Five Exciting Games to Boost Your Dog’s Confidence

Five Exciting Games to Boost Your Dog's Confidence

5 Confidence-Building Games for Dogs

If your dog seems shy around strangers or gets anxious in new situations, they could benefit from some confidence-building games. Introducing new experiences in a fun and positive way can help boost their confidence. Here are five games that can help:

Why Play Is Important for Shy Dogs

Before diving into the games, let’s quickly discuss why games are so beneficial for shy or fearful dogs. Understanding the root of their nervousness can make it easier to address. Confidence-building games give your dog something enjoyable and meaningful to focus on. They’re especially helpful because they allow dogs to learn new things without fearing negative outcomes. Essentially, games provide a positive distraction, drawing their attention away from anxiety-inducing elements in their environment.

It’s important to note that more anxious dogs might not be ready to play in every situation right away. You need to gradually build up their comfort level. For instance, if your dog is afraid of strangers, start introducing the “touch” hand game with friends and neighbors in familiar settings before trying it at a busy park.

While confidence-building takes time, games are versatile tools that can be used in various situations. They’re easy to start and enjoyable, helping to strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

Free Shaping Games

One of my favorite confidence-building games is free shaping. Shaping involves teaching a new behavior through a series of small steps, without using corrections. This method encourages your dog to try new things without worrying about negative outcomes.

A popular example is “101 things to do with a box.” Place a box on the ground and let your dog explore it without any cues. When they show interest by looking at or sniffing the box, reward them with a treat and praise. Gradually, they will offer different behaviors, each earning a reward. You can use this technique with various objects, not just boxes. For example, you can shape a behavior like crawling under an object.

The beauty of free shaping is that your dog can’t fail; any behavior they choose is praised. This encourages them to try new things without fear of making mistakes. Plus, it can be done from the safety of your home, making it ideal for anxious dogs.

If you’re unsure where to start, there are plenty of resources available. For instance, Dr. Sophia Yin’s video on basic free shaping exercises provides excellent guidance.

Tip for More Fun Activities

If you’re looking for more fun activities to engage your dog, be sure to explore “33 Ways to Keep Your Dog Busy Indoors,” “26 Boredom Busters for Dogs,” and “10 Fun Games to Play with Your Dog.”

By incorporating these confidence-building games into your routine, you can help your dog become more self-assured and relaxed in various situations.