How to build your dog’s confidence exploring new places

Keep an eye out for: 

• Stress panting: Unless it’s warm out, or they’ve just been out exercising, excessive panting from your dog may mean they’re feeling anxious.
• Lip licking and yawning: These are early calming signals dogs use when under pressure.
• Freezing: They’re not just being stubborn - if your dog freezes and refuses to move, it’s a clear signal that they’re not comfortable.
• Hyper vigilance: Keep an eye out for jumpiness or reactivity to normal sounds or sights.
• Frantic energy: Dogs who normally walk nicely on the lead and start pulling aren’t suddenly forgetting all their training - they’re responding to stress.
• Jumping up and attention-seeking: If they’re trying to get your attention, they could be seeking comfort in an environment they’re unsure about.

This step-by-step guide will help even the most fearful dogs broaden their horizons:

• Break the routine: Start off by changing up your dog’s routine, even by a little bit. Change the route you take to their favourite park or do your normal walk backwards. It doesn’t need to be drastic - every little step gets them used to changes.
• Park up: Head somewhere new with them. Whether you’re in a car or sat on the bench, just stay in one place and watch the world go by. Give them the odd treat and reassuring strokes when they’re calm and relaxed.
• Let them sniff: Once they’re used to sitting calmly in new places, let them have a good sniff. Dogs are led by their sense of smell, and the act of sniffing can be very calming - let them lead the way. If they’re too anxious to sniff, try placing treats for them to find.
• Maintain distance: If your dog finds something in their environment scary - like other dogs, waves in the sea or a very suspicious-looking bush, give it a nice wide berth. The distance will help them feel less intimidated and brave enough to walk on by with you by their side.
• Give them lots of praise and rewards: When they’re being calm and doing well, reward them with lots of praise and rewards – after all, they’ve earned it!

Bring the right equipment

Depending on your walk, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got the right equipment to keep your dog close and safe. For any walk, big or small, don’t forget:

• A collar or harness and tag with your details: Not only is this a legal requirement, but it also means they can be quickly returned to you if they go missing.
• A sturdy, short lead: Choose one with a sturdy clip. Multi-way leads give you lots of options to shorten or lengthen, depending on where you’re walking your dog. 
• A PitPat Dog GPS Tracker : Great for peace of mind, a dog GPS tracker will help you find your dog in moments if they run off.

• Have they got a good recall? If you plan to let them off-lead, make sure they’ve got a rock-solid recall first, even if you use a GPS tracker.
• Are they fit enough for the walk? Heading on a big hike? Make sure your dog is fit enough first. Work up to big distances gradually – you can use a PitPat to check their activity levels to see what normal looks like for them.
• Are they healthy? If your dog is recovering from illness or injury, it might be best to postpone that adventure. Follow your vet’s advice and brush up on your first aid skills for any on-the-go accidents.

• Plan your route: Knowing where you’re going in advance helps to calm the nerves. Whether you’re simply changing up a walk that is close to home or planning a longer hike in the countryside, plan your route and know your options to cut it short if you need to. Please check for roaming livestock before entering a field and keep them on a lead; it is a serious offence to let your pet worry animals.
• Wear the right clothes: They say there’s no such thing as bad weather - just bad preparation. Make sure you’ve got the right clothes and equipment for the walk you’re doing - for big hikes, make sure you’ve got good sturdy walking boots, waterproof gear, warm layers and a paper map (because phones will run out of battery quickly!)
• If in doubt, don’t head out: If the weather isn’t ideal, and you’re not confident, it’s best to wait it out - the walk will be there another day.
• Bring a friend or tell someone where you’re going: Walks are better with company, so bring someone along with you, if you can. Otherwise, let someone know where you’re going, and check in with them once you’re back.