Your Questions About Confidence Building Exercises

Maria asks…

Does anyone know any confidence building exercises for my dog?

He’s a year and a half and his breed is Shih Tzu. He’s very well trained and a darling boy, however I think he needs some confidence boosting. Do you know of any games or exercises that I can do with him to help him feel better about himself and his position in our family? Thanks.

admin answers:

This has some good ideas:

http://www.sithappens.us/index_files/Page3283.htm

Also this http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm

(While NILIF can be used for training, the main purpose is to create the right atmosphere where the dog recognizes you and your family as “head of the pack”, and himself as a follower. This also helps the dog know his place in the pack, which will give him confidence.)

“The NILIF program is remarkable because it’s effective for such a wide variety of problems. A shy, timid dog becomes more relaxed knowing that he has nothing to worry about, his owner is in charge of all things. A dog that’s pushing too hard to become “top dog” learns that the position is not available and that his life is far more enjoyable without the title. ”

Good luck, have fun, and thanks for being a concerned dog owner!

William asks…

Are there really confidence-building exercises?

I’ve found that, in general, putting myself into socially-uncomfortable situations is what helps be build confidence, as well as achieving things (in class, for example) which are recognized by peers.

However, I was wondering, do any of these other confidence-building “exercises,” such as writing out a page of positive things about me, really help? Are there other things I can do?

admin answers:

Exercise in and of itself fights depression and builds confidence

Joseph asks…

Daily Confidence Building Exercises?

I’ve never been a party person, but now that I’m in college it is a big scene. I don’t like to drink at parties and I’m very shy until I get to know someone. My problem is feeling blocked out by my roommates and that no girls are gonna waste their time on a quiet guy. I’ve never had any issues once I’ve gotten to know someone, but it’s that first step that always catches me. Some people have told me I’m rather paranoid or that I have social anxieties. Can anyone provide any tips for how to build confidence or baby steps I can take?

admin answers:

Confidence is a direct result of experience. If you’ve never done a specific thing you will have no confidence that you can do that specific thing. If you want confidence, you have to do it.

Your problem, however, isn’t lack of confidence. It’s a lack of self-esteem, with a lack of confidence chaser. So, you don’t think some girl is going to waste their time on a quiet guy because 1) You’ve never made the first move and 2) You don’t think you’re going to measure up to that person’s expectations.

Well. Unless you’re a mind reader, you have no idea what that person’s expectations are going to be. Could be that girl you think isn’t into quiet guys is absolutely ga-ga about quiet guys. But you’re not going to know that unless you walk over and talk to her.

Low self-esteem means you don’t see the value in yourself. Well, I don’t know you. Don’t know the first thing about you. But the fact that you’re a living being with your own thoughts, doubts, fears, hopes, dreams, goals and unique take on things automatically gives you value, because you are the only YOU out there. And the same thing applies to every person you will ever meet in your life. Which means since we are all unique, we all have value.

Now go to a party, walk up to a pretty girl and say, “Hi, I’m such and such,” ask questions, share your thoughts. You’ll be amazed how easy talking to that pretty girl is.

Oh, and don’t let her beauty make you nervous. You’re there to get to know her, not slobber over her boobs. Could be you come to find out she may be pretty but has the personality of a dead fish. Beauty isn’t everything, y’know.

Nancy asks…

Building dogs confidence?

hey does any one have any good confidence building exercises i can use on my german shep.? he’s not shy or afraid he just lacks confidence. he never snaps or growls at people out of fear or aggression. if anyone has some good games or exercises i can use please tell me thank you.
hes about 1 1/2 yrs old

admin answers:

German Shephards are working dogs and need something that challenges their intelligence. You may want to try some puzzle games that require him to figure out how to get a treat. You may also want to enroll in a training class. I’ve never found anything to build my dog’s confidence like the praise that they get when they get something right. Agility training might be a good area for him.

Your best bet is to consult with an expert. A quality trainer will be able to show you activities that will help improve your dog’s temperament.