Mango Dogs

Mango Dogs Transforming the lives of thousands of dogs + owners since 2009.

Speaking Truth.
02/06/2025

Speaking Truth.

01/28/2025

Earned Confidence vs. Fake Confidence in Dogs

Dogs are incredible creatures and can be incredibly difficult to understand for the average dog owner. As dog trainers, it’s essential to understand what drives these behaviors, especially when it comes to reactivity and aggression. One of the most common issues we see in reactive dogs is what we call "fake confidence."

What Is Fake Confidence?

Fake confidence in dogs is essentially a false sense of power or control over situations. It often develops because the dog hasn’t had to truly confront conflict in a meaningful way. Instead, they’ve learned to bluff their way out of uncomfortable situations. Here are some common examples:

The Delivery Driver Scenario: Your dog barks and growls at the door when the delivery driver arrives. From the dog’s perspective, the driver leaving after dropping off the package feels like a victory. They think, "I scared them off!"

The Car Defender: When your dog is in the back of the car and barks or growls at passersby, they’re creating a barrier of sound. The person walking away reinforces their belief that they’re powerful.

The Fence Fighter: Dogs who bark, growl, and lunge at the fence often perceive themselves as the victor when the other dog or person doesn’t engage further. Again, this reinforces the idea that their bluster is effective.

In all these situations, the dog doesn’t experience a real challenge or consequence. Their confidence isn’t earned through genuine interaction but instead built on a pattern of perceived victories in controlled or artificial environments.

What Is Earned Confidence?

Earned confidence is entirely different. It’s the type of confidence a dog develops when they face real-world situations and learn to navigate them effectively. These dogs understand what it means to resolve conflict, whether through appropriate social behavior or genetic predisposition.

The Confident Dog Spectrum

Genetically Balanced Confidence: These dogs are naturally confident but not reckless. They’ve had exposure to various situations and learned how to respond calmly and appropriately. They don’t feel the need to lash out because they’re secure in themselves.

Genetically Emboldened Dogs: Some dogs are born with a higher-than-average level of confidence. When they experience conflict and "win" (e.g., the other dog or person retreats), it further emboldens them. This can lead to increased reactivity if not managed carefully.

Genetically Extreme Confidence: A small percentage of dogs, perhaps 5%, are so genetically predisposed to fight or dominate that they can cause significant harm in their very first encounter. These are dogs with incredibly strong drive and intensity—a combination that requires experienced handling and training.

Why It Matters

Understanding the difference between fake and earned confidence is crucial for addressing reactivity in dogs. Dogs with fake confidence can often be rehabilitated by exposing them to controlled, real-world scenarios where they learn appropriate behavior. For dogs with earned confidence, the goal is to channel their natural traits in a safe and constructive way.

At Mango Dogs, our focus is on giving dogs the tools they need to thrive, no matter where they fall on the confidence spectrum. Whether your dog is bluffing their way through situations or is genetically predisposed to take charge, we can help.

Free Evaluation: Start Your Dog’s Journey Today

If your dog is showing signs of reactivity, aggression, or overconfidence, don’t wait until the problem escalates. Mango Dogs offers a free evaluation to assess your dog’s behavior and develop a tailored training plan.

12/21/2024

What excuses do you make for your dog? Just wondering. No judgement here :)

Puppy Socialization 101
10/08/2024

Puppy Socialization 101

Striking the Right Balance: The Crucial Role of Structure and Understanding in Dog OwnershipEmbarking on the journey of ...
01/02/2024

Striking the Right Balance: The Crucial Role of Structure and Understanding in Dog Ownership

Embarking on the journey of dog ownership is a remarkable adventure, but it comes with responsibilities that extend beyond cuddles and playtime. Unfortunately, many humans inadvertently set the wrong tone from the beginning by neglecting the importance of structure and rules in shaping their dog's behavior.

One common oversight is the tendency to disregard valuable online resources about specific dog breeds and their behaviors as they mature. Different breeds come with distinct characteristics and tendencies, and understanding these traits is essential for effective training and a harmonious relationship. Guarding breeds naturally exhibit protective behaviors, hunting breeds have a penchant for chasing and pulling breeds might have a tendency to pull. By acknowledging and anticipating these inclinations, dog owners can better navigate potential challenges.

Another common pitfall is the unintentional reinforcement of undesirable behaviors through consoling. When a dog exhibits fear or reacts adversely, offering comfort with phrases like "It's okay" may seem instinctive, but it can exacerbate the problem. What you reinforce is what you get. Instead, providing tangible cues or redirecting their attention can be more effective in addressing stress or reactivity.

While love is undoubtedly a crucial component of the human-dog bond, it's not a standalone solution to preventing aggression or behavioral issues. Some dogs, despite receiving ample affection, may still develop problems that stem from a lack of structure, clear boundaries, and consistent training.

The issue of unearned freedoms also poses a challenge in dog ownership. Some humans believe that their dogs should have endless freedom or need to be off-leash for adequate exercise. However, freedom should be earned through positive behavior, not assumed. Putting others' safety at risk due to an insistence on off-leash activities can lead to unfortunate consequences.

In conclusion, successful dog ownership hinges on finding the right balance between structure and love. Starting with a foundation of clear rules and expectations and gradually incorporating love when the dog behaves appropriately creates a well-rounded and well-behaved companion. Understanding breed-specific traits, providing tangible cues during stress, recognizing that love alone isn't a cure-all, and ensuring that freedoms are earned contribute to a positive and fulfilling relationship between humans and their canine friends. It's time to rethink our approach to dog ownership and set the stage for a lifelong bond built on understanding, structure, and love.

12/26/2023

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Mango Dogs!

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