{"id":464,"date":"2025-11-03T01:00:35","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T01:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/?p=464"},"modified":"2025-11-03T01:00:35","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T01:00:35","slug":"are-you-accidentally-hurting-your-dogs-confidence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/?p=464","title":{"rendered":"Are You Accidentally Hurting Your Dog\u2019s Confidence?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div data-article-body=\"true\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">When we think about confidence, we often picture humans striking power poses, listening to motivational podcasts, or giving a TED Talk about finding their inner lion\u2014maybe even with a stock photo of someone climbing Everest. But confidence isn\u2019t unique to humans. Dogs have confidence too, and as a dog trainer, I can often tell within seconds which <a href=\"https:\/\/paradepets.com\/dogs\/confident-dog-breeds\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:dogs are confident;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">dogs are confident<\/a> and which ones are insecure or anxious.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">What gives it a away? A dog&#8217;s behavior and body language reveal a lot about their confidence level. Therefore, being insecure can affect tons of different breeds, from <a href=\"https:\/\/paradepets.com\/dogs\/prettiest-dog-breeds\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:pretty dogs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">pretty dogs<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/paradepets.com\/dogs\/one-thing-smart-dogs-do\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:smart dogs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">smart dogs<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/paradepets.com\/dogs\/shaggy-dog-breeds\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:shaggy dogs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">shaggy dogs<\/a> and ones of all different sizes. That&#8217;s why spotting signs of an insecure dog can be tricky if you don\u2019t know what to look for. Because of that, we\u2019re breaking down the most common ways <a href=\"https:\/\/paradepets.com\/dogs\/signs-youre-a-good-pet-owner\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:pet parents;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">pet parents<\/a> accidentally crush a dog\u2019s confidence without knowing they are.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">By recognizing these behaviors, you can learn how to boost your dog\u2019s confidence, help rebuild your dog\u2019s self-assurance, and create a happier, more secure pup. Sometimes, well-meaning pet parents do things that shatter a dog\u2019s confidence unintentionally, but with a few mindful adjustments, you can see your pup\u2019s personality shine again. Before you know it, you&#8217;ll notice your dog is more confident than ever and can explore, play and recover from setbacks without fear, and think to themselves, <em>\u201cHuh, that was weird,<\/em>\u201d instead of spiraling into anxiety, because their confidence gives them resilience in everyday life.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/paradepets.com\/dogs\/signs-your-dog-thinks-youre-their-best-friend\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:10 Hilariously Heartwarming Signs Your Dog Thinks You\u2019re Their Best Friend, According to Experts;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">10 Hilariously Heartwarming Signs Your Dog Thinks You\u2019re Their Best Friend, According to Experts<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">7 Ways You Could Be Accidently Shattering Your Dog\u2019s Confidence<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"A pet owner trying with her dog who feels insecure.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/JOMjR6H_PLdj3KgA2CGk7Q--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/parade_pets_articles_328\/d444e20ab566427516dd8ac92f35b498\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>A pet owner trying with her dog who feels insecure.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">As a loving and caring dog parent, you may sometimes or unintentionally hurt your dog&#8217;s confidence because of a basic misunderstanding of how relationships between humans and dogs really work. After all, a <a href=\"https:\/\/paradepets.com\/dogs\/funny-ways-dogs-talk-to-owners\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:dog's way of communicating;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">dog&#8217;s way of communicating<\/a> and a person&#8217;s are different. What many people might not realize is that a dog&#8217;s confidence is built on a foundation of predictability, gentle exposure and trust. Therefore, as their caretakers, people ultimately hold the hammer and chisel to either sculpt or shatter that delicate confidence. Here are some common ways we may unintentionally crush our dog&#8217;s confidence levels:<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"mb-4 text-lg font-bold\">1. Exposing Your Dog\u00a0to High-Intensity Triggers<\/h3>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">One reason dogs can lack confidence? They are constantly being flooded. &#8220;Flooding&#8221; is a behavioral term meant to describe exposure to triggers at a highly intense level. In a nutshell, it\u2019s the common practice of forcing timid dogs to \u201cface their fears,\u201d without being able to escape.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">As a trainer, I&#8217;ve seen this happen way too often. From the well-meaning owner of a puppy terrified of people who invites ten of his buddies over, to folks who take their fearful dogs to the dog park in hopes of letting them socialize. These dogs aren\u2019t \u201cgetting over their fears.\u201d Their brains aren\u2019t thinking, \u201c<em>Maybe today I\u2019ll make a new friend,\u201d<\/em> but rather, <em>\u201cWhere&#8217;s the exit? I can\u2019t control what happens to me. And why, have you pet parent, betrayed me right when I needed you the most?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Flooding therefore doesn\u2019t teach courage; it teaches helplessness as the dog learns that escape is impossible, and that their trusted human isn\u2019t there to help. It chips away at their confidence rather than building it, leaving them more anxious than before.\u00a0The bottom line is, this type of forced exposure doesn\u2019t teach courage. It teaches helplessness. True confidence is built through gradual, positive encounters. Dogs who are allowed to approach their triggers at their own pace learn, <em>\u201cI can handle this\u201d <\/em>and are more likely to recover over time.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"mb-4 text-lg font-bold\">2. Scolding Your \u201cGuilty Dog\u201d<\/h3>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">If I could count how many times dogs have been accused of acting \u201cguilty\u201d for chewing a shoe, raiding the trash, or knocking over a plant, I\u2019d probably need a new calendar just to keep track.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">But don\u2019t just take my word for this. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1080\/02699930701273716\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:2007 study;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">2007 study<\/a> found that as many as 74 percent of dog owners really believed that their dogs were capable of feeling guilty, but fortunately we know better nowadays.\u00a0In fact, Horowitz\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0376635709001004?via%3Dihub\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:2009 study;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">2009 study<\/a> strongly suggests that the \u201cguilty look\u201d is simply a response to the owners\u2019 emotions, tone of voice and\/or body language than the dogs\u2019 own past behavior.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The truth is, your dog is not feeling guilty when you come home to a mess on the floor. Instead, they are likely feeling terrified. When you scold them after the fact, their confidence evaporates because they don\u2019t understand what they did wrong, can\u2019t predict your reaction, and perceives the situation as unpredictable and unsafe.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"mb-4 text-lg font-bold\">3. Showing Your Dog Who\u2019s \u201cBoss\u201d<\/h3>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Sometimes, despite the many years of modern day training,<a href=\"https:\/\/paradepets.com\/dogs\/worst-dog-training-mistake-according-to-dog-trainers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:old-school dominance theory;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"> old-school dominance theory<\/a> still rears its obsolete head. This is where the persistent myth that dogs need to be \u201cput in their place\u201d triggers pet parents to use outdated methods based on intimidation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Because of this, harsh training methods and the use of aversion-based tools risk chipping away a dog\u2019s confidence.\u00a0A confident dog doesn\u2019t obey out of fear, rather they cooperate out of trust. To help build your dog\u2019s confidence, let them feel safe and secure. By doing so, they should follow cues because experience tells they that great things happen when they do.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"mb-4 text-lg font-bold\">4. Implementing Inconsistent Rules<\/h3>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a href=\"https:\/\/paradepets.com\/dogs\/signs-your-dog-is-protecting-you\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Dogs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Dogs<\/a> thrive when they are given clear and consistent rules. A lack of clarity or inconsistency, can turn their world topsy-turvy. Pet parents may do this often without realizing the impact it has on their dogs.\u00a0Something as simple as allowing a dog to jump on the couch one day and the next strictly prohibiting it, risks generating confusion, and confusion ultimately breeds anxiety.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">So, remember that inconsistency and lack of clarity causes confusion in dogs, when instead,\u00a0 confidence is built when dogs can predict outcomes. It is therefore important to provide clear rules that are followed by all family members.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"mb-4 text-lg font-bold\">5. Forcing a Dog to Greet People<\/h3>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">As humans, we love projecting our social expectations onto dogs. If we therefore encounter a <a href=\"https:\/\/paradepets.com\/dogs\/shy-dog-breeds\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:shy puppy;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">shy puppy<\/a> who hesitates to greet a stranger, we are often tempted to push them and\u00a0 say something along the lines of: \u201cGo on! Say hi!\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">From the puppy\u2019s point of view, you have ignored their body language and threw them into a situation they didn\u2019t consent to. Over time, this may erode trust not only in strangers, but in you, his supposed \u201csafe base.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Instead, to help your dog build confidence, forget about forcing friendliness with everyone. The will to meet and greet should come from your dog when he is ready. In the meanwhile, work on creating positive associations with people and give your dog agency.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"mb-4 text-lg font-bold\">6. Repeating the Words \u201cNo! No! No!\u201d<\/h3>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Imagine trying to learn a new language where the only feedback you get is being told you\u2019re wrong in a stern tone, repeatedly, and with poor timing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Constant correction without direction produces a dog who\u2019s afraid to experiment and stops offering behaviors altogether. This is because experimentation has historically led to.. you guessed it\u2026.yelling.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Confidence in learning comes from success, not scolding. Want a confident learner? Mark and reward what dogs do right and guide them gently.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"mb-4 text-lg font-bold\">7. Having a Chaotic Environment<\/h3>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Dogs thrive when they\u2019re in predictable and orderly environments. Loud homes, unpredictable schedules, too much rough play and kids chasing dogs around may wreak havoc on a dog\u2019s ability to cope.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Dogs crave stability. When dogs know what\u2019s coming next such as when meals happen and when walks and rest times occur, they feel safer and more confident in their surroundings.\u00a0 That&#8217;s why without structure, a dog\u2019s life may feel like a never-ending carnival ride with flashing lights, sudden noises, and no off switch. Sure, some dogs\u00a0 may adapt, but other dogs may struggle. Predictability and order helps keep a nervous system calm.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/paradepets.com\/dogs\/signs-your-dog-thinks-youre-the-best-person-in-the-world\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:10 Signs Your Dog Thinks You\u2019re the Best Person in the World, According to a Trainer;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">10 Signs Your Dog Thinks You\u2019re the Best Person in the World, According to a Trainer<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">4 Ways to Build a Dog&#8217;s Confidence<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">If you\u2019re reading this and recognizing behaviors that may have damaged your dog\u2019s confidence levels, take a breath. You\u2019re just a human, and as humans, we can make mistakes at times.\u00a0The good news is that dogs are astonishingly resilient, and with our gentle guidance we can rebuild their trust and confidence levels. Here are several tips to help you succeed.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mb-4\">\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">1. Provide consistency in your dog&#8217;s life. Create clear, reliable routines.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">2. Reward bravery in tiny doses using professional behavior change methods such as desensitization and counterconditioning.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">3. Let your dog make choices whether it\u2019s to approach, to sniff or to retreat. Every successful decision reinforces agency, and agency is the seed of confidence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">4. Replace the word \u201cno!\u201d with another cue your dog is familiar with. For example, if your dog grabs your shoe that\u2019s laying on the floor? <a href=\"https:\/\/paradepets.com\/dogs\/why-drop-it-is-so-important-for-dogs\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Teach your dog to \u201cdrop it\u201d;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Teach your dog to \u201cdrop it\u201d<\/a> rather than saying \u201cno\u201d, and when your dog complies, lavishly praise and reward him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\"><strong>Sources: <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Horowitz A.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0376635709001004?via%3Dihub\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Disambiguating the \u201cguilty look\u201d: Salient prompts to a familiar dog behaviour;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Disambiguating the \u201cguilty look\u201d: Salient prompts to a familiar dog behaviour<\/a>. Behav. Process. 2009<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Pickersgill O, Mills DS, Guo K. Owners\u2019 Beliefs regarding the Emotional Capabilities of Their Dogs and Cats. Animals (Basel). 2023 Feb<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Morris, P. H., Doe, C., &amp; Godsell, E. (2007).\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1080\/02699930701273716\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Secondary emotions in non-primate species? Behavioural reports and subjective claims by animal owners;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Secondary emotions in non-primate species? Behavioural reports and subjective claims by animal owners<\/a>. Cognition and Emotion.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Hiby, Elly &amp; Rooney, Nicola &amp; Bradshaw, J. (2004). Dog training methods: Their use, effectiveness and interaction with behaviour and welfare. Animal Welfare<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><i>This story was originally reported by <a href=\"https:\/\/paradepets.com\/dogs\/signs-your-dog-lacks-confidence\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Parade Pets;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Parade Pets<\/a> on Nov 2, 2025, where it first appeared in the <a href=\"https:\/\/paradepets.com\/dogs\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Dogs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Dogs<\/a> section. Add Parade Pets as a <a href=\"https:\/\/google.com\/preferences\/source?q=paradepets.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Preferred Source by clicking here.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Preferred Source by clicking here.<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When we think about confidence, we often picture humans striking power poses, listening to motivational podcasts, or giving a TED Talk about finding their inner lion\u2014maybe even with a stock photo of someone climbing Everest. But confidence isn\u2019t unique to humans. Dogs have confidence too, and as a dog trainer, I can often tell within [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":465,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-464","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pets-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/464","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=464"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/464\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/465"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=464"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=464"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=464"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}