Article provided by West Tennessee K9 – Memphis Dog Trainers
A lot of our dog problems arise out of lack of confidence. A couple primary problems associated with lack of confidence are fear and reactivity.
Photo by Andrew Pons on Unsplash
My first piece of advice is, start early. As soon as you get your puppy, begin taking them places. Take them as many places as you can, as often as you can. Expose them to as many different sights, sounds, smells, textures, etc.
Keep in mind, a dog is scared of, and reacts to things it doesn’t understand. Example: If your pup walks past the garbage can outside every day, it’s just a part of life. After weeks and months of walking past that can, you move it to the middle of the driveway, there is a really good chance your pup will see it a react. It’s the same garbage can the dog has always walked by, it’s only the context that is different.
Exposure is a good way to build confidence and prevent reactivity and fear.
