How do you train your dog to be more confident?

Wouldn't it be wonderful if your shy pup started to enjoy exploring new locations, and had more enrichment activities they loved to do at home?  These are goals of many of my students who want to build "confidence" in their dogs. 

One of my favorite activities for encouraging exploratory behavior, and developing more interest in enrichment, is sniffing games (or scent-based games).  These games reinforce helpful behaviors like moving around, searching using their noses, and eating treats- all of which we can use to help our dogs thrive in a variety of contexts. 

Check out this short video to see some examples of shy pups playing sniffing games!

Want to give sniffing games a try? I'm teaching a live online class starting shortly, you can sign up here (this week only).