implement for your dog and your family. Also, teach leash manners and the concept of “heel.” Being able to give clear direction to your dog while also holding them accountable is key! This will directly enhance your dog’s overall confidence because you are eliminating unnecessary stressors!
These tips are meant to help you simplify your goals with your dog so that they are sustainable. I encourage you to make these practices a part of your lifestyle with your dog! I would rather you take time daily to implement these “little” things versus feeling like you must try something that requires a ton of your time each week. If you have the time and pull to do something like a weekly class, that would be amazing! Do it! But, do it as an addition to your lifestyle work, not as a “fix.” A structured lifestyle can help them maintain a healthy nervous system and state of mind while boosting your dog’s confidence. A routine that includes regular exercise, playtime, downtime, and rest can keep them physically and mentally healthy. Also, never forget that asking for help is a great thing! Working with a trainer who can help you and your dog grow together is every bit worth the investment.
If you need 1:1 coaching, make sure you check out my virtual owner coaching sessions: HERE!