How to Build Your Dog’s Confidence

If you've been around enough dogs, you can probably recognize a shy dog. They end to keep their head low and avoid the affection of strangers - or even their family members. But there's a strong distinction between a dog that is merely shy and a dog that has not been properly socialized. If you want to build up your dog's confidence, it helps to know how to do it! Here's a guide that might help your dog - whether it is merely "shy" or in real need of some solid training.

The first principle to remember is progressive exposure. Unleashing a shy dog into an unstable element - like a pack of strange dogs - is not the best idea in the world. Why? Your dog isn't prepared for it, and the uncomfortable or even violent situation that could potentially erupt might simply make the problem worse. You want to show your dog that being social is not something to be afraid of, and you do this by exposing your dog to social situations on a progressive basis.

What does this mean? It means you start small and work your way up from there. For example, you can start by simply regularly taking your dog out for a walk - not necessarily interacting with others, but merely getting used to the presence of strange people and strange dogs. If you already walk your dog, obviously you'll want to start a step above and beyond this.

You can work your way up to regular parks, and then dog parks. When your dog has developed the confidence to stay relaxed in a certain type of situation - and you notice that your dog is able to consistently be relaxed every time you take the dog to that situation - you'll want to think about the next step.

Eventually, your dog should have broken through several barriers. Hopefully you'll notice that your dog is more relaxed around strangers. In order to reinforce good social behavior, reward your dog every time it is relaxed around strangers and strange dogs. Don't bribe your dog - simply produce a treat once you notice your dog is behaving the way you'd like.

Your dog will get the hint and eventually should associate being social with rewards. Congratulations! You should have a more confident and assertive dog on your hands.

Photo Credits: ♡Blackangelツ

This post involves:

affection, confidence, family members, interacting with others, social behavior, social situations, strange dogs, violent situation

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Canines, Tips for Dog Owners

Posted by Dog Training Pet on August 10, 2011 in Canines, Tips for Dog Owners. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.