Confidence Building for the Shy Dog

(In Person Class, Portland, OR)

Does any of this describe you and your dog?

  • Do you feel embarrassed when your dog barks at or hides from guests in your home?

  • Is it stressful for you to meet people on walks who want to pet your cute pup?

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

  • Are you worried that your dog might bite a person, or have they already snapped or bitten someone? 

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, the “Confidence Building for the Shy Dog” class can help you and your dog build skills and better navigate these situations.

The next cohort will run in from 4/7-5/19 at the RuffHouse PDX.

Is the Confidence Building for the Shy Dog class right for your dog?

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.

Want to know more? Here are some answers!

What dogs 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.

What do I need to bring?

You will need to bring your dog on a flat collar or harness and a 6 foot leash. In addition, you will bring a large amount of treats that fulfill the following criteria:

  • high value for your dog

  • easy to throw

  • tolerated by your dog’s belly

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.

How is the class structured?

For the first class date, we will meet without your dog. Instead, you will learn the treat & retreat game with my two dogs. We will also learn about the space, how the sessions will go, what to bring, and how to handle your dog in class.

For the next 6 sessions, we will work with your dog one on one. Your dog will have 2-3 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.

You will also receive a 30 minute virtual consultation together with the class purchase to make sure you can transfer your knowledge to your home environment.

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 Kaia

“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. Coming from a fellow dog trainer, I can attest to her knowledge, skill and empathy for her clients human and canine alike.”

Team Yodi

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