10/31/2026
Happy from Aggietails!
We loved seeing all the spooky yard decorations while out on our neighborhood walks this month! 👻 Not only did they add some Halloween fun, but they also gave us lots of opportunities to practice building confidence around unfamiliar or potentially scary objects.
But remember, confidence-building doesn't have to be seasonal! You can introduce novel items, surfaces, and environments to your dog all year long. Here are a few examples:
- That yard with the barking dogs
- Automatic doors
- Garbage cans sitting out on the curb
- Opening and closing an umbrella
- The UPS driver or delivery vehicles
- The Johnny Kaw statue at the park
- Robotic lawn mowers
- Balloons, inflatables, and lawn decorations
- Riding an elevator
- Walking on bleachers at the park
- Exploring a parking garage
- Walking across metal grates, wooden bridges, gravel, or unfamiliar flooring
- Shopping carts, strollers, bicycles, and skateboards
Remember to:
🐾Create positive associations!
Pair new experiences with things your dog loves! Bring high-value treats, favorite toys, and plenty of encouragement.
🐾 Don't rush past your dog's fear, but don't force them through an experience against their will either. Find a comfortable distance where they can observe without feeling overwhelmed, and gradually work closer as their confidence improves.
🐾 Watch their body language. Signs of stress can include:
- Tail tucked between their legs
- Whale eye (showing the whites of their eyes)
- Tight or tense mouth
- Excessive panting
- Ears pinned back
- Lip licking or repeated yawning
- Freezing, crouching, or trying to retreat
🐾New experiences take mental energy. Give your dog opportunities to decompress through:
- Taking breaks and coming back
- Snuffling through the grass for treats
- Full-body shake-offs
- Happy zoomies
- Stretching and relaxing
- Checking in with you for reassurance
- Sniffing and exploring at their own pace
