The easy way to
a more confident dog

Well, it depends. Like humans, some dogs are just born that way. We all have inherent personality traits based on our genes. Some of us are more bold and outgoing, some of us are more hesitant and introverted. But the most shy among us can learn to be more comfortable in social situations, and we can learn to reduce our fears, too. Thankfully the same is true of most dogs.

Another common cause of canine shyness and fear is under-socialization. As a left-over mechanism for survival in the wild, a dog’s genes tell them to be wary of all new things once adulthood arrives. So dogs who were not positively exposed to enough of the world during puppyhood—a process called socialization—often grow up to be shy or fearful. Fortunately, these dogs can also experience increased confidence through training.

In some situations, fear is learned. A dog who’s had a bad past experience may respond fearfully in similar situations, just as we humans might. If your dog has been chased by a child or attacked by a larger dog, for example, it’s understandable they may feel nervous around children or large dogs. Our training job, then, is to reverse that fear and teach your dog that, despite that traumatic past experience, kids or big dogs are nothing to worry about.

In all these endeavors, as with any training I do, I use only the most scientifically-sound, positive training methods. The best and most lasting results are those gotten with the gentlest and most effective methods.

Learn more about my training methods and also my credentials.