THE MORE CONFIDENT CANINE
If you have a shy pup, nervous in new situations, and/or Shy with dogs and people,
this is your class!
We will be working on games and exercises proven to help build confidence in dogs.
Limited to only 4 spots
Each week in this 6 week class we will explore a new training game/activity designed to have fun while bonding and building confidence. As well, we will work on a couple of easy training goals that are helpful for you and your nervous dog.
At home you will be expected to work on your new skill in ways that feel safe to your dog.
Nervous and Shy dogs are afraid.
You will learn all about fear in animals,
How it happens
And what it means to change their emotional response.
It takes time and commitment to help dogs who are afraid, and you will absolutely leave with support, a better understanding of your dog, and a toolbox of ways to keep moving your dog in a more confident direction!
Dogs in this class will be working in the same room, but each team will have their own pod which will block visibility to a large degree. Over the 6 weeks we will slowly open up that window. As long as your dog can feel safe in this context, this class will bring you both so more confidence, more joy and a stronger bond.
If this is not a situation that you believe your dog can feel safe in, then please contact us to talk about other options. welcometoluckyfido@gmail.com
All of the Confidence Building Games and Training Tools we will use have something in common; they are all consent based, meaning the dog must opt in. Give dogs agency and choice is one of the single most important things we can do for dogs in general, but fearful dogs especially!
1. Parkour - Take short walks to the next level with Super Easy Doggie Parkour Moves!
2. Nose Work - Using the dog’s famously magnificent olfactory system to works their brain and body, burns energy and is a well known way to build confidence in new environments
3. Toy Play - How to properly use Toy Play for exercise, confidence building and manners practice
4. Shaping Satisfaction with The Box Game – Using the training technique, SHAPING, allows our dogs to be our teacher and lead
the way. This training game that will also satisfy and tire out your dog’s brain, while giving them some much needed but short and easy connection with you!
5. Meals as Management! You will learn how use your dog’s meals to satisfy and encourage normal dog behavior in a way that is
safe and easy for the people. You will have the chance to work on, and take home to try a few different Food Puzzles, as well as using things you already have in the house!.
6. Movement Puzzles - Movement Puzzles are great for all dogs as they are easily adjusted to where your dog is now and
as their confidence grows. They are hands off and so much fun!
Every week we will practice a couple of training goals that are useful for shy and nervous dogs,
1. Hand Targeting for Shy Dogs - This tool will give you a way to move your dog without touching them, and help them build
confidence around human hands
2. 1-2-3 Game - This Pattern Game from Leslie McDevitt is helpful for walks with nervous and shy dogs. The pattern gives our ways to communicate with us when they feel safe enough to move forward or do more.
3. What Is That - Another consent based communication game that gives you and your dog a way to have a conversation about things happening in the environment