How to build confidence in small fearful dog|Training a nervous rescue dog

[@noahatlas5240]

Love this owner. They’re clearly nervous and tense but trying to figure out exactly what to do and why. They truly want to learn the best for Bear. Love that

[@debh3404]

You said, "And I learned some things..." and THAT is what sets you apart from a lot of other dog trainers. Some people feel like they know everything already or have to convince everyone that they are 100% right all the time. Those trainers learn NOTHING and the animals suffer for it. Ego, it's a terrible thing in the dog training world. It's so refreshing to see that you have the INTELLIGENCE to be open to learning something everyday. THAT is true intelligence.

[@LauraHopkinsCDL]

Agreed. : )

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks Deb.

[@harlows.journey]

Deb H I agree

[@emileebacon9422]

Deb H I can also say that is also very prevalent in the horse world unfortunately. You have to be very picky what trainer you decide to use because you don't want to deal with bad egos and maintaing a good reputation (in the horse world) are important in the long run.

[@goldenmare2594]

@@emileebacon9422 yes...many horses are ruined by bad so called trainers

[@stephenmurphy5097]

So many dog owners let this fearful/ reactive / aggressive dogs control their interactions, scheduling and freedom of the human life. This is golden to help the smaller breed owners to understand and trust this balanced conditioning is for them too!

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thank you very much Stephen!

[@Glitter_Piss]

One of my favorite quotes is exactly that.... You can't punish someone for doing what you've taught them to do. It's all learning and always growing

[@sheilavanduynfote5539]

I love the way you work with every dog as an individual

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks as always Shelia!

[@DianerBananers]

I’ve been binge-watching your videos. I recently rescued a 1 year old mini greyhound/papillon/terrier mix and he is a MESS. Poor baby. Fear-aggression, possessiveness, the whole works. After a 2-hour watching session, I was able to walk him past strangers in tight proximity and he had NO reaction! That literally does not happen with this dog, he’s growing so much thanks to you.

[@kc-n-sassy]

i just dropped off the 7 month old mini american shepard at a doggie day camp... my nerves are shot but i know it is good for him to play with other puppies and other humans. Our trainer recommended the place because she works with the employees personally and i trust her.

[@PixieFacade]

I love seeing how this little guy is progressing just after the second session! I’ve been watching your videos for a while now and using your techniques with my dogs. I have one that had tons of anxiety when i got her two years ago. People comment all the time on how much she has progressed and how much confidence she has now! So, thank you for the work you do and the information you put out there! It definitely changes lives!

[@tomdavisofficial]

THANK You Tiffany!

[@goddessofdawn7466]

I can just see the love you have for dogs. Even the sound of your voice when you're talking about them. No matter how the dogs act. You are so genuine. It's amazing.

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks Amanda! :)

[@ahmedsaleh2284]

WOW!! that Belgian Malinois in the back is stunning. One of the most beautiful dogs I've ever seen!

[@jannellmeagher638]

Thank you! I am a puppy raiser for a guide dog organization. This video made me realize that I had talked too much to my pup at times while working on obedience and I wondered why my pup looked to me for "constant" approval. Your video was very enlightening. Great awakening. Lol Thank you.

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks for watching Jannell!

[@ŠárkaRodriguez]

Thank you Tom, it is usually about teaching owners then dogs what needs to be done to make them successful. I’m dog trainer myself and I’m teaching owners how to have better relationship with their dogs all the time.

[@moxierower1806]

Great to see the owner working with the dog and you giving her feedback because we all know it’s the people, not the dogs😉

[@tomdavisofficial]

Yep!

[@theknottyoaktree1017]

Love that you include small dog training as well. So many trainers only show videos of bigger dogs and I think temperaments are different in large and small breed dogs.

[@denisecairns3345]

I respect you so much as a trainer...I wish I lived closer so you could train my dog but I continue to learn by watching your videos

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thank you so much Denise, so grateful!

[@pixiesplantation]

One of your best videos! There’s so much we can learn from the behavior of little dogs but they’re rarely highlighted in the media. Awesome!

[@pgrieco56]

bear is so sweet and so eager to learn...

[@tomdavisofficial]

Very

[@FunkyFae57]

I'm 2 years late but I just needed to say that I got so much out of this video! Thank you! Oh and Bear is frigging adorable!

[@5304Klw]

Loved watching this! As an owner of a difficult dog, I'm grateful to see trainers take the time to explain how to alter the behavior instead of constantly focusing on things that an owner/handler is doing incorrectly. I've been watching your videos for a while and I've learned so much. Thank you!

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks for watching Kira!

[@tomdavisofficial]

YAAAAS! NEW VIDEO

[@aleXsullivan101]

Not just educational, but emotional as well. such a sweet little dog.

[@crochetingaroundnewzealand]

Wow Bear did an awesome job learning and I love the owners proud smile. Well done to both of them and of course you too Tom.

[@birminghamalabamasmostinte2812]

Like the way you explain everything to the owner,,,,,or train the owner thanks for this video

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks!

[@paulbirkholz4927]

Hi! This is Tina wife of Paul. I love your shows and all the teaching and training you give to the world. This show was so sweet and I love all the gentleness given to this dog. You can really see the owners love for her dog. Keep up the excellent work! Bye.

[@itzims5248]

I like the small dog videos. I adopted a 7yo chihuahua who is very fear aggressive and also dog aggressive. She was given up because of her dog aggression. I need her to learn how, at the very least, not lose her mind at the sight, smell or hearing another dog.

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks for watching!

[@Loogiemistress]

Look at her little self getting all those new concepts! Great to see. PS America has ALL the dogs :)

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks for watching!

[@krishunt2774]

I wish I lived closer to you I have been watching all of your videos. And I am currently doing a dog training course but I am obsessed with the behavioral modification that you do with the dogs you train. It just hits differently than being able to teach dogs tricks and basic obedience.

[@Ghost_Recon_Actual]

I like the way she responds to the handler.

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks Nick!

[@Ghost_Recon_Actual]

@@tomdavisofficial And when I said "she" I meant the dog. I'm retraining my daughter's dog that lived with her while she was in college. He's got a lot of bad habits because she didn't do what I told her to do when he was 8 weeks old, taking him everywhere to meet a lot of people, taking him to meet a lot of dogs after he was finished with his puppy shots... Anyway, your videos have helped me in different areas of difficulty.

[@JennyCitino]

Thank you for sharing! I adopted a fearful dog a few months and have been trying to figure out how to help her gain confidence, and your videos are fantastic.

[@lisalightfoot1344]

Having found why Thomas got into this. I can't imagine what an emotional job it was. And we can all be thankful that experience has turned into a massive positive for those dogs that otherwise might not be with us if it weren't for him.👍❤️ Going back through the old vids he hasn't stopped trying to change the mind of all people regards so called bad dogs.

[@anna_caro]

So great to see you problem solving in order to help dogs as individuals. It can be frustrating to try a lot of recommended things that don't work for your dog, but it helps to remember that each dog is different! Not every technique works for every dog and your approach of looking at every situation from the individual dog's perspective helps me a lot in my own training.

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks for watching Anna!

[@daniellebiedenharn8622]

These videos have be VERY helpful for retraining my little Aussie/Kelpie (mutt) mix who has anixety mostly, when walking. More "scared/ nervous" dog education videos please! 🙏 My dog is very smart and learns quicky. Anything you can do to help guide us more is much appreciated!

[@mariahhouchens5912]

your awsome for educateing the world on dog training more on small dogs would be great

[@nickjge6720]

Love the videos and bear. My girlfriend and I adopted a 2 y/o terrier poodle mix, his name is Yoda, 1 month ago and your training tips have been extremely helpful. We’re still working on his anxiety and confidence but he’s made so much progress! Keep up the vids!

[@tomdavisofficial]

YESS Thank you so much Nick!~

[@lison1273]

Bear is so cute. I love the way you train this dog. I love the way you train all dogs. So calm and your Balanced.

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thank you very much for the feedback!

[@Handsome2]

Man! Have to give some feedback! I've had my Siberian Husky for about 1year and 4 months and always been doing this positive food food food and no punnishment. Let me put it this way, i had more progress with my dog the last 4 days than i had in a year! Prong is not allowed here, so i use a slip. Now he follow me around with heel command when i ask for it and i can pass other dogs when we walk with no problem. If i say sit he sits right away. We have a much better relationship! Thanks allot for your videos! :D

[@Rusty91.]

I got a prong collar for my German shepherd puppy and my adult Springer and the easiness of training is unbelievable better glad your sharing your knowledge on youtube!

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks for watching Brandon!

[@cyndifalk]

Thank you for teaching us little dog stuff! I didn't realize that I had subscribed to the "no punishment" attitude. This ended up creating a small dog that was reactive and unmanageable around new people. Your videos are helping me -though we still have a ways to go - at least I can where we're going!

[@aliciasalvato3261]

Thank you so much for highlighting small dog issues! I just adopted a small dog and your instruction is so helpful. I can see where over affection feeds the insecurity.

[@nomi151570]

8:48 pm Alaska, I really love all of your explanations and observations. I have a small, fearful dog and this training is awesome ❤

[@miriamtice3704]

Love watching your videos they help me and my GSD.

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thank you very much! :)

[@Aprilme2]

Love the way you teach. I'm a dog trainer in NH and I teach in a similar manner. I often watch other trainers to see what they are doing. Nice job.

[@kimscott921]

I just found your site and have 2 German shepherds. One is a 4 month old puppy and barks a lot at stuff because he is unsure. Loving all your videos. Thanks for all you do!

[@sheilavanduynfote5539]

Bear is doing SO MUCH BETTER!!!!!!!. I am so glad that I was able to see part 2 with Bear. Happy New Year Tom.

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks Shelia!

[@summermirin9229]

I work at a training/boarding/doggie daycare. I want to become a trainer. (working on it) and I learn so much from from your videos!!! This especially helped me with my min pin. I got her before I knew anything about training and now she is kind of similar to this dog, but more barking 😑 . Thank you for what you do!

[@CBJ192]

So glad to see the improvements in her!!

[@tomdavisofficial]

Yes! Us as well! Thansk for watching!

[@ofespp]

Great video as always Tom. I have watched a vast majority of your videos over the past month or so because of how educational they are. It’s great to see how natural you are at this. Keep up the great work.

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thank you so much! :))

[@kateshaw1065]

Great informational video, especially the portion about dogs being held and becoming aggressive

[@kimberlyc.2318]

Yes!!! This is the video I've been waiting for from you!

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks Kimberly! :)

[@sonjamarx385]

What I really like about your lessons is that you don't show the exercises with perfectly trained dogs who follow every blink of your eye within a second. Most of the other dog training channels do that. There isn't much to learn from a well-trained and well-behaved dog who has an ideal relationship with its owner, understands the body language of the human and has already been teached the necessary commands (and even a few tricks in addition). You show us how untrained dogs behave and how to handle problematic situations that may occur due to their behavioral issues. Thank you. I adopted a 7 years old Yorki-Mix only 2 months ago and he seems to have a lot of problems. He isn't in the best of health, has never seen a Vet before (he wasn't neutered, several teeth had to come out, he was severely underweight, also years ago his left front leg was broken and without medical attention it didn't heal properly; as a result it's malpositioned, the constant overloading caused the wearing down of the joint surface and he developed arthrosis). I went to a specialist and the dog got medical treatment but way too often for me he seems to be in pain. Sometimes he takes the foot up and walks on 3 legs... The major problem: at home he's lovely but outside he becomes very anxious and aggressive. He barks at humans and even more aggressively at dogs, jumps up and down on the leash, he's shaking, his heart races, he can hardly breathe! I was told that his former owner died and the family didn't want him. He ended up in an animal rescue shelter where he was in a kennel confined with a handful of bigger dogs. Maybe that's the origin of his fear of other dogs? I don't know what to do and how to help him. It seems to get worse by the day. Sometimes I even take him up now to prevent him from strangling himself. He's out of his mind, gets furious and reacts hysterical when he sees the tip of the tail of another dog 50 meters away from us on the other side of the road!!! I want him to enjoy his life. I want to show him how great a dogs life can be. I want him to be calm and confident. Please help. What can I do?

[@esradogan112]

Good girl Bear, you little cutie !

[@jkdenoyer]

Great video! Thanks for the reminder to break things down into small steps. Who knew just changing your position would be part of desensitizing your dog!

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks for watching!

[@susymurphy1]

I just started watching your videos and love seeing the dogs and owners make such significant progress in such little time. I don't have aggressive dogs, but they are small terrier mixes and can be Nervous Nelly's around others (barking and jumping in excitement.) I know the large aggressive dogs are problematic, but it's nice to see some tips with smaller, more timid dogs.Thank you for sharing your vision with the world!

[@london69ish]

I love watching your videos because i learn stuff from you

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks for watching Kathy!

[@andresjarrin425]

That Mali in the pen is gorgeous!

[@kylasbibi]

Happy New Year!!! It’s interesting seeing you working with little dogs as opposed to the big powerful breeds.

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks so much!

[@LorriM]

This is exactly what I need for my fearful, anxious blue heeler mix! I'm at my wits end.

[@cheyanncaudill2234]

Great video! The dog looks much more calm and collective from the last video!

[@tomdavisofficial]

Agreed! Thanks for watching Cheyann!

[@benburns5995]

Happy New Year, Tom. Great to see Bear's progress in training. At the beginning it was really interesting to see how attentive Bear was to you in a short period of time. Many helpful tips to take away from this series.

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thank you so much for the feedback Ben!

[@christinarao-singleton9145]

That trainer so calm. I think I need to be a bit calmer for my pup. Her and I start puppy training next week!!

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks for watching Christina

[@shanakarlsen3952]

Everything belongs to human. We choose to share it with dog. But, if u don't listen, then I take it back. It teaches dog respect

[@pamkemmerer5720]

I just came upon your videos last week and really find your videos helpful. We just rescued a one year old terrier mix in December and she has such anxiety.

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks Pam!

[@cynthiacummings2125]

I’m a small dog groomer and am enjoying your insight. Will definitely recommend your app to my customers with problem dogs.

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks very much, Cynthia! :)

[@ChurchFarmer]

Super helpful for my Border Collie. She will go anywhere with me until we go to a place with more than 10 people, but we are making progress!

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks for watching Sara!

[@rebeccakauffman6864]

Great video! Great to see some little dog stuff in addition to the big dogs.

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks Rebecca!

[@leepensinger3552]

Thanks for All the INFORMATION..Love the progressions and brain storming

[@cls8796]

Thank you for this!! My chihuahua dachshund smart, I can teach her tricks very easily but I struggle with resolving these same issues!!!

[@christineatkinson3640]

*I like watching these videos, even though I have 4 big dogs. Because lots of the training techniques can be used with any size dog. Like the Marking & certain references he makes. I can see things that I do that maybe I shouldn't & things that I do that are correct. Always learning. I just hope that what I learn I can keep in mind when I am the need arises for me to correct my behavior & be consistent always. That is the big difference.*

[@jijulibtfe3925]

I like his voice:)💜

[@bawagnerr]

Yay. Hope you had a great vacation

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks Beth !:)

[@lolafalcon8902]

So real and raw and just so helpful and informative !!! Love your videos !! looking forward to more!!!

[@megansuch5254]

Dang I want merch but still I love the video and channel thank you Tom for all the educational opportunities you have given us I got a 10 month German shepherd puppy and I would never have made it through without this

[@divine69ification]

I really like the way you worked so nicely with the owner and her little dog. You did a great job and it was such a great outcome them both.

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks so much!

[@mariahs5705]

another great video! thank you for continuing to produce great content.

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks for watching and commenting :)

[@lourobin2728]

Your videos are GREAT 👍🏻 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🥰

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks Lou! :)

[@maritzamarie1156]

I think I finally found the answer to my question. My little dog is protective over my mother and I. And I think it might be because we have allowed him to be in front of us all the time! For example, when we’re sitting in the car or in the house or just anywhere!

[@brianacurtin3978]

Love watching your videos and getting some insight to understand dog language better ❤

[@tomdavisofficial]

So happy and grateful for you Briana!

[@heatherarman2060]

I love the charades analogy. I’m a trainer as well and I’m totally going to use that to help explain marking to clients. I will happily give you credit of course. Thanks for this video, it was really valuable watching you think through what will work for Bear and his mom.

[@alexiswilson231]

Thank you for the great content! I always learn something new! The trivia answer is USA at over 75.8 million dogs!

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks Alexis :)

[@ericcann6014]

Thanks for all the helpful videos! It’s been so helpful with our GSD puppy!

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thansk for watching Eric!

[@michellediaz1615]

Love watching all your videos, this was interesting to learn and understand. I think America has the highest population of dogs I believe I heard it before.

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks for wtching Michelle!

[@kerry6449]

Be right back, moving to America to get some free “no bad dog” merch 😂

[@tomdavisofficial]

hahah!

[@amyoyler4265]

I have a fearful puppy, so i appreciate you creating some content about this issue.

[@skynebula11]

OMG...you are so good!

[@paulinebackhouse4805]

Brilliant Tom! BIG help as I have a small dog too. I’ve just ordered the little bed for the touch. Xx 😘

[@mirmirbaxter8474]

My little Chaloupa does the same thing..soon as I get up she steals my spot. I always thought it was bc she wanted my heat lol. She lays on my pillow also and I figured she was trying to give me pink eye...

[@LauraHopkinsCDL]

Great point Tom regards very few dominant dogs. So much comes from fear as you know. Happy New Year .Tom , thank you :)

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks Laura, you as well!

[@juanmorales-perez4629]

I love the content! Keep up the amazing work 🤗

[@anne-mariemcisaac403]

Happy New Year! After watching this video it is time to get back to some basics with mine.

[@tomdavisofficial]

Yep! It's always good to just step back and refresh!

[@danielbuck8977]

Happy New Year! Another awesome video!

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thank you Daniel! :)

[@LalAxCrazyMe]

Great advice! I need to work on building my dog's confidence around strange dogs and humans.

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks for watching and commenting Eri!

[@lindaklesmith1076]

Your videos are so interesting and so useful! I love learning about this information. Thank you.

[@hazelbarks]

i just got a new puppy and shes a little fearful, so this should help a lot!! love your videos!

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks!

[@thisisrr1]

Happy new year and thanks for the video

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thank you very much Rahul!

[@theoriginalspud]

I have a two year old Chihuahua Jack Russell terrier mix named Luna. I actually rescued her from my neighbors who were extremely neglectful and abusive towards her. Two years ago I had noticed my neighbors had gotten a little white puppy and were keeping it on their concrete porch in December. All that was on the porch with the puppy was a dirty towel and an empty bowl. After a couple days of debating what to do about the dog (I had called the authorities multiple times and they did absolutely nothing) I began feeding her when her owners weren’t home. She was skin and bones, you could see every single rib. The first time I fed her, she ate the food so fast she threw it up right after she finished. She was also terrified of me and it took a few hours and lots of food to get her to trust me enough to be close to her. I noticed she was limping slightly and that something seemed to be wrong with her mouth. After four days, I couldn’t take it any more and offered my neighbors $100 for her. They happily gave her to me and it wasn’t until I took her to the vet did I realize the severity of her abuse. She had a broken jaw, a dislocated hip, a broken leg, nerve damage in both hips, her stomach was covered with bruises and open wounds, some of the wounds were a human child’s bite marks, her ears had been pulled so hard that it popped a blood vessel in her cartilage. She’s been through so much and is so emotionally and physically scarred from her abusers. She is terrified of people and has recently become fear aggressive. I’ve tried for two years to socialize her and introduce her to people and other dogs, but all she does is bark and cry and scream. I understand why she’s terrified but I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong in trying to help her overcome her fears. I really need help because I love my dog more than anything and just want her to have a normal and happy life. I recently moved in with two roommates for college and the beginning was really hard considering the both have dogs as well (big dogs). She was terrified at first but now she gets along pretty well with the dogs. But she still barks at my roommates when they come home or even enter and exit a room. Though, in those times it seems more out of excitement than out of fear. She’s wagging her tail and calms down a little after they give her attention, but still it happens a lot in the day. This has caused my roommates to dislike Luna and find her annoying, which actually breaks my heart. She’s very very sweet and loving after she gets to know someone for a while. I just don’t know what to do about all the barking. And she’s still fear aggressive towards strangers. I can’t even take her to the park. I really need some advice.

[@clegg334]

Thanks for your instructive videos.

[@ahamrick12]

So glad to see a small dog and hear the explanations .. I have a chihuahua that is terrible around any1 who isn’t family. I’ve worked very hard but he’s very determined. Ppl think it’s cute bc he’s so tiny.. not cute lol. Oh and my guess is US!

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks!

[@ireneweber5664]

Happy new year! Enjoy your videos a lot! They teach me so much 🥳

[@ireneweber5664]

Too bad I won’t be able to get a merchandise... will stay tuned anyways 😉

[@ireneweber5664]

Germany has the highest dog population. (My guess)

[@rubiventura3824]

So interesting to watch. Your videos are always great 👏🏼

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks so much Rubi, very happy you enjoyed!

[@kristinegraham2754]

I like this video, Tom. My dog is one of those rare dominant dogs...the boundaries are compulsory in my life...

[@tomdavisofficial]

Thanks for watching! Kristine