Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too!
This week, Lauren is joined by the brilliant Sam to answer a listener question that so many owners of worried dogs will recognise: what do you do when the very confidence-building games designed to help your dog seem to scare them in the first place?
Whether it's a cardboard box, a crinkly bottle, a piece of paper on the floor, or simply something unfamiliar appearing in the environment, some dogs find the world a much bigger and scarier place than others. In this episode, Lauren and Sam explore why confidence building isn't about following a game exactly as it's demonstrated, but about finding the right starting point for the dog in front of you.
Together, they discuss how to break optimism games down into tiny, achievable steps. For some dogs, that might mean playing Cardboard Chaos. For others, it might simply mean being comfortable in the same room as a cardboard box. You'll hear why progress often comes from looking for the smallest possible win and building from there, rather than pushing for the finished picture too quickly.
Lauren and Sam also chat about the role of movement, choice, and pressure release when working with nervous dogs. They explore why giving a dog the option to leave can actually help them become braver, how owner pressure can unintentionally make confidence struggles harder, and why keeping training light, playful, and enjoyable often creates the biggest breakthroughs.
The conversation also highlights the importance of reinforcement. From food motivation and toy play to everyday opportunities for earning rewards, you'll hear why "trainability is susceptibility to reinforcement" and how building a stronger reinforcement history can transform what is possible for a worried dog. Lauren shares examples from her own dogs, while Sam talks about helping a noise-sensitive dog learn that sounds and novelty can predict fun rather than worry.
Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that there is no single blueprint for confidence building. The best training plan is always the one that works for the dog standing in front of you.
If you're living with a nervous, cautious, or pessimistic dog, this episode is packed with practical ideas, encouragement, and simple next steps to help you build confidence one small win at a time.
Looking for your dog's starting point? Grab the £1 Games Club trial and explore confidence-building games, guided tracks, and a community that understands exactly what it's like to live with a worried dog.
