🐶 Confidence & Resilience Building Activities for Dogs
🧠 Pattern Games (Predictable Training Routines)
These games offer predictability, which calms the nervous system and increases focus in stimulating environments.
1. 1-2-3 Treat Game
Count out loud: “1… 2… 3!” then deliver a treat. Repeat consistently.
✅ Great for leash reactivity and impulse control.
2. Up-Down Game
Toss a treat (“down”), then show a treat near your face (“up”). When your dog looks up, mark and toss another.
✅ Builds attention to handler in a fun, low-pressure way.
3. Middle Game
Teach your dog to stand between your legs, facing forward. Reward generously.
✅ Creates a “safe place” for shy or unsure dogs.
4. Ping-Pong Recall Game
Two people take turns calling the dog and rewarding. Use happy voices and treats.
✅ Boosts recall and confidence moving between people.
5. Give Me A Break Game
Teach your dog that after a short training burst, they get a calm pause with a treat scatter or sniff.
✅ Helps overaroused dogs pace themselves and recharge.
🧩 Confidence-Boosting Games & Exercises
Designed to help dogs feel successful and capable in new or unpredictable situations.
6. Shaping with a Prop
Place a box, wobble board, or platform down and reward any interaction. Gradually shape more complex actions like touching it with their nose, placing 1 foot on it, or standing on it with 2 or 4 feet for example.
✅ Builds creativity, optimism, and problem-solving.
7. Novel Object Adventure
Present safe, odd items (e.g. a step stool, bubble wrap, a crinkly tarp) and reward calm curiosity.
✅ Desensitizes dogs to new sights, sounds, textures.
8. Homemade Obstacle Course
Create a course using household objects. Guide your dog slowly and reward for effort, not perfection.
✅ Supports body awareness and environmental confidence.
9. Surface Exploration Walks
Encourage your dog to walk on different textures: grass, sand, gravel, metal, carpet.
✅ Increases comfort with unfamiliar terrain.
10. No-Fail Puzzle Play
Use interactive toys or puzzles that are simple and winnable to start. Gradually increase complexity.
✅ Reinforces persistence and reward predictability.
🐾 Sensory & Environmental Enrichment
Taps into your dog’s natural instincts and provides low-pressure engagement.
11. Snuffle Mat or Scatter Feeding
Let your dog hunt for dry food in the grass or a snuffle mat.
✅ Calming, natural foraging activity.
12. Urban Parkour
Use your walk to encourage safe climbing, stepping over, and jumping from small obstacles.
✅ Encourages physical coordination and confidence.
13. Bubble Chasing
Use dog-safe bubbles and let your dog chase and pop them.
✅ Fun and stress-relieving, especially for playful dogs.
14. Frozen Treasure Hunt
Freeze kibble/treats in broth ice cubes or a stuffed toy. Let your dog figure out how to access them.
✅ Encourages persistence and independence.
15. Smell Walks (Decompression Walks)
Let your dog lead the walk and sniff freely. No obedience required.
✅ Promotes emotional regulation and confidence.
🎯 Training Exercises That Build Trust & Focus
These teach your dog that engagement, consent, and cooperation lead to great outcomes.
16. Targeting (Touch Game)
Teach your dog to touch your hand, a cone, or stick with their nose.
✅ Great for redirection, trick training, and building interactive skills.
17. “Look at That” (LAT) Game
Reward your dog for calmly noticing a trigger and looking back at you.
✅ Turns scary stuff into opportunities for reward.
18. Chin Rest for Cooperative Care
Train your dog to rest their chin on your hand or a surface. Use it as a cue for grooming or vet handling.
✅ Builds trust and voluntary participation.
19. Default Sit or Mat Game (Place Work)
Reinforce calm settling on a mat or offering a sit without being cued.
✅ Encourages self-regulation and calm confidence.
20. “Find It” with Cue Transfer
Say “Find it!” then toss a treat. Later, say it and toss it toward a mildly distracting area.
✅ Teaches focus shift and optimism near distractions.