A Better Approach to Stress: Confidence Building in Dogs

In the dog training world, opinions on stress tend to be extreme: either you should avoid stress at all costs, or your dog needs to “toughen up” by working through overwhelming situations. But reality is more nuanced.

Stress happens—especially in a city like Denver, where dogs encounter busy streets, unpredictable noises, and crowded trails. The key isn’t avoiding stress or forcing dogs through it, but helping them build self-regulation—the ability to experience stress and work through it productively.

What Do Self-Regulation and Confidence Look Like?

A self-regulated dog isn’t one that never gets stressed—it’s one that can recover quickly and appropriately. For example:

• A terrier watches a squirrel but can disengage when it runs off.

• A GSD barks when a stranger enters but settles when they see their owner is comfortable.

• A dog startles at construction noise but shakes it off and continues their walk.

This ability isn’t just genetic—owners and trainers play a huge role in building it.

How to Help Your Dog Develop Self-Regulation and Confidence

1. Create Productive Challenges. Stress isn’t inherently bad—when a dog overcomes a challenge and feels successful, they build confidence. Find activities your dog loves (like hiking or nosework) and let them problem-solve at their own pace.

2. Avoid Flooding. Forcing a dog into overwhelming stress shuts down learning. Instead, gradually increase challenges in controlled, positive ways.

3. Reinforce Success. A dog should feel accomplishment, not just relief, when they navigate stress.

Denver dogs face plenty of daily stressors—but with the right approach, they can learn to handle them with confidence. If your dog struggles with stress or reactivity, I can help! Reach out to Wicked Good Dog Training to build your dog’s self-regulation and confidence today.