Exercises For Building Confidence

[Rottnlove]

I've been wondering if there's anything I can do to build upon Xena's confidence level? She's still a pup (8 months). I just notice when I take her out to potty, that she's a bit nervous about people in their yard usually only at night when it's dark out and difficult to see. She will try to run away if they are close enough so she can hide. I know we can get her over this with time, but it's so weird. Other times when she sees and hears things, she's totally fine. maybe just a bit curious is all. It has me puzzled. So, what can I do to build her confidence? What kind of training exercises help?

Thanks. :)

[RottiMomCT]

Are you friendly with the neighbors/people outside at night?? If so, ask them if they will help you. When you go out, go over to the people and have them give Xena treats. Make it fun. Explain to the neighbors/people that you are training her and give them the treats they will be giving her so they don't think they can randomly give her treats whenever they see her (if they wanted to do that).

If, when walking over to the people, Xena doesn't want to go, don't force her. Tell her she's a silly dog and make like those people you're going to see are as harmless as you are (they are, right?!?!). Make like you're out for a normal walk...tell her those silly people have treats! Make it all sound like the best thing in the world!

If she senses that you're not hesitant about the people outside, she might be a little more confident. Often you need to make a complete fool of yourself in order for Xena to realize there's no reason to be afraid of something.

[DNeff]

Well a great general confidence builder is agility. It really helps on overall confidence and attitude. It may not have an immediate effect on her fear of people outside at night, but it should help over time. I would definitely try to get her enrolled in a beginning agility class.

Agility can really transform a dog if done correctly. I can't say enough great things about it!

Since she is still a baby you won't be able to jump her more than about 4-8" and all the contact equipment must be kept low.

Good luck!

Dawn
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[Mattweiser]

I agree with Anne.... dogs can read alot into our emotions.. you can inadvertantly cause a dog to be spooky, w/o being aware of it..


assuming that you are not giving the dog clues... I deffinately agree with having "strangers" help by being friendly to the pup.

food is always the best bet... you will find, that with dogs who are fearfull, they may not always respond to typical treats.. that is when a higher value food becomes usefull... like raw meat, or seasoned meat.. things that you would not normally treat with, but that could be used in special instances.

-Matt

[Rottnlove]

Thanks, I really appreciate all this advice! :)

Usually it's the neighbors she can see or hear about three-four doors down at night. She's spooked by normal noises at night as well. (Like the sound of all the leaves on the big trees blowing in the wind.) It gets pretty loud. Just any noise, makes her nervous. I swear, if we go on walks, she acts like she's afraid of the people who are walking, and cower and try to shy away, sometimes almost tripping me, LOL. But this also usually only happens after dark. I think we'll walk her a lot more at night to get her use to the people and sounds. Should I give her a correction for acting afraid of these people? Or just ignore her and continue walking?

[alexav]

After saying how silly she is, or just not acknowledge the "OMG! Monsters!" act...
Break into obedience mode. "WOoooOOoo...Where's your sit? GOOD! Where's your Down? Good! LET'S Heel! Yayyyyyy! Good girl!"

IME, this is the age where they start to get really suspicious of strangers. The age that both my Rotties started to bark the alarm when we were doing something like bending to get a glass out of the dishwasher and they couldn't see who we were.
When Alexa was about that age, we had some friends come over to watch "Drakula" you know, the big budget one made in the early 90's?
Well, she was sleeping soundly when the scene with the wolves startled her awake. She looked around the room and saw a stranger with a big puffy white face sitting on the couch. OMG! Booowoooowoooowooooo!
As soon as Sherrie took the pillow away from her face that she was hiding behind cuz the movie was scaring the crap out of her...Alexa just felt silly.:o :D

Be more interesting than your surroundings and let her know that You're not concerned so why should she be?

Agility is a great idea too.

[Mattweiser]

Absolutely ignore her "skittish" behavior...

one of the worst mistakes you can make is trying to "chat" her through her issues...

stuff like "ohhh, it's ok"... or telling her she is good, are very bad, because it can be construed as reinforcing her scared behavior

[LynnS]

I have heard so many good things about agility and confidence building! Bella does not spook easily but once in a while she will be startled by a loud niose (which there are a lot of in the city)...Usually, if given the opportunity (and it's safe) her second reaction is "I want to check that thing out" and I let her. Does Xena have any curiosity after she is startled?

[Rottnlove]

I totally agree with you, Matt.

When she acts like this towards strangers on our walks, I don't baby her at all. I've given her a harsh correction for it, and by the posts I've read, it looks like I need to change that. It can upset me that she would be so afraid of people at night, lol. Here's this big Rottie girl who most people could be afraid of, is cowarding behind me as they pass by. Must be hilarious to watch! :p

I like all your ideas. I think it'll come in handy. :)

Now, I should look into agility!!! :D

[Rottnlove]

Lynn, most of the time she does have a little curiosity after she's startled. But if she's really startled by something, she'll just want to get out of there, LOL. It only happens at night. In the day she's pretty confident about things. :)

[LynnS]

I was afraid of the dark at her age too :D

When something startles Bella I usually start laughing at her - It just cracks me up! Prob not very helpful though...

[alexav]

Originally posted by Rottnlove
It only happens at night. In the day she's pretty confident about things. :)

Do you think it would be a good idea to have her eyes checked?

[Rottnlove]

Good point, Christy.

I guess it couldn't hurt! How do they check the dogs eyesight?

Maybe she can sense I'm nervous? Or someone dropping something that is being blocked from our view, she will startle. It's almost like she doesn't trust people at night.

I also am wondering if it's because I haven't socialized her at night. She's usually around people in the day. Could this be part of it?

[Sharon Marples]

Lisa,
You have eyes checked by a canine opthamologist. It is called a CERF exam and will also check for canine cataracts (which should be covered by your purchase agreement if they should find any).

And yes, she can be reacting to your own reaction. Try to stay calm, make like nothing is happening and go into that obedience or other routine to take her mind off of it.

I suggest lots of walks in the dark at night, making sure of course that is it in a safe area!

Sharon

[Rottnlove]

Thanks, Sharon.

I agree, I strongly feel she's sensing me. As we walked on, I just acted like I didn't see the other people and ignored her. It worked a lot better. My area seems to be pretty safe. I have a lot of street lights on the streets, so it's not too dark in most places.

I really appreciate this great advice!