Any Help On How To Get A Dog To Feel More Confident?

[Isabel964]

My Kelpie cross Punpunya is a lovely wonderful girl. But she is very submissive and lacks confidence.

We got her as a 3 month old puppy as company for ourZeus, and American staffy cross male. He was older and the dominant one and it worked well. But Punpunyas submissivenes was always extreme.

After 5 years Zeus passed away at age 14. We got Jindi a 3 month old Westie (Jindi).

Things changes. Punpunya became the dominant dog and gained confidence. As our Westie grew up (she is over 2 now) they became more equal. I think Punpunya is still dominant, but she lets Jindi get her own way alot of the time. I wouldn't say that Jindi is the dominant one though.

However she still hangs her head low, has her tail between her legs often and shrinks as if to say "I am only me. I am not worthy".

I know its good for her to know the hierarchy, but she is obedient and very eager to please and it would be so nice to see her with more confidence.

There is much infmoration how to deal with dog 'problems' but I have not found anything to increase a dogs confidence. If there are any ideas out ehre, or if anyone can share how they dealt with this sort of thing, that would be great.

[skip]

Interesting question. I'd like to know if there is.

I try to do the best I can in terms of socialisation and training. My kelpie/x at times can be a bit like yours ( with people) and he looks pretty pathetic. But I'm sure he is fine and he always manages to get pats from people using this approach.

My dogs socialise a lot and it is fascinating to see the way the dogs all interact. And they know the language. Amazes me that my smallest dog knows exactly what dogs she can give cheek to and what dogs to keep happy in mere seconds of meeting.

[laffi]

I found that clicker training really increases dog's confidence

[The Spotted Devil]

What about some tug games? I definitely don't have a dog that lacks confidence but I believe it's a great way to build it....especially if you let them win a lot more often

[Erny]

My Kelpie cross ... is very submissive and lacks confidence.

... she still hangs her head low, has her tail between her legs often and shrinks as if to say "I am only me. I am not worthy".

Are you saying, towards you? Towards other dogs? Towards anyone?

There is much infmoration how to deal with dog 'problems' but I have not found anything to increase a dogs confidence.

Any activity that would give her a feeling of control over her own destiny. Sorry - a poor way of saying things such as agility (dogs lacking confidence can "grow" before your very eyes when they easily learn to achieve obstacle negotiation). I have worked with dogs who have been real scaredy cats, and lacking in agility equipment, I'd encourage them to jump up (on a box, table supplied for that purpose, chair .... all dependant on the size of the dog and what they can manage). Make the exercises REEaaaaalllly easy for her to win, and let her know you're so pleased with her and amazed - even for the smallest of small accomplishments.

Also, praise for more confident posturing.

Having a good run with her on lead can also help bring that tail and posture up - have fun with her and if you can, try to encourage some 'drive'.

I think another good activity (esp seeing as she is part Kelpie) might be "herding". I've seen dogs who have been very meek literally 'bloom' as their ancient instincts come into play. She might not make the best herding dog in the world with her temperament, but the herding may well help her confidence immensely. I'm not the expert in this - if you're interested, get in contact with Kelpie-i (DOL member).

Trick training is also good. Start easy so she can achieve wins quickly and frequently.

Edited January 4, 2008 by Erny

[Lablover]

However she still hangs her head low, has her tail between her legs often and shrinks as if to say "I am only me. I am not worthy".

In very situation? Do you walk (on a loose lead with a confident outline) and spend time alone with her. Excellent name, love it. Punpunya.

[Billand]

Take her new places so she hears new sounds, meets new people. Socialisation is not just with other dogs but with people and learning not to be afraid of what is on the otherside of the fence. Take her on lots of walks, to obedience or agility classes, anything that the two of you can enjoy together. Agility it great for confidence building and lots of fun.

Cheers.