According to AVMA, 48,255,413 households in the United States own a dog. That means a large number of people living in the US love to have a dog at home. All of them want their dogs to be active and confident, but how would you do that?
If you wish to build confidence in your dog, it can be a challenging but rewarding task. There are many things you can do
to help your dogs feel more confident in themselves and their surroundings.
Suggestions to build confidence in your dog
Here are 10 of the best tips:
1. Start with obedience training. A well-trained dog is a confident dog. Basic obedience commands such
as sit, stay, come, and down will help your dog understand what is expected of them and will make
them more confident in their abilities.
2. Establish rules and boundaries. Dogs feel more confident when they know what is expected of them.
Set rules for your home and enforce them consistently. This will help your dog understand their place in
the family hierarchy and will make them feel more secure.
3. Give them plenty of exercises. A tired dog is a content dog. Exercise helps burn off energy and helps
dogs feel relaxed and confident. A good daily walk or run is essential for any dog’s wellbeing.
4. Socialize your dog early and often. Dogs who are well-socialized are typically more confident around
other people and animals. Introduce your dog to new environments and situations early on in life and
continue to socialize them as they grow older.
5. Feed them a balanced diet. Dogs who are well-nourished are typically more confident and happier. A
balanced diet full of nutrients will help your dog feel its best both physically and mentally.
6. Make sure they have a safe place to relax. Every dog needs a designated safe space where it can go
to relax and feel secure. This may be a crate, bed, or simply a quiet corner of the house where they
know they are always welcome.
7. Give them plenty of positive reinforcement. Dogs love positive reinforcement! Reward your dog for
good behavior with treats, praise, and petting. This will help them learn that they are doing something
right and will make them more confident in their abilities.
8. Don’t resort to punishment. Punishment can actually have the opposite effect and make dogs feel
insecure and anxious. If you catch your dog engaging in bad behavior, try to correct it using positive
reinforcement instead of punishment.
9. Use treats sparingly. While treats are a great way to reward your dog, don’t overdo it. Too many
treats can make dogs overweight and unhealthy, which is not good for their confidence levels. Reserve
treats for special occasions or when your dog has performed especially well.
10. Be patient! If you want to build confidence in your dog then it can take time and patience. Don’t expect results overnight.
Persevere and be consistent with the things you do to help your dog feel more confident, and you will
eventually, see a difference.