How To Build Confidence & Reduce Anxiety In Fearful and Anxious Dogs

[@StonnieDennis]

Are you a fan of my training style, but can’t travel to Kentucky to see me in person? No worries! I offer an awesome online dog training course, which includes access to an array of exclusive videos and content, personalized coaching, journaling, and in-depth mentoring and evaluation by yours truly! If you just need some an advice or have a couple questions you need answered, I also offer professional consulting by the hour. Both of these great services can be found here: www.kentuckycanine.com Thank you all for your remarkable support over the years! I cannot express enough how grateful I am for your appreciation and patronage of this channel, my training style, and my kennel. Always remember, it’s a great day for a puppy-sized adventure!

[@DOSU490]

You don’t even need to have a dog to love Stonnie’s videos. It’s some wisdom right there, y’all. ❤

[@SunnyvaleTrailerParkSupervisor]

Word

[@joyrhodes2084]

Stonnie, I love your philosophy. In a world of crazies, you are a breath or fresh air.

[@fmknokey]

“The rain storms always stop.” What a great outlook on life! You would make a good crisis counselor for people about to commit suicide.❤ Seriously. That’s a great saying.

[@SomeMinorDogTraining]

For anyone reading this: I know that dog training can be difficult sometimes, but you're doing great. Keep up the good work, and your dog (and your own sanity) will thank you for it! ❤️💕

[@vikingdogmanship]

Everyone on yt are arguing about who is the best trainer and what side of the "spectrum" they are on. Usually extremly eye cathing videos. But folks, This is first class dog training! Stonnie deserves so much more recognition! Transmits his down to earth, cool calm and confident way of being to theese dogs 100%

[@personalalchemy1111]

This is really helpful! My dog and I were attacked back in December by a dog that got loose, and luckily I was able to protect my smaller dog. Ever since then, I've been trying to build my own confidence and not react with fight or flight when I see an offleash dog approaching. (unfortunately there have been quite a few offleash in the neighborhood) My body is sent into a panick immediately. I'm trying really hard to be a confident, and fearless dog mom.

[@sampanchevre]

I'm so sorry that happened to you. A dog getting loose and coming for my dog is my worst fear. Keep up the good work of trying to be confident and fearless. It's good for your dog. I'm trying to do the same because my dog is naturally a bit nervous, and I know I need to project confidence for her too.

[@MegaBoricuakid]

Go to a dog park

[@JM-rc2wt]

Dogs love a good leader and are happy to follow with pride.

[@SuperBacDoc]

Another great example of walking the walk

[@veedebee]

That is the Sunday sermon I needed today, thankyou, wonderful positivity as always xxx

[@jamesallison4875]

You’re the best! Tell it like it is… That dog is happier already. Great job.

[@StonnieDennis]

Thank you!

[@skipjack2-ui1uo]

Another fantastic video . Great advice and done with kindness once again.....😁😁

[@gardenbun]

Wow. What an inspirational video for both humans and canines!

[@ianbedloe3042]

Perry sure has come a long way! Congratulations!

[@HB-gs4zm]

Watched so many of your Videos in the last two months! I‘m preparing for our new ridgeback puppy coming in 3 months. But this video was so positive! Love your youtube videos! Please keep on doin‘ that great work. Best wishes from Germany to all doglovers!

[@JoshuaBeens-lu2is]

Wow! You have given me so much insight, philosophy, and physical skills with my dogs and their training. Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos! I have learned how to be a better dog trainer and father.

[@StonnieDennis]

This is the kind of comment that keeps us motivated!

[@heidibarsness9868]

Love this! I am training my golden retriever for search and rescue. She is going to be 4 months old. She is nervous and scared but I just keep exposing her to new things. She does great and is less nervous after just 5-20 minutes of working over and over.

[@RatdogDRB]

There you go again, Stonnie, applying common sense to a perceived problem. 'Das a good dog right there.

[@kaitlynbarnes3116]

The most inspirational dog training video I’ve seen. Thank you

[@carolemuenzer5490]

Love your set up. I am the gramma that says your ok let’s try it again. Had a shy puppy who is two and a half years old now. I train her with confidence She has become so confident

[@drollin10]

Excellent video and information as always! Thank you for this great information time and time again! You don't miss!!

[@geraldb9706]

Stonnie teaching patience, knowledge and gratitude all at once. I’m sure in your next life Stonnie, you will be a preacher…..a very wise preacher leading his flock of dog lovers with knowledge and guidance. Peace and Calm. 👍🏻😎🇨🇦

[@artreyes4931]

Maybe have your own TV show!

[@thecupcakehatter236]

Wow. I feel convicted, lol. We just got a dog from the rescue and she is SO fearful. She is 5 months old. I was hoping for a dominant/confident dog (that’s what I’m use to) and she is the opposite. So I’m trying to see how to make her confident. Anyways, you helped me to realize… the way I feel about people… feel that way for the dog. Don’t be judgmental and have empathy❤. Thanks for the video! I can’t wait to check out more.

[@jvjdrn]

How is your dog doing? Adopting a fearful Golden next week.

[@cubaindy6700]

I LOVE this guy! You get it, man. Every day is a blessing And, empathy, empathy, empathy.

[@islandgypsy1096]

Thank you! Always learn something new watching your videos! Pups going to be 3 yrs old soon. With your help he is calm, polite, with good manners. Yes! From my neighbors perspective 😊

[@StonnieDennis]

You are so welcome!

[@tedstack9833]

Great dog training and child raising advice. Thank you

[@johncatdaddy8895]

Thanks for the follow-up on Perry! Egads, you have done wonders "working" those fears out of her - like a totally different dog!

[@LivingItOutDoor]

Learned so much from you Uncle Stonnie. Would love to buy merch if you sale any. Thank you for all you do.

[@luannshort9215]

Amen, Brother Stonnie! Amen!

[@stefab8146]

you have no idea how much this inspired me. ive been looking for something to help me help my dog build confidence and this was the wisest advice i received, it just made me emotional. keep doing what you’re doing..the right people who will reach you, will be blessed

[@ACHNACONE]

Wonderful video .. packed with wisdom and truth .

[@betinahristova1132]

Thank you for your great video, Stonie. Every day is a blessing :)

[@Chetglass_]

Needed this today, Thank you Stonnie

[@StonnieDennis]

I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@princearjuna6456]

great, positive attitude toward dog training and life in general.

[@LivingProofK9Training]

The reminder I didn’t know I needed. This is more than a video, it’s a way of life. God bless

[@laurahogg2954]

After a long day on the farm I asked Audrey (3) if she wanted to watch Stonnie or Becky from acre homestead. She requested dog training. Audrey wanted to know where “the girl” was in this episode. I said Charlotte would be getting her jobs done. So now we are off to get the last of our jobs done because a three year old is passionate about life and can’t sit still. Isn’t that a message for life!

[@StonnieDennis]

This comment makes me so happy!

[@bonnierodger7719]

Sir, as usual you are spot on. I loved watching the collie go after the lab pup’s ankle. Thank you and Happy New Year!

[@jbc9259]

Preach Rev. Stoney!!! A great sermon in life lesson. Thank you

[@johnnacrist8715]

Great advice Stonnie❣️🙏🏼

[@bluetiger2468]

I noticed my golden retriever has a lot of anxiety when we go on walks, which is discouraging. One of the reasons why I wanted a dog is because I don't like going on walks alone. I really hope I can build her confidence! She has a lot of confidence at home, I know she can do it!

[@tonygicz8]

I moved in to a family members place she has a cockapoo that she would never really take outside she actually got her during covid so I understand her not really taking her outside, when i moved in i took it upon myself to start walking her at first it was extremely difficult she would get scared of everything if she would see someone she would get scared, loud noises would get her scared so it was a challenge but i took it upon myself to get her used to going outside i seen fear in her and i didn't want her to go through that i wanted her to be a strong and confident dog through the years that I've been here she has gotten a lot better she actually looks forward to walking outside which makes me happy. What's strange is i myself struggle with social anxiety so i see myself in her as strange as that may sound, so i feel like me and her definitely help each other out i stay strong for her even though she isn't my dog i love her like if she was and I'm going to continue to make sure that she has a healthy and happy life 😁

[@PanickingPat]

What an amazing setup you have. One day I wish to build the same! Thank you for the amazing tips.

[@lway8332]

Thanks for this! We’re always learning something new! Signed-old grandma and grandpa 😂😊

[@saralindsey6219]

I have been y rescued dog’s grandmother and great grandmother!! 😢😢😂😂 I will be the neighborhood BIG kids! Thank you so much 😊

[@angelescobar1761]

Enjoy every moments with the dog 💪👍

[@tjsayers5428]

Ah, Henry. What a good dog. My dog is 15 also. Every day with my friend is a blessing. ❤

[@DrBaldwinTrips]

Psilocybin mushrooms saved me from years of uncountable depression anixtey and illicit pill addiction imagine carrying heavy burden for decade and then all of sudden the burden is gone that is really strange indeed, Big shout-out Drjoe_blad for changing my life

[@compa4929]

I remember when my current lab was a pup and got scared at thunder. I took him out in the rain and thunder in the yard and ran around playing with him. Thunder never bothered him again. I definitely wasn't the grandmother.

[@C.Pachovsky]

Great video uncle Stonnie! I just caught a mouse and set it free in the woods.

[@tonyvickers8659]

I love watching your videos. What you are explaining in this one is a chat I had with my neighbor just yesterday. And what you said in right on with people who have the good intentions, but are reinforcing the bad behavior and wonder why thier dog is ther way it is. One thing I would have liked to see, is the start of this dog's training when she was afraid of the rain.

[@RBB.SpilledMilk]

I struggle with anxiety myself, had it since I was a little kid. I’m attempting to train my own service dog, with no prior experience, a task, I know. But it turns out the dog I adopted ALSO struggles with anxiety, we are in it together, hopefully we can both realize the world isn’t so scary. Thank you for the advice, I think it helped both of your anxieties.

[@StonnieDennis]

Don’t be fooled by the service dog marketing hype. If you stay focused on simple, basic obedience and socialization, the odds are that you will end up with a very nicely trained dog. Set reasonable goals and then work towards those goals in a consistent and persistent manner. As long as you stay focused, I’m sure you will be successful.

[@BeautifullyBroken2020]

I love your attitude! I want to listen to your videos just for the encouragement 😊 thank you

[@jeantemplemeyer366]

Thank you Stonnie!

[@piperfulton5547]

Thank you for teaching me a dog training lesson and a life lesson in one❤

[@C.Pachovsky]

Don't see that often, a video being uploaded to 4k instantly. Looking forward to watching it

[@alanross2243]

So awesome. You don’t have to have a dog to love Stonnie. I wish I had known Stonnie when my lab was young. She is 6. I’ve made so many mistakes.

[@StonnieDennis]

I’m sure you are doing a great job!

[@Lyne3512]

Bless this man

[@amk1.1]

I like your philosophy. How and where do we start with our dog. We moved to a new home and he was doing good. Went on walks and seemed happy. But we live near an air force base and the jets and airplanes fly over daily. We have fireworks every weekend in a town nearby. He is now terrified to leave our gated yard. He is constantly flinching every once... a car door slams, garage doors opens, planes, motorcycles in the distance, basically all loud sounds. He will yank and pull in the direction of our home. does not mind us any attention until we are back inside.

[@jensherwood9028]

Perry has come such a long way, walking thru the course like an old pro!

[@StonnieDennis]

Slow, but steady, progress!

[@FGL902]

Wonderful message for man and dog alike! I see you've got a collie with you, would love one of your overviews on how herding breeds tend to differ from the gun dogs you work with.

[@Slevs]

You're giving me confidence too! Lol Very inspiring way of thinking / Way of living! 👏 ❤ love it!

[@debbieturkett7250]

Love your videos! I’ve learned so much from you to help my black chubby…he’s polite and has good manners…yes, according to my neighbors!

[@sampanchevre]

Hi Stonnie, just discovered your channel, and this is my favorite video of yours. I really love your approach, so down-to-earth and full of wisdom. I worked with a trainer to train my psychiatric service dog. She performs really well in public for the most part, and I live in a walkable neighborhood so we're always out and about walking. But if it's about to rain or thunder pops, she gets nervous and pulls toward home or tries to hide under a car. I like your approach of showing her she can be successful in an adverse environment, so I'm going to try to do some training outside in the rain. I would appreciate a video that addresses what to do when you encounter reactive dogs on a walk. I haven't found anything like that on KZbin. We're supposed to protect our dogs by eyeing the threat, but we're also supposed to model confidence. I'm worried if I stay looking straight ahead to model confidence, that's the moment the reactive dog will get loose and come for us. There are a lot of reactive dogs in my neighborhood who act like they want to eat her when we walk past. Sometimes their handlers don't even cross the street or shorten the leash, leaving us no room to get around. Their handlers don't correct them, the most they do is pull them back, sometimes I hear them say "stop" weakly as if that's going to work. This is tied to the broader fact that there are so many people out there who don't train their dogs or know how to control them. What can we do in those tense moments of walking past their reactive dogs? Sometimes the handler yells an apology to me while their dog is barking or pulling on the leash, trying to lunge at my dog. I want to tell them about you or recommend KZbin training videos in general, but those moments are frenzied bc their dog is out of control, and my priority is always to protect my dog. Please help with this.

[@johnc1867]

Remember this: Direct eye contact is perceived as a threat in the animal kingdom. It can create immediate tension with a potentially dangerous dog and reinforce your dog's fears of unknown dogs. Even a confident dog will react when both a human and a dog stare at them. It's important to understand non-verbal cues and dog behavior to build trust and avoid unintentionally threatening your dog. I encourage you to read some books on this topic.

[@Joshua-b9t]

He is speaking facts!!👂🏽

[@CodyLittrell-f7b]

This is life advise just as much as dog 👍🏼

[@RobPell-x6v]

More great stuff, thank you. You mentioned thunder. Our Labradoodle has been VERY confident and happy since the day I met him at 6 weeks old. He LOVES all dogs and all people. I take all my dogs for on leash walks twice a day in public from the time they are 8 1/2 weeks old. Motorcycles, bicycles, trucks, sirens, basketballs etc.. whatever we encounter. (Kids riding skateboards fast downhill in the dark is a very weird exposure). He has virtually never had an ongoing issue with anything. All that said, this boy is terrified of fireworks in the neighborhood. His first 4th of July at 4 months old, he was just a little concerned. It’s gotten worse every year. Now at 5, he’s a basket case. Any suggestions? Worse for New Year’s Eve fireworks because they start at 5:30 and go till past midnight due to longer nites here in North America.. Almost nothing else scares this boy. He loves life the other 363 days of the year. Any suggestions would be.greatly appreciated.

[@jessicagislason4855]

My hound is the same, girl will go splash about in the middle of a flash flood but the moment there's thunder you better believe she is hiding in the smallest corner. I found something last year that works great for us, apparently bathtubs affect the sensation of the electricity or something during a storm so we stick a dog bed in the tub, throw in one of her blankets and put on some Brandi Carlisle and she will pass out through the whole storm. She will wander out into the storm if I do but shes much happier if I just assign her to the bathroom until the thunder is over

[@Mr2010taylor]

Brother , I’m dubbing you the dog 🐶 Pastor. You are talking about life as a whole and it beautiful. I thanks 🙏 you.

[@vbkimmy]

So much gold here!

[@terrystarr2617]

That was a good video. A reminder for the two-legged to take on board.

[@solomit1]

Thank u Stonnie very insightful 🐾💗

[@aleia333]

very inspirational, not only for dogs but for people as well :) really enjoyed this video!

[@StonnieDennis]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@monicacarlanaval1624]

Love this❤ I realized what I'm doing with my jack russell is right ❤❤❤❤

[@ixaeon]

Life changing method for all involved. I feel like Daniel son

[@margaretfleming3554]

Rain or shine it’s walkies time in our house!

[@Bearded_Angler-N-Pups]

God is great! Preach it brother!

[@AB-qd2sw]

What is this type of "course" set up called? And what is its specific purpose? Thank you in advance for any reply :)

[@themanabroad7800]

Love this

[@capsoner4007]

A dog video that makes sense.

[@franzjacke]

Hi, what exact leash this is? Maybe it's because of rain that makes it heavier and it looks even better? Where to get this specific one?

[@emmialtmanne9936]

Okay so this is a nervous dog, no problem. But what do you do with a truely fearful one? Ive got a herd protection mix at the moment that's deathly afraid of all kinds of traffic. I feel like I make no progress at all, even though I calmly introduce him, because we need to go through the worst noise near my flat entrance. He's basically in flight mode all the time (he's huge, so very fortunately he's got no fight in him).

[@jordanlight9996]

I’m motivated!

[@robinlittle90]

I brought a dog home from the shelter 8 days ago. She is literally scared of everything and can jump a fence like a flea jumps. I’ve tried walking her with a collar and harness to zero success. How long should you have a dog before forcing them to face their fears. She had a safe space in my bedroom beside the bed where she stayed the 1st 2 days. She’s graduated to my bed now. She is SO loving, which makes me want to work with her even more. The paper I got from the shelter said to give her 3 weeks to adjust but how can I get her to take baby steps without doing more damage?

[@cg1492]

I'm in the same situation. It's been a month with mine. He's made some progress but he's still very afraid on walks so we walk at 5:30am when it's not as busy our loud outside. That guarantees at least one positive walk. I take him for another short walk at noon and in the evening. Usually he gets afraid of something on those and goes into panic mode and tries to drag me home. He's 90 pounds so it's difficult. I don't have any advice but just wanted to acknowledge your comment since I know what you're going through.

[@katAttackivxx]

I watched ur video and yesterday my dog was too scared to get into the bath tub. So I thought of ur video. I stepped into the tub and she got in and sat right in front of me! So no I didn't want a dog bath but yes we got it done and hopefully one day she'll get in there alone 😂

[@KTBTVHD]

Any update on the progress of this dog?

[@shiva8265]

Great philosophy, thank you🖤☯️

[@dkcsw06]

My dachshund just lost her 4 legged companion. Now she’s the only dog and she’s been having separation anxiety anytime I leave.

[@tollerzacco]

I want to build a training station like that in my backyard😂👌

[@barbaricvm0]

Came here to better understand my German Shepard, stayed for life wisdom.

[@DFox-ud3gx]

I wish it would rain here it's 98 degrees with 109 heat index my humidity my dogs are resting in air conditioning till morning but no rain...

[@beastinblack4055]

My dog is weird she is confidence in many ways but nervous in others. I suspect it’s all down to socialisation and with hindsight should have been exposed to a bigger variety of things as a pup

[@Mitch_Ryder]

That story hit home! When I was a little kid, I popped a wheelie and wrecked in front of my big brother……he ran over me with a motorcycle and broke my leg. 😬 But I sucked it up and didn’t cry!

[@StonnieDennis]

That’s what I’m talking about!

[@jessicagislason4855]

I'm sorry but this made me laugh out loud, I was not expecting that😅

[@Mitch_Ryder]

@@jessicagislason4855 I wasn’t expecting it either!! 😉

[@FenrirAldebrand]

I have a 5½ month old Belgian Malinois, and I can see that he wants to be outside more, wants to go for walks, but he's scared. Has full blown panic attacks. I've been trying to increase his confidence outdoors, i don't take him inside until he's calmed down, get him into a sit (if I can) when he's terrified (it's supposed to help). But cars, trucks especially, strangers (though he does like women better for some reason). However, if there's a cat, bird, squirrel, or other dog outside, he couldn't give a flying fuck what else is going on. He's not scared at all. I want to help him but I'm at a loss.

[@cg1492]

How is it going with your pup? I rescued a 3 year old about a month ago who is fearful of life. He was kept in a cage and not exposed to anything. It's very challenging.

[@FenrirAldebrand]

@@cg1492 It's gotten a bit better as he gets older. He no longer wriggles and yips with fear, while he's still apprehensive at times, I've taught him to stand firm and observe rather than flee to the corner (which doesn't always work mind you, but it helps). He's also not neutered, so I'm wondering if the hormones are helping that as well. Even if you have to start by walking back and forth in front of your house, until he's comfortable there, then do it. But you have to occasionally walk them 3 doors down. (In my case my pup's comfortable with the street, so our "push" is around the block). If they have a food they really like, take your training outside, commands they know extremely well indoors, so when they hear that "yes!" (Or click if that's what you use) It starts that good association.

[@ColinHarris-g6g]

3 days off lead running through the bush cured my girl of all of her neurosis.

[@davidwhitaker7412]

Thanks

[@mandynotley8786]

What if it's a family member that yells at my dog and makes him scared when I visit their home? They won't change their behaviour, so should I not take my dog to their house anymore? He is a sensitive dog very sensitive to loud noises

[@cg1492]

I would not take your dog to that family member's home. Not only will it terrify the dog, but you want your sensitive dog to have positive experiences with people so that they don't become fear aggressive.

[@audriuzasable]

pawsitive videos

[@jds5343]

What breed is brown dog @ 0:09 ?

[@vinceking7651]

I enjoyed his happy go lucky caricature. It's nice to see

[@dayciacameron5032]

Came here for my dog, left here for both him and myself 😭

[@paulgershon6337]

Yeah, my dog doesn’t like going out in the rain

[@zeusricochant7357]

Great video. What breed of dog was that at the start. The gingery one with white socks

[@StonnieDennis]

A mixed breed. If I get a chance I’ll make a video with him this week.

[@zeusricochant7357]

@@StonnieDennis cool looking dog 👌