By Haley Smith
Helping your dog become more confident can have many benefits. Confidence building can present itself in many different forms- some of which you can work on at home. Playing games with your dog is not only fun for the both of you, but also gives your dog a chance to focus on and learn something new. Once you learn your dog’s favorite game, it can gradually be used as a desensitizing technique to distract dogs when they are anxious about a new person, object, or environment. Games can also stimulate certain parts of the dog’s brain that physical exercise cannot!
Tips for a confident dog:
Examples of confidence building games to play:
Hide your dog’s kibble or a favorite treat under an object in a familiar room or in the yard, then release your dog telling them to go “find it!”
Put your dog in a “sit” or “down” make them “wait” while you go hide somewhere around the house. Give your dog a release word and watch how fast they find you! As your dog gets better at finding you, make your hiding place more challenging!
Play a game of tug with your dog, but with a regulated “give” or “let go”. Once they release, praise and reward, then play again!
An example of this is teaching your dog to go “under” a table by putting some kibble or a treat near, and eventually under the table. Praise every step of the way!
Such as focusing on you, a game or treat- this will boost your dog’s confidence by helping them focus their energy on a task, rather than on their surroundings.
Training and playing things such as these in short increments throughout the day helps the dog to keep interest in the task, and ultimately keeps them more confident. Make sure to always go at your dog’s own pace- if your dog displays extreme reactivity, fear, anxiety or aggression, be sure to contact a dog professional to help.
Different Activities to do with Your Dog.
