How to Build Confidence in a Nervous Dog Without Forcing Them

Practical, clear training guidance from Holistic Hounds for dog owners who want useful real-life skills.

1. Respect distance from things that worry the dog

Respect distance from things that worry the dog.

2. Use predictable patterns to reduce uncertainty

Use predictable patterns to reduce uncertainty.

3. Reward voluntary curiosity and exploration

Reward voluntary curiosity and exploration.

4. Do not mistake stillness for comfort; read the whole body

Do not mistake stillness for comfort; read the whole body.

5. Use achievable search and movement tasks to build competence

Use achievable search and movement tasks to build competence.