Confidence Building for the Shy Dog

(In Person Class, Portland, OR)

“My experience with Reward Your Dog was nothing short of incredible. My little lady’s confidence has improved drastically thanks to Verena’s Shy Dog class.” - Team Kaia

Is your dog having a hard time around unfamiliar people?

  • You feel embarrassed when your dog barks at or hides from guests in your home

  • It’s stressful for you to meet people on walks who want to pet your cute pup

  • You’re sad that your dog cowers or barks when people approach, look at, talk to, or attempt to pet them?

  • You’re worried that your dog might bite a person, or maybe they’ve already snapped at or bitten someone 

If this sounds familiar, the “Confidence Building for the Shy Dog” class can help you and your dog build skills and better navigate these situations.

What is covered in the class?

In this class, you and your dog will learn all the nuances of a game called Treat & Retreat, and use this helpful activity to acclimate your dog to a variety of humans and human situations, such as individuals and groups, people sitting, standing and moving as well as people talking to, looking at and reaching towards your dog. Your dog will learn that humans don’t have to be scary all while being completely in charge of the pacing of the game - tons of fun and confidence for your shy pup. 

In addition, you will learn how to practice this game outside of class. You will become a skilled participant in the treat & retreat game and be able to instruct others in how to interact with your dog to continue the work after class is done.

How is the class structured?

In each class, we will work with your dog one on one. Your dog will have 2 turns per class. In between your dog’s individual turns, your dog will wait in the car or another suitable location so that there are no dog-dog interactions. When your dog isn’t working, you will be invited to participate in the game.

Who is this class for?

Dogs that struggle with human interactions - both those who want to hide from people and those who bark or lunge at people can benefit. Your dog will benefit most if they are physically healthy. There will be no dog-dog interactions in the class, so even your dog-reactive dog can participate without worries. Dogs with sound sensitivities may find the location challenging.

Why choose Reward Your Dog Training?

Reward Your Dog Training is currently the only Portland, OR based training business that offers a human-reactivity focused class. In addition, Verena has certified in the Treat & Retreat Method with renowned trainer Suzanne Clothier of Relationship Centered Training and is currently the only trainer in Portland, OR holding this certification.

What do class graduates say about the class?

Team Beeks

“I just want to send a quick thank you! The Shy Dog class was really cool - It was awesome to see Beeks' progress in only a few short weeks. It's not often we can witness his comfort grow and easily compare experience to experience. Having a controlled environment and the customized training you provide makes it so much easier to see how far he has come, and where to go next.  It's really validating and motivating for us, in addition to growth and joy Beeks will have in his life from the work in class. He may make a few friends more yet!  Thanks for meeting him where he is at (and me, too!).”

Team Yodi

“I got to use treat and retreat today for Yodi while a friend was over! Thank you so much for your help with my sensitive boy.”

Team Lewis

“Thank you so much for this class!! Lewis has been doing much better and met a house guest and was friends with the house guest within the same night they showed up. He is also doing better seeing [our roommate] in the house and can be off leash in the house around [them].”