How To Improve Your Dog’s Confidence
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Introduction
Dogs are naturally sociable animals; their understanding of their world is based upon a social position within a hierarchical pack. Some dogs are dominant, others will be submissive and both will behave according to its position. Your family group is basically a pack scenario to Fido. Whilst you really don’t want him to be top dog, nor do you want him to be so submissive that he spontaneous urinates to try and grovel for you. In this latter scenario Fido’s confidence is definitely requiring a boost!
Dog Training Activities
Positive social interaction is key, and basic obedience training can be a good place to start. The best system to use would be one that rewards good behaviour with praise and treats, but ignores bad behaviour. Fido will have fun and learn that he will be rewarded when he gets things right, but not punished if it goes a bit awry. Nobody responds to constant negativity. Agility training is to be recommended in particular as exercise is great for relieving stress.
Shy of People?
Sometimes dogs can be shy of people and if Fido spontaneously pees when Aunty Mavis appears, perhaps Aunt Mavis can help in a gradual desensitizing program. It best to let Aunt Mavis stand with her back to Fido, perhaps with his favourite treat in her hand. Let Fido do the approaching. Make sure Aunt Mavis assumes a non-threatening posture: crouching is good, with no direct eye contact. Next some quiet chat, and when Fido can face Aunty full on then some light petting can take place. A greater degree of this kind of social interaction can be achieved by joining dog training classes.
Good Owner Behaviour
However, all this will be as naught if you do not recognise your own bad behaviour. A dog is a dog; Fido cannot be blamed for raiding the bin if you leave the lid off. Do not blame Fido for chewing your favourite shoes if you leave them where he can get at them. Also be aware that dogs communicate strongly through body language: upright postures are read as very domineering, so get down to Fido’s level. Always talk in calm and measured tones as extremes pitch are upsetting for sensitive dogs. Above all, never be abusive: if you don’t like to be beaten and shouted at, imagine how it feels to poor old Fido!
Conclusion
Never be abusive to your dog as a method of teaching (or at any other time), as this type of treatment may have lead to confidence problems in the first place. In many ways, dogs are similar to children. Confidence in dogs comes with praise and gentle instruction. Follow this method and your dog will definitely feel much better about his life, and your house won’t smell quite so bad!
