Help, My Puppy is Afraid!

Help, My Puppy is Afraid!

By: Shay Cline KPA-CTP, FDM

It’s completely normal for puppies to feel unsure or even afraid of new things. In fact, it’s a healthy part of development. Just like human kids, puppies go through sensitive stages—called fear periods—when they’re more likely to startle or shy away from unfamiliar sights and sounds. These moments don’t mean your puppy is broken—they just need your support and guidance.

Step One: Take a Deep Breath

Seriously—take a moment to calm yourself first. Puppies are incredibly attuned to our emotional state, so your calm confidence goes a long way toward helping them feel safe.

Step Two: Assess the Situation

Can you tell what your puppy is reacting to? Is it something moving, still, loud, or unusual-looking? Understanding what your puppy is afraid of will help you respond thoughtfully.

Want to learn more about supporting your puppy to be confident? Reach out to Summit Dog Training for expert advice and tailored solutions! We’re here to help!

The Object is Alive or Moving (or Might Start Moving)

If the object is alive, or capable of sudden movements that may be startling for your puppy, calmly and confidently continue movement AWAY from the thing. 

• Create space. Calmly and confidently move away.

• Need to pass it? That’s okay. If your puppy is small, you can carry them. If they’re too big to carry, shorten the leash and "step up." Position your body between your puppy and the scary thing as you pass.

• Once you're clear, pause. Let your puppy sniff, shake it off, or just reconnect with you. That moment of calm reassurance is powerful.

If the object is not coming towards you…

If you have space to get far enough away that your puppy can observe from a distance, this can be a good learning opportunity!

• Find a distance that your puppy is comfortable watching.

• When your puppy is calmly looking at the thing from a distance, you can reward them with a treat (away from the thing, not towards it!)  and label what they’re seeing; “Good job. That’s the neighbor.”

• Don’t be tempted to push closer before they are ready. If you get a few brave moments, go ahead and continue on your walk. Try to end on a good note!

📹 Watch: Help Your Puppy Recover from a Startle
In this clip, we walk through a real-life example of helping a puppy bounce back from a surprise moment with confidence and calm.

The Object is Still

Great! We know it is safe and won’t suddenly turn into a scary monster! If you’re feeling calm and have time, this could potentially be a good confidence building opportunity for your puppy.

If the object is in your home or in a safe environment…

• Let your puppy approach or retreat at their own pace.

• You can interact with the object to show it's safe—like laying a scary coat flat on the floor.

• Pair it with treats and gentle praise as your puppy explores.

📹 Watch: Say Hi to Scary Objects – Building Puppy Confidence About New Things
This video shows a gentle, practical way to introduce puppies to unfamiliar things and help build curiosity instead of fear.

Leash Reality Check

Leashes can make scary things feel even scarier, since they limit a puppy’s ability to create distance. Be aware of this tension, and don’t force them toward something they’re not ready for. Instead:

• Let your puppy lead. If they show curiosity, follow their pace.

• Avoid dragging, luring, or coaxing to show them it’s “no big deal” —trust takes time!

Sometimes avoidance is the answer

If your puppy is afraid of something, don’t feel like you have to work through it right in the moment! Sometimes it is better for everyone to get out of there and reintroduce the concept later when you and your puppy are more up to the challenge or can have more control of the situation.

• For example: Your puppy sees a neighbor shoveling snow—giant coat, scraping noises, heavy movements… it’s a lot! Instead of pushing through, save the learning opportunity for in a more controlled setting. Later, show them the snow shovel indoors, let them sniff it on the ground, then gradually introduce movement while giving frequent treats.

What Your Puppy Needs Most is You

Your calm presence, thoughtful response, and willingness to meet them where they are make all the difference. Every “scary” moment is an opportunity to build trust—and confidence.

Need Help Building That Confidence?

At Summit Dog Training, we love helping families turn “uh-oh” moments into confident adventures. If your puppy is feeling unsure, or you're not sure how to respond, we’re here for you. Reach out or check out our puppy programs to get support from our expert trainers.

Mastering Emotional Regulation: Signs of Stress in Your Dog and How You Can Help

Mastering Emotional Regulation: Signs of Stress in Your Dog and How You Can Help

By: Hannah Barnes

Ever wonder what's going on in your dog's head? Dogs, just like us, experience a kaleidoscope of emotions – joy, fear, anxiety, and everything in between. And just like us, they need healthy ways to manage those emotions. That's where emotional regulation comes in!

Emotional regulation, simply put, is the ability to handle those big feelings effectively. It's not about suppressing emotions, but rather about experiencing them fully and having the tools to navigate them in a healthy way.

In this post, we’re diving into signs of stress in dogs and ways that you can easily support their ability to self-regulate.

Summit Dog Training offers positive reinforcement-based training classes to address a wide range of behavioral challenges. Our certified, professional dog trainers utilize known outlets for emotional regulation to help dogs work through their emotions and expand their world into the classroom and beyond. Get started today!

Why is emotional regulation important for dogs?

Think of it like this: good emotional regulation is like having a superpower for your dog. It helps them:

• Conquer stress & anxiety: Life can be stressful! Emotional regulation helps dogs manage stress and anxiety, leading to a calmer, happier pup.

• Build healthy, respectful relationships: It helps them communicate better with you and other furry friends, reducing conflict and strengthening bonds.

• Make smart choices: A well-regulated dog is better equipped to make good decisions, even in challenging situations.

• Boost overall well-being: Emotional regulation leads to a more balanced and content canine companion.

Spotting signs of stress:

Your dog might already be a master of emotional regulation, using these techniques:

• Licking: Licking naturally releases endorphins in your dog’s system, promoting relaxation.

• Yawning: Not always a sign of tiredness, yawning can help regulate breathing and heart rate, reducing your dog’s stress.

• Shaking off: Literally shaking off the stress!

• Chewing: A classic stress reliever, chewing provides a positive outlet for anxious energy.

• Sniffing: Deep sniffing for 10 or more seconds can lower heart rate and boost dopamine, helping your dog chill out.

Is your dog stressed?

Knowing the signs that your dog is dealing with stress is crucial to your ability to help them cope. In addition to the above signs of stress, keep an eye out for:

• Lip licking (also called tongue flicking)

• Whale eye (seeing the whites of their eyes)

• Sudden stiffness in the body or individual body parts

• Prolonged staring

• Drooling

How you can help:

Become the expert on your dog’s body language: Learn to read your dog's subtle cues. They're talking to you, even without words!

• Provide outlets: Giving your dog something to chew on, lick, or sniff provides them with an appropriate outlet for emotional regulation. Lick mats, snuffle boxes, and chewies from your local pet store are all wonderful options.

• Create a safe space: Provide a designated safe space where your dog can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. This could be a crate, bed, or quiet corner in your home. This space should be accessible to your dog at any time.

• Minimize stressors: Loud noises, unfamiliar people, or chaotic environments can trigger anxiety. Do your best to keep things calm and predictable.

• Physical contact: Sometimes, a gentle touch can work wonders, but pay attention to your dog's response. Not all dogs find touch comforting in stressful situations. If they move away or lick your hand until you stop touching them, they may not find touch helpful in their current state.

• Stay calm: Your dog is highly attuned to your emotions. If you're stressed, they'll feel it too. Practice your own emotional regulation techniques! Provide yourself with ways to manage your own stress, like fidget devices or breathing exercises.

• Seek professional help when needed: When in doubt, it may be a good idea to consult a vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your dog's emotional challenges. If your dog's emotional issues are severe or persistent, seek professional help from a certified dog behaviorist and/or training professional.

By understanding and supporting your dog's emotional well-being, you're not just training a dog, you're nurturing a happy, healthy, and resilient member of your family.

Is your dog struggling with big feelings? Summit Dog Training offers positive, solutions-oriented classes led by certified professionals. We help dogs learn to regulate their emotions, build confidence and unlock their full potential both inside and outside the classroom. Contact us today!

Forget the Checklist: Setting Realistic Dog Training Goals for the New Year

Forget the Checklist: Setting Realistic Dog Training Goals for the New Year

By: Hannah Barnes

A new year is almost upon us, and with it, the customary wave of resolutions and ambitious checklists. For new dog or puppy parents, this can easily translate into a long list of training goals, socialization plans, and behavior modification strategies. While it's admirable to strive for the best for your fur baby, we understand the pressure to "do it all" can quickly become overwhelming.

At Summit Dog Training®, we really do empathize with the desire to craft the best possible life for your dog. It’s so tempting to envision the picture-perfect scenario we’ve been taught to expect: a perfectly behaved dog who walks on a loose leash, greets guests with enthusiasm but not chaos, and confidently explores the world without disturbance. You might even be dreaming of competing in dog sports or traveling the world together on top of it all!

Though these goals are all very common and achievable, they can also be ambitious. We're here to tell you that there's no single "checklist" that every dog or puppy parent needs to complete. Every dog-human-team is unique, and so should be your goals.

Summit Dog Training in Fort Collins offers positive reinforcement-based training classes to address a wide range of behavioral challenges. Our certified, professional dog trainers will help you achieve measurable results and build a stronger bond with your furry best friend. We'll work with you to set realistic training goals so you can have as many of life’s adventures together as possible. Get started today!

Focus on One Primary Goal

Instead of creating a comprehensive, lengthy, and overwhelming list, consider starting with just one primary goal for you and your dog in the new year. This could be:

• Potty training

• Loose-leash walking

• Feeling secure in a public space

• Keeping four paws on the ground when greeting guests

• Recall

• A unique goal for your unique circumstances: Maybe you want to teach your dog to bring in the newspaper every morning, or ring a bell anytime they need to go outside.

Remember: Long-term goals are a journey, not a race.

Many of the common goals listed above are ongoing and require consistent effort. It’s important (and fun!) to celebrate the small victories and acknowledge the milestones along the way. 

For example, if your goal is for your dog to feel secure in public spaces, a significant milestone might be observing them calmly chew on a bully stick while enjoying the sights and sounds of a park. This demonstrates a level of comfort and self-regulation that can be gradually built upon so they can relax in a variety of environments in the future.

Quality Over Quantity: Avoid Training Fatigue

Dogs, like humans, can definitely experience learning fatigue. Though it might seem counterintuitive, overwhelming them with excessive training sessions, socialization, and exposure can actually hinder their long-term progress. Remember that:

• Less is often more. Focus on short, high-quality training sessions rather than long, drawn-out ones.

• Dogs are latent learners. They need time to rest and process information in order to integrate new skills.

• Prioritize rest and relaxation. Ensure your dog has ample opportunities to unwind and decompress between training sessions, socialization opportunities, and other outings. 

You Set the Pace

Ultimately, you get to determine the goals and priorities for your dog. This is your journey, and it's unique. Avoid comparing your progress to others. Every dog learns at their own pace, and just like humans, they have different personalities and learning styles. Some dogs may pick up new skills quickly, while others may take more time. Celebrate every small victory and don't let setbacks discourage you. Learning is not linear, and building a strong bond and reliable skill set with your dog takes time and patience. 

Advocating for Your Dog

A crucial part of making progress is advocating for your dog's needs (and your own!) so they are ultimately set up for success.

• Know your dog well. Understand their individual temperament, energy levels, and any sensitivities they may have. Remember that every dog is an individual. Situations that might have been easy to handle for the dog you had growing up could be really difficult for the one you have now, and that’s ok.

• Choose environments that are appropriate for their current skill level. Don't put your dog into overwhelming situations that they can’t yet handle. There is a fine line between a healthy challenge and toxic stress. 

• Quick tip: The easiest way to gauge your dog’s ability to handle a situation is to see if they can respond to basic, well-known cues. Can they sit when you ask for it? Find a treat when you toss it on the ground? If not, they may not be capable of learning in their current environment.

• Respect their limits. If your dog seems stressed or overwhelmed, remove them from the situation and try again at a different time. This gives you good information about their threshold and will save both of you from unnecessary frustration.

There's No Rush

Remember, building a strong and fulfilling relationship with your dog is a journey, not a race. By setting realistic goals, focusing on quality over quantity, and advocating for your dog's needs, you'll create a positive and rewarding training experience for both of you.

Summit Dog Training specializes in positive reinforcement training methods to empower adventures for dogs and their humans. Our certified, professional dog trainers will guide you every step of the way, helping you achieve measurable results and build a strong relationship with your dog. We'll work with you to set realistic training goals that fit your lifestyle. Contact us today!

Camping With Your Dog

Camping With Your Dog

Now that the leaves have turned, the bugs are gone, and the temperature is cooling, we’re all itching to get the dog, grab the tent and head up to the mountains! Camping with your dog is tons of fun and full of adventure. Many of the same skills that our dogs need to be successful while living in our homes also apply to camping, with the added difficulty of being out in an exciting environment with extra distractions and fewer management options than we have at our disposal in our homes. Below you will find tips to set your dog up for success as you enjoy all that nature has to offer this fall. 

Teach a stationary “Settle” behavior! This behavior is useful in many different contexts, but especially in a camping setting. Having a reliable “Settle” cue helps to keep your dog out of the way of the camp stove while you’re cooking dinner, settle next to the fire, and gives them a clear spot to be in the tent while you get ready for bed at the end of the night. Check out this video playlist for instructions on how to get started on this skill with your dog! Remember to start in an easy environment and build up the difficulty from there.

Practice sleeping outside ahead of your first full camping trip. For dogs that are used to sleeping inside quiet houses, we have to remember that transitioning to sleeping outdoors in a tent or camper can come with a lot of extra little noises and smells. If you have the option to do so, try a test run close to home for your dog’s first outdoor sleeping experience. Make sure your dog has had plenty of exercise and is ready for bed before getting into the tent. When it’s time to get into the tent together, provide a designated sleeping space that is similar to where they might sleep inside your home (this is where you settle training comes in!). You may not always need to bring their big cushy dog bed along for your camping adventures, but especially for their first tent experience, we want to help them clearly understand that sleeping is the primary activity when inside the tent.

Teach your dog that people appearing suddenly is a cue to check in with you. Whether you are camping in a dispersed area or a busy campground, it’s important for your dog to calmly accept people and other dogs walking past your campsite. A barking dog can be an unpleasant surprise to anyone walking past, as well as yourself! With a little bit of proactive practice, you can help your dog be prepared for sudden visitors by teaching them that these are good experiences for them! Start by teaching your dog that when something happens in their environment, it is an opportunity to come and get a treat from you. Start this in an environment like the far end of a grocery store parking lot with your dog on-leash. When your dog sees someone walk into their field of view, give them a treat. Repeat this until your dog assumes that someone appearing suddenly is usually an opportunity to get something good from you! Then you can take this on the road and practice on hikes, at campsites, or any other environment you might find yourself in. Gradually build up the difficulty so that even if your dog is startled by a surprise hiker on an otherwise deserted backcountry campsite, they’re ready to reconnect with you quickly!

Ready to continue learning about camping with your dog? Click here for our Camping with Dogs Webinar! This webinar is taught by dog behavior and training experts who regularly camp with their dogs, and have coached many other teams to camping success. If you want additional support for you and your dog, we offer in-person Group Classes and Private Lessons in Fort Collins, Colorado, and virtual coaching right in the comfort of your home.