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P.E.T. (Play, Exercise, Training) Helps A Fearful Dog Become A More Confident Dog

fearful-dog-by-noiseburst.jpg When you have a fearful dog, the first thing you want to do is learn to lower your dog’s stress level. 

Lowering your dog’s stress level will give your dog the chance to learn new skills and behaviors. 

One way to help a fearful dog become a more confident dog is by doing Play, Exercise, Training therapy (otherwise known as P.E.T.):

  1. Play – If your dog is afraid to play (with or without you), try to change your dog’s surroundings.  Give him a place to play that he definitely feels safe.  Play there all the time until he is finally 100% confident playing.  Then, move the play behavior to another location and try to get your dog comfortable playing there as well.  Find out what really makes your dog tick when it comes to playing.  For some dogs, it’s rough-housing.  For other dogs, it’s trying to find a bone or treats that you’ve hidden from them.  But don’t move to another play area until your dog is completely comfortable with the first location.
     
  2. Exercise - All forms of exercise can help your dog cope with stress.  Exercise gives your dog freedom to simply be a dog.  (It’s also beneficial to your dog’s health!)  Doggie exercise usually takes place in the form of active play with your dog.  Try to give your dog a good amount of exercise each and every day.  This will build his confidence level.
     
  3. Training – By training your dog, you are building his confidence level and helping him remain stress free.  Training a fearful dog (which includes everything from simple daily tasks to advanced dog tricks), gives the dog a reason to feel good about himself.  He starts to realize that he has a purpose.

If your dog is fearful around strangers in public, remember is that your dog takes cues from you.  How you are feeling is very obvious to dogs.  Your dog can pick up on your emotions quicker than you may realize your own personal feelings.  So, keep your emotions in check if you want to help your fearful dog be more comfortable around strangers.

Carrie

I have 2 Miniature Pinschers. My husband and I consider them our 4-legged kids.

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  • http://www.dogstarcharleston.com/ Brett

    Great, concise article. Slowly introducing your dog to others on neutral territory, in a one on one situation first, helps them get over the fear of other dogs. And most dogs need way more exercise than they get, which helps dogs rid themselves of built up tension, energy, and anxiety.

  • Stacie

    We just got a new dog his name is Ace, he is 7 months old. Everytime I tell him to sit he always tucks his tail and moves really slow, I was told by his previous owner that he was hit if he didn’t sit. I was wondering how to teach him that doing tricks is a good thing not a bad thing?

    • http://thefuntimesguide.com/ FunTimesGuide

      Stacie – First of all, if it seems that the word “sit” alone stirs up some emotional baggage for your new dog, then immediately change the word you use for “sit”. It’s okay… it’s just a word used to signify a behavior that you want your dog to do. You could call it ANYTHING… even “blue” — as long as you only use “blue” whenever you want your dog to sit. :-D

      Then, you’ll want to begin a whole new way of communicating with your dog… In your case, the tone of voice that you use will be important — because it sounds like he’s been scolded far too many times in the past. Your dog will associate any similar tone of voice, facial expressions, and hand gestures that you might use with those that have been used with him in the past. So try to come up with your own “new” language & means of communicating with your dog.

      As an example, if your dog is as ‘sensitive’ as my dog is… even the slightest whisper of the word “No” causes my dog to cringe because he knows that he’s done something wrong. So we rarely even use “No” since it literally scares him — it’s TOO harsh of a word for our dog. A simply “un uh” usually works instead of “No” for our dog. Maybe it will for your dog too — especially if it’s said softer than a commanding “NO!”

      That’s just ONE example of coming up with your own “language” and means of communicating with your dog. Turn it into a game… and this can be a FUN way to learn new things together. :-D