Creating a Confident Canine

Ghost joyfully leaps over a hurdle

Six months ago, I welcomed Ghost, a 2½ year old Hungarian Mudi, into my life. He'd been returned to his breeder, a twist of fate that I saw as a rare opportunity. I'd already admired the versatility in this breed and had fallen in love with them. Visions of a nimble, eager herder danced in my head – a canine whirlwind of intelligence and drive. I imagined us as a freestyle team, conquering heelwork challenges with joyful abandon!

Reality had an alternate script in mind. Ghost seemed to operate on a different wavelength. Basic cues were difficult to teach. He moved a bit slower, seemed disconnected and his eyes held the spark of… well, absolutely nothing. Motivation and drive really did not exist to him. It was as if he functioned in auto-pilot mode, just going along with things. I'll be brutally honest: doubt settled in. Was this actually the dog I'd dreamed of? Had I adopted a broken herder? My expectations began to fade, and I figured I would just love him as he is and let him progress at his own pace, and only if he wishes.

Slowly, a spark ignited. Magic began to fill the space between us. Ghost began to respond, like a flower unearthing after a long winter. He started to accept treats on walks and found joy in our activities. I felt like I was finally tuning into his frequency. That took us about a full three months or so to develop.

Another three months later, and Ghost’s abilities are just now growing. He is displaying some of the drive and motivation that I hoped he’d have. He has a sparkle in his eyes! While time surely made a difference, so did building his confidence. That was done by giving him many small successes with easy things in life and keeping my own expectations realistic. This wasn’t done with flooding or forcing him to do things but was accomplished by meeting him in the middle, walking the path with him and gently guiding him along the way.

Building confidence in your dog goes beyond simply teaching them to mindlessly jump on platforms or obey cues. It's about empowering them to navigate the world with a sense of security and joy. I've encountered many dogs who, after undergoing training elsewhere, appeared confident due to their ability to comply with cues in specific situations, like jumping onto a cart at a hardware store or walking on a wall by a busy street, but began to struggle with new or increased anxiety. In time, the anxiety can become debilitating, break the bond and even erode connection to their families. Sadly, their training was done through force initially, often creating, then masking, the anxiety. Forcing compliance can produce an illusion of confidence (which can then seem to 'wow' the average dog owner) while neglecting the dog's emotional well-being. True confidence allows dogs to embrace life's adventures with curiosity and enthusiasm, not with forced submission. It's about fostering a sense of security and joy that allows them to truly thrive in our chaotic human world.

Often, the foundation for confidence is laid in puppyhood. Early socialization is crucial – but quality is better than quantity. Expose your puppy to various sights, sounds, people, and other dogs in a positive and controlled manner. Avoid situations that may be overwhelming early on, this can backfire and create fear. Sometimes it only takes one bad experience (a single learning event) to alter a dog’s behavior – and not for the better.

But what if your dog comes to you as an adult? It’s honestly very much the same but could be a little trickier depending on the dog’s history. Understand where your dog has been and always be fair in your expectations.

Give dogs time to settle in. Often two weeks of lesser activity and nothing big or stressful happening can set them up for success. In that time, provide a comfortable space and minimize exposure to overwhelming stimuli. This will help them to become acquainted with their new home, their schedule, routines, and family members. Routines can help dogs and puppies to have some predictability, decreasing their stress and anxiety about the world around them.

Every tiny act of courage your dog displays is a monumental step in their confidence journey, and it deserves a celebration! Don't underestimate the power of positive reinforcement. Use a variety of rewards - delectable treats, enthusiastic praise, or a cherished toy - to create a strong association between bravery and positive experiences. Experiment and discover what makes your dog's tail wag the hardest! And while we are at it, let's dispel a common myth: you cannot reinforce fear with positive rewards. Fear is a primal emotion, not a learned behavior. A tasty treat won't magically morph into a fear trigger. Instead, it helps your dog associate positive feelings with a previously scary situation, paving the way for future confidence. Guide your dog gently through challenges, acting as their supportive partner, not a drill sergeant. Avoid pushing them into overwhelming situations; gradual exposure is key. And remember, rewards are as unique as your dog's personality. While many dogs are driven by food, others will perform incredible feats for the chance to chase their favorite ball or tug on a rope. Understanding your dog's individual reward preferences is the secret ingredient to unlocking their confidence potential!

Teaching your dog very basic cues like "sit," or "touch", and repeating those often, provides them with a sense of accomplishment when they are successful. These simple easy cues are big confidence builders early on. It also strengthens communication and deepens the bond between you and your dog. Trick training is an incredible confidence builder and is enriching for dogs and their human families - provided these are done at the dog's pace and not by using force or coercion.

Think of exploration and play as mental and emotional workouts for your dog. Just like exercise is needed for physical bodies, dogs need to exercise their minds and emotions. Providing opportunities for your dog to sniff out new scents, explore different terrains, and engage in playful interactions - at their own pace - allows them to learn about the world around them, build problem-solving skills, and develop resilience. These experiences help them become adaptable and more confident individuals who can navigate life's challenges with ease and curiosity.

Building your dog's confidence like planting a seed. You wouldn't expect a sapling to grow into a mighty oak overnight, would you? It requires consistent care, the right environment, and allowing it to develop at its own natural rhythm. Similarly, fostering confidence in your dog is a continuous process, not a one-time achievement. It demands patience and a deep understanding that progress unfolds at your dog's individual pace. If you find yourself navigating the challenges of a fearful or unconfident dog, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We can guide you and your dog towards a brighter, more confident future. This investment in your dog's well-being is a gift that will repay you with a stronger bond and a happier, more resilient companion.