How do I build my dog's confidence in anxiety?

If your dog is reactive in their behaviour, then reducing the number of instances where they are likely to encounter strangers is a good first step to building their confidence. Be sure to maintain a reasonable distance from others when out on walks or consider taking a quieter route. It’s good to know the maximum distance from someone that your dog is comfortable with. Try to picture an invisible bubble around your dog. This is effectively their safe space. A great way to build your dog’s confidence around strangers is by introducing them to your friends and members of your family that you see regularly. This can be achieved in your home where your dog has a safe space to move to, such as their bed. Be sure to take slow steps so that your dog doesn’t get overwhelmed. Practise positive reinforcement training. This involves praising and rewarding your dog when they display calm behaviour around strangers. Start by slowly building up your dog’s tolerance level to being near people they’re not familiar with in a controlled space. Treat them when they display calm behaviour, offer them a treat, this will help to reinforce the positive association between their behaviour and the treat. Exposure is key, as your dog gets more comfortable and used to this, you can slowly start to increase their exposure to strangers when out and about. Praise and reward your dog throughout when they display calm behaviour and be generous enough to offer them two treats for moving away from others while staying by your side. It’s essential to build trust with your dog to help reduce any anxiety or stressful situations for them when they’re around people they’re not familiar with. Be patient, building your dog’s confidence takes time and patience, however, a safe and secure environment combined with consistent positive reinforcement training will gradually help your dog to develop lasting confidence around strangers.

Dogs learn from positive association. The best way to help a shy or fearful dog gain confidence is to expose them to what frightens them at a low intensity. Pair this exposure with something positive, like a tasty treat. This is called counter conditioning and desensitization, and when done successfully, it helps them feel more comfortable around the source of their fear. Build up trust with your dog before bringing them to public settings like the dog park, a friend’s house, or a dog-friendly restaurant or brewery. Putting your dog in a stressful situation will set their progress back. Go slow and give them time to gain confidence and trust. Most fearful dogs gradually improve with time, training, and trust. Treats and happy, positive interactions can go a long way, but don’t expect a total transformation.