How to help a fearful dog gain confidence: SolidK9Training

We just launched an ENTIRE course on fearful dogs on our online academy! www.academy.solidk9training.com
This is not a full training video, it's more about the concepts of the first 24-48 hours of getting or working with nervous/anxious/fearful dogs, a lot of time owners don’t realize this as the dog is manifesting all of it with reactivity, take away the reactivity, the barking and you are left with the dog, which is what I mentioned above. So what to do, as little pressure on the dog as possible, just exist with the dog. So many folks are trying to love the dog out of fear, we have found with thousands of dogs over and over that starting with the process in this video and then by day 2 or 3 start working the dog. Start on the basics, put in structure and rules, and start on your obedience, yes you can correct for nonsense, barking, whining, jumping, pulling growling, and of course biting. You will not ruin the relationship with the dog, you will not make the dog worse (frankly the dog is already worse), what you will do is actually build confidence in the dog, you actually make the connection with your dog stronger, what you don’t want to do is baby or coddle the fear, insecurity and anxiety that is a disservice for the dog. It is hard though I get it, that goes against the nurturing part of you. I have it as well, but after working with so many dogs, we see that this approach works wonderfully, this is the kindest thing you can do, is get this dog out of the anxious state of mind as quickly as possible, and like I mentioned in the video, the best way to meet a dog is not meet the dog, but work the dog. We see the magic start happening much quicker and some fantastic breakthroughs happen.
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[@SolidK9Training]

Check out our Patreon for early releases of videos similar this one... www.patreon.com/solidk9training

[@balancedapproachdogtraining]

I train dogs hundreds of dogs .Jeff is one of the few dudes on the internet that has a clue. Dudes always right on 👍

[@SolidK9Training]

thank you

[@balancedapproachdogtraining]

@@SolidK9Training Hey Jeff I’m in the California desert 🌵 Palm Springs area . I’m the head trainer at one of the biggest facilities in La Quinta CA . If you’re ever in the desert look me up we’ll run and work some dogs 😊👍 Keep up the real training! I’ve learned a bunch from your videos. It’s great picking another’s trainers brain you do nice work!! God bless brother

[@derp8575]

@@SolidK9Training Will you please train my dog? All I have to offer you are some magic beans.

[@miken8778]

First vid ive seen to describe and address issues i had with an adopted dog a year ago. No where have i seen this advice. Ive looked. I ended up using these same tactics naturally. Worked like a charm. My dog is my best friend now. Not a thing i own, my friend and family. Thanx for vid. Gonna check out the rest now. Take care.

[@jeanninedefeyter7633]

Thank you!! Great info for my fearful dog.

[@junulock]

This reminds me so much of a great horseman trainer in the UK. His explanation is horses only understand pressure and release. He said don’t even look them in the eye but rather focus on their feet. When he applied pressure on a lead; as soon as they took even one step toward you that was the release and he immediately put slack in the line. What your teaching I supposed is best described as trust. That you understand the animal always has and makes the choice. They want to be where they are relaxed and comfortable with no pressure. So much of what he showed and did makes sense even here. Right up to ignoring them as here. Look at the dogs reaction or response to that. It’s one of no pressure. You have a new subscriber.

[@colehollandd]

Thank You, Im on day 4 with my new rescue. She's in the crate, no interest in a leash, uses the bathroom when she's alone (in the house), shakes in fear, and stiffens when pet. This video helped a lot and I am looking forward to implementing this!

[@techpodyt3328]

How has this worked for you?

[@colehollandd]

@@techpodyt3328wonderfully. She LOVES walks, runs around the house, and is attached to me by the hip. We sleep in my bed together! She is scared of strangers and we are working on the potty training but it has gone from an accident everyday to one every few days!

[@mandyholt5565]

So glad we have found you, we have a 6 year old rescue that has been crated and bred all her life an absolute broken wreck, we are into 8 weeks now and and its been very hard work, going to get started straight away with your recommendations, thank you :) x

[@AdmiralSnuggles]

Dude, this is by far the best vid. I've had a lot of dogs in my life but never one that was scared of everything. He's getting much better even after a few hours of the "forced hangout" method LOL. I'm not trying to pet him or give him snack, just like you said. But he's actually sniffing around and acting like a dog instead of hiding under the coffee table or in his crate.

[@scruffythehowler]

I've been saying "it's okay" countless times and now I feel like such an idiot😂! So glad I found Jeff😊

[@prayanshpatel99]

Thank you. Your tips did worked.

[@davidmeulendyk1517]

Thank you so much, teach the trainer and the dog!!!

[@Killedbyclowns]

Loved this advice - Just exist! I think I might just start all over again in this peaceful calm way - Thanks so much x

[@msshepherd3324]

This is a great video. I have a very fearful (without aggression), scared white shepherd. She is 8 months old now and I brought her home at 8 weeks. She has come a long way and she is gaining confidence but it does take time. And you are so very true for saying that fearful dogs would not even touch treats on the ground when their fear switch is on. I learned this from my dog but none of other trainers on any other KZbins say this. My dog is though, highly food motivated. So I can tell she has gained confidence when she takes treats outside.

[@fajrfighter]

We are in the same situation. White Swiss Sheperd, 8 months. Very skittish around sudden noises and moving things in general. Also got him at 9 weeks, and have had full focus on building confidence from the very beginning.

[@myblondegarage]

Yes!!! My dog is so food driven but will not eat in a car or on a walk or any fearful situation and all you see on KZbin is people with little treat bags walking the dog and giving the dog treats every time it does something good but we can’t do that! You’re so right this is the first video that touches on this situation! So happy I found it!

[@k458lucca8]

I have the same situation, got a 4 months old shepherd, was training her do be a service dog for my sister. A day before the test she was attacked by another dog. Set her back to the beginning

[@jdrankwalter]

I've been trecking thru the forest...best line in this video.

[@myself8678]

I'm a dog sitter and I've dealt with all sorts of dogs. After a long hiatus I'm currently working with an anxious dog. I wanted to do exactly this but I was afraid I would put "too much pressure on the dog." to quote you. Thanks for the vid and reminding me to trust my instincts and helping me make sure I can give pups what they need.

[@mkl5448]

You know I've watched many of your videos through the years, as well as others trainers, but your demeanor and expertise are really top-notch. I recently started volunteering at a shelter, and using your tips and techniques, I can definitely see progress in my limited sessions with the dogs. Our end goal is to get them adopted, so I really do my best to be consistent and give them a little structure. So thank you very much, your advice and teachings are very much appreciated.

[@MatthewJPerry-uj6fb]

thanks for this advice, just got a puppy from the pound. had a really hard time living by herself in California valley abandoned. scared of everything, this advice is already working after 1 day of trying it. thanks again so much, i needed the training more than my dog.

[@SolidK9Training]

So glad you are making progress. Keep it up. It’s incredible the change we see with the dogs we work with ❤️👍🏼

[@elmengh]

awesome video. thank you!!...Im looking at adopting a dog with this issue so I learned so much just watching this. I loved at the end how dog lay on floor and just looked at you, He seemed to be relaxed lol

[@ellajackson4279]

We just adopted a dog last week and I have never seen a dog so scary. He is terrified of everything. We tried using my mother's dog to bring him out which worked but I don't want to depend on my mother's dog. Thank you for sharing

[@blakenelson4045]

now that was information ,thanks

[@brianconway7315]

That's the best advice I 'very ever heard, thank you

[@nicnic1190]

I'm working with a young dog that was going to be put down for nipping strangers. It's day 4. I'm so grateful for YOU providing me sanity and affirming there's hope, and to trust my intuition and horse skills. ❤😊 I'll keep you updated with how 'Icarus' is doing. I consider him a foster-kid. Thanks again!!

[@tonymarshall3162]

Jeff … I really needed a video like this ! My Minnie Aussie has taken huge steps in reverse to the point where he has become fearful to leave the house and won’t even consider going for a walk ! I’m crushed and do not fully know what triggered this recent extreme anxiety / fear. He always been a slightly nervous dog but now he is Full on fearful of the outdoor environment. I’ll be trying to contact you to see about how you might do an online consult ! I appreciate you !

[@claremurphy189]

Would this work the same way for a saarloos wolfdog cross german shepherd?

[@Ryanxian24]

Thank you for this video Jeff!

[@claramoreno8456]

Great advice....thanks

[@dianepuresynergy9714]

Hi thank you for all this good info..gona start trying ..please tell me if this method will work on a 5mnth old Chihauhau..just adopted from a rescue..been through trauma skittish..hes been with me 2 weeks now..he follows me around constantly..but when i turn around to get close he runs n hides..its so stressful ..but im comforting him but doesnt work ..please help..hes so tiny

[@ArtietheArchon]

is this a labrador greyhound mix?

[@Malwinaszmit]

Super video love this thanks for nice video and explanation. 🙏

[@iallen4188]

We have an Aussiedoodle that we have had since she was 8 wks old. (She is 15mo now) We started taking her camping when she was 12 wks old. She started off growling and lunging at trucks...people...bikes... you name it. We overcame that. Nothing has happened to her that has scared her. At home she has a huge backyard to play in and is very protective over it (not a scared dog). Yet now every camping trip, she is terrified of another thing. Whether it be people... trucks... garbage cans... propane tanks... when we walk her, she gets 2 sites away and she freaks. I don't want to force her to be a camping dog, but I want her to be happy and not scared of everything. I want to be able to bring her. I want my arm not to be ripped off when she is trying to run for her life back to our camper. She has actually put me & my husband's backs out due to the pulling. She is actually a sweet loving dog at home. But she doesn't come across that way. I've tried giving strangers her treats and so maybe she will have a little bit more trust in people other than us...nope. I guess I will try the existing thing...cause I frankly have nothing else

[@Lori-lp6uc]

This is what I've always done with animals. Give them their space until they get familiar with their new surroundings. A fearful animal spends its first day(s)anxiously looking for a place to hide. Some pets run away from home because they're confused and frightened. Keep your new pet in a small quiet environment until it gets familiar with it's new family and environment

[@OzzyElliott17]

My dog has never had bad anxiety until the last several months and I've had him for 4 years. Sadly he is terrified of the cords that hang from the ceiling fan recently and he is scared no matter if I pet him and try to comfort him or give him treats.

[@SolidK9Training]

Do not let snd give treats you are reinforcing the dogs state of mind and it usually makes it worse We have many videos on KZbin and we have a fearful dog course at www.solidk9academy.com

[@OzzyElliott17]

@@SolidK9Training Thanks very much for your help :)

[@Marisinthemar]

My dog is scared of crossing certain places if my house what should I do?

[@emc-ultra7618]

I just got a dog and he is the exact same way with me so I’m going to start trying this stuff today.

[@SolidK9Training]

Awesome. We did dozens of different protocols with this dog to get where we went ron it’s not just one thing. We offer online consults as well

[@zaythirtyeight3488]

I’m dealing with issue in my new dog. Thanks for some tips! Just subscribed

[@SolidK9Training]

awesome. welcome to the community

[@tattah96]

my dog is absolutely great at home, but as soon as he goes out he freaks out! I've been trying to fix it for about a year now and nothing has gotten better :( any advice on how to make him more confident? He's a big breed too, a presa canario

[@prxboy2378]

how's he now?

[@tattah96]

@@prxboy2378 well we just ended up taking him to my mums place in the country because i don't think he liked the city he's happy now

[@prxboy2378]

@@tattah96 any idea how to fix the problem you were having once

[@beiying94]

But what if the dog refuses to budge at all? No matter how hard you tug at the leash

[@k458lucca8]

Was training my dog to be a aid dog, she got attacked by another dog and that reset EVERYTHING. Got her over most of her New fears. Was taking her for a walk, then someone decided to shoot some fireworks at her... ya, so now I got a dog that fears are everything now. She was already a nervous dog

[@derp8575]

Any update?

[@risingabovetheoccasion]

That sucks. Fearful dogs are unpleasant to being around.

[@mollasima3251]

How did you get the slip lead on the dog while it was in the crate in the first place? I generally leave the slip lead on the dog when they go into the crate. But what if they're in the set up like you have without the slip lead on?

[@robertkirk6803]

My dog is almost 7. He's always been nervous but I lived on large pieces of land 8 and 10 acres. So I could let him roam on his own. Now I'm in a mfg home park and he has to be on a leash. He's fearful of traffic, noises, just about everything really. he trusts me and can be affectionate until he bogs down. Then nothing comforts him, not food or soothing voice or petting. It bothers me deeply but I don't know how to assure him. He's a sweetheart until he gets scared. Then he cowers. Help!

[@n.s-anglerholics]

i have a 7 month old puppy i take him outside to use the bathroom he will go no problem but if he see's someone walking on the street he turns around goes right back in the house with out doing his duty any idea why ?

[@scottguffey5809]

So helpful. But you should change those “days” in your message to “weeks.”

[@keyvo3275]

Really seeing my dog he scared of some people and some dogs barking or even growling he hasn’t acted on it yet but i fear he will

[@exaldaxvi6343]

I’ve had my border collie mix for 3 months now. She 8 months old. She is still so afraid of us and only wants to hide. We try so hard to make her feel safe, but she only ever seems to get worse. This advice seems so helpful, fingers crossed it helps

[@gabym255]

Not to be “that guy” but this is only forcing the dog out, it’s best to let the dog trust you and not force it to come out

[@RavenMystic54]

I have a rat terrier chihuahua mix that is scared of everything

[@Anthony123427]

Thank you so much Jeff!

[@suemoshier5475]

it took me 3 weeks before I could get Rufus (14 months old scared of his own shadow) to walk 5 feet from our driveway. It is OK. I would rather it be slow and build up trust rather than him staying in fear

[@laureloutspoken]

So do I put on a slip lead when I first bring the dog home and do this exercise? Thinking about adopting a fearful puppy who is scared of humans.

[@SolidK9Training]

It’s way bigger than that. Working wirh dogs like this takes a huge amount of skill and training. I would encourage you to adopt a more stable dog

[@risingabovetheoccasion]

@@SolidK9Training I had the pick of the litter. 12 german shepherd puppies. All of them were rambunctious. I blindly adopted the most fearful and aloof one. What should I do? I got a German shepherd to be a protection dog. He's scared of me. I'm so confused.

[@american_truckmafia4094]

Just found this , my lab mix is very fearful of everything. He is so scared of the floor he backs up though half my house. If I drop something In The house he jumps

[@claudiacanales2662]

I have a 16 month old German Shepherd that whines nonstop in the car. It’s bad! Whining from beginning to end of trip! I think it’s anxiety but not sure how to fix it! I can’t take the whining much longer.

[@lumendelsol]

My friend has a new dog who's tail os so far up its rear we thought it was his who who. He hides in a room all day and does not respond to calls or any social interaction. My friend thinks by babying him itll relax but I cant help but think that it's a reward for his fearfulness. It's been close to a month since hes got him and it's still afraid of literally everything. What do we do to help it come out of its shell. Btw it's a Dane.

[@kevis45]

This is great! My dog tries to hide under furniture in the evenings due to noise anxiety. Would this be a good approach?

[@SolidK9Training]

Def keep a leash on your dog. Don’t let your dog flee also don’t try to comfort the dog which goes against what Your heart . Tells you

[@shreyashi1284]

My 4 months old golden retriever is a very good boy. He is a playful and active dog. But I got my first guitar yesterday and he started to behave differently. Whenever I'm trying to play my guitar he starts to bark non stop. I can sense he is scared of this huge instrument and now I can't find any solution on how to make him used to it

[@V3TS.]

My dog puppy I've had for a month (she's 4 months) recently got terrified horribly I had tied her to my outside grill and while I was getting a few things ready for the walk her and my other dog was playing and she had pulled the grill and it startled her and when she turned around she pulled it some more and thought it was chasing her so she took off with my grill behind her. Long story short she got stuck I got to her she slips off the collar and takes off down the street. But now she's terrified to go out back where my destroyed grill is and is very very cautious outside now. also now my older dog is nervous back there. What should I do to remove her fear and his nervousness I've already began just working her as you were saying in the video I don't let her dictate the walk so whenever she gets nervous and doesn't want to go I usually just pull her with me and say come.

[@SolidK9Training]

There are a lot of variables. I would suggest a 1/1 online consult to help you

[@SnowFoxParty]

My Maltese is similar to this dog and instead of saying it's okay I say RELAX. Imnrelaxed and idk why you are so tense and stressed out. Eventually that worked

[@poseyserena02]

What kind of dog is that?

[@briangrellmann]

This is exactly my new rescue puppy. Can I start this training right away with her? She’s been with me for 3 weeks

[@SolidK9Training]

Start with basic training Our Green to Graduate course on our academy is wonderful academy.Solidk9training.com

[@tameekahannah5156]

I just got a 3 year old puppy and he is so skittish from everyone and growls and barks at people how do i stop that cuse i really would like to keep him

[@SolidK9Training]

stopping the unwanted behavior is you apply a punisher to instill an inhibitor, as far as the skittish behavior, that actual has a postive effect as well as exposure, confidence building and there is so much more to do, too much to type

[@tina-xp3pk]

Only one 👍🏻 button, but 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Thank you. 🙏

[@JimmyJones-wu9hv]

Why am I laughing so hard 😂

[@charlesdicks3067]

My dog has been scared of everything for years he will piss himself if a family member walks into the house with a monkey mask on during halloween. But he also barks at everything but will run away from everything. I’ve been trying since I got him to teach him that nothing and no one around here is gonna hurt him.. he’s almost 3 years old 😞 I don’t want my dog to spend his whole life afraid of everything. I will try everything in this video

[@vampiresbite13]

Hows the progress? I have the same issue with my dog too

[@charlesdicks3067]

@@vampiresbite13 he is still kind of scared if someone just walks into the house he doesn't know, but he is more likely to go see who people are now instead of just running away so theres progress forsure

[@sydneyjtaylor]

I have had a 4 month border collie puppy for about 4 days. I know this is obviously a very short amount of time but he is afraid of his own shadow. He doesn't like walking because he's so nervous of people, other dogs, and loud noises. Ive tried desensitizing and feeding treats, it doesn't seem to be working so far. When he sees people or dogs, he hides between my legs or behind me. I try applying pressure with his collar to get him to walk and he just wont, I think he'd turn blue before he walks in my direction when I apply pressure. He also doesn't take treats due to being so nervous.... I dont know what to do and I'm trying to be patient but it makes me so sad. Any suggestions?

[@lorengamez]

Im currently in this situation. How's the dog? Did you get through it?

[@sabbathd1]

My dog is 4 years old and suddenly nervous to walk on the floors

[@SolidK9Training]

Put a leash your dog and then start walking across the floor. Do lots and lots of reps

[@GuillermoMata]

Yes!

[@Fitmamaliyah]

My dog just now eating around me lmao

[@angelgranado6584]

We rescued a French Bulldog that was being mistreated and I did exactly what he did the last thing on my mind was putting the leash on my dog but that's exactly what she needed

[@TammysCoffeeTalks]

The husky I caught that was on the run for weeks I wound up adopting her I can't even get any leash on her won't I caught her with a slip leash but since she's at home I cannot get anything on her and she doesn't let me pet her she's been here less than 2 weeks I can hand feed her though I was able to catch her very carefully from behind with the slip leash but I have not tried to put a leash on her now because I know there will be no way I could do that She will have none of that Yes I do all that hang out with her outside it's wonderful She is getting more comfortable with me around her

[@SolidK9Training]

We can help you with our line courses and coaching www.solidk9academy.con

[@TammysCoffeeTalks]

I'm going nice and slow with her it's been less than 2 weeks I do hang out with her outside do all kinds of things walk by her she follows me She sometimes comes in the house a little bit then goes back in the yard I do have a lot of patience that's how I was able to catch her.. I'll check out your course thanks The shelter was saying she was aggressive and no one would want her or that she is unadoptable.. They spayed her for free and gave her her shots everything free and they gave her to us 😍 we got her out of there because we didn't want her to be euthanized she's a wonderful doggy I love her so much!!

[@TammysCoffeeTalks]

I just went outside and she immediately ran up to me and kind of sniffed my leg All these little I love the subtle milestones ❤

[@TammysCoffeeTalks]

Is your course through KZbin or I found a little trouble navigating I saw something that said patreon and sign in with Facebook and Google I was a little confused is there like just a plain website to go to?

[@YoshiYorkshire]

So CUTE dog 🥰🥰, very smart, SUPER LIKE 👍🏻 Yoshi, the little yorkie, woof woof 🐶🐶🐶

[@alyssaferland3633]

Hello, I am thinking about adopting a dog that is nonaggressive and was used as a bait dog. The rescue league that has him says she is PETRIFIED of everything but very very slowly coming around. Would I use this technique with this dog if I got her? I am thinking about it.

[@SolidK9Training]

it most likely was not used as a bait dog, lots of lies in the rescue industry, either way there is about 100 things you will need to do not just train but rehab the dog, its a long journey and it often goes against what your heart tells you to do. Most folks actually reinforce the fear without knowing it....that is why we offer 1/1 online consults.

[@reggiewhiteuncensored9825]

I still see the dog's tail is between the legs. I want to see real courage

[@SolidK9Training]

The dog is afraid of everything That’s the title of the video We get in a ton of nervous and fearful dogs. Many of these dogs are genetically challenged, many of these dogs have not had any exposure to the real world, many of these dogs are having their fear reinforces by their owners by love and affection and being kept in a bubble. We make incredible turnarounds with so many of these dogs, courage and confidence are 2 different things. We have huge success building confidence

[@shinboi7698]

You call this dog fearful? My dog is scared like hell like every being is coming after hum to eat him

[@SolidK9Training]

Ummm. You are watching a video of the dog just existing and we have been working on it. I have rehabbed thousands of fearful dogs I sort of know what I’m talking about Dogs that shit when a bag floats by dogs that will take you to the ground to flee at the smallest sound So yes this dog is fearful This isn’t a pissing contest though So yes this is a fearful dog

[@UK-ScOpE]

ah man this one video may tell me you may be able to help a very nervous dachsund which is scared of noises and it breaks me seeing him like it i try then i back off, leave him be hiiding. sometimes poops when i go up the road and back etc etc theres alot to it and i'd love it if this will help us. thanks for a great vid sir

[@SolidK9Training]

This video is one of thousands of nervous dogs we have worked wirh and dramatically made great changes

[@UK-ScOpE]

@@SolidK9Training if thats possible then i got alot of work to do with him. im limited to what i can do though due to injuries and health. what do you suggest first off?

[@SolidK9Training]

@@UK-ScOpE purchasing a 1/1 online at academy.Solidk9training.com

[@UK-ScOpE]

@@SolidK9Training thanks man, i have no income at the moment, disabled and broke, otherwise i would defo have a good shot at that. thankyou for this if i get sorted then i know where to come :)

[@keith_dixon]

This is a remedial level of fear and anxiety in a dog. I need help with a dog that with gentle to moderate pressure on the leash, wouldn't move hours or days. This is an otherwise friendly happy and very trainable dog.

[@sashas5844]

thank you so much, Jeff!