How to Become a More Confident Dog Owner: 11 Tips

Dogs benefit from having a calm, confident owner who gives them a sense of security. At the same time, you’ll benefit when you build your skills—and with them, your self-confidence. In these 11 tips, you’ll learn how to quickly and easily become a better dog owner.

11 Tips for Confident Dog Owners

Some people get dogs to feel safer. But here’s the problem: insecure owners put pressure on their dogs and stress them out. After all, someone has to take the lead and provide a sense of safety.

If the dog takes on that role, it can end badly—often with teeth involved.

Working on your self-confidence and composure benefits both you and your dog. It strengthens your bond and helps create a more relaxed relationship.

Ready for your dog owner training? Let’s go!

Tip 1: Set Your Own Rules

What should your dog be able to do? What doesn’t matter to you? Which rules make no sense to you at all?

I often see dog owners giving half-hearted commands or trying to correct their dogs—and becoming frustrated when it doesn’t work. There can be many reasons for that.

But one common reason is this: they’re not truly behind their own rules. As a result, they’re neither authentic nor consistent.

Ask yourself this for every rule you create:

Why does my dog need to do this?

The answer should not be: “Because that’s what people do,” or “That’s what the trainer on TV said,” or “Just because.”

If you can’t justify something logically and it’s not truly important to you, it undermines your credibility—with your dog, yourself, and others.

For example, I’ve never seen the point in making dogs sit before crossing the street. In fact, I’m against it. Why should they sit in the dirty street—especially in bad weather?

Instead, my dogs stop at the “Stop!” command and focus their attention on me.

I also don’t see the point in making my dog lie down outside while I walk 10, 20, or 30 meters away. That doesn’t benefit me—on the contrary, it makes me nervous. I would never leave my dogs lying somewhere far from me. What for?

The “Stop!” command is perfectly sufficient for me.

Find your important rules—and ditch the rest.

Tip 2: Expand Your Knowledge

Knowledge is power. Being able to read your dog’s body language, build training sessions correctly, and even understand local laws will help you grow your confidence.

You’ll find out what should be at the top of your personal learning plan in the next tips.

Tip 3: Identify Your Insecurities and Fears

Are you unsure if you’re doing something right? Do you sometimes feel afraid during walks? Admit it—and write it down.

Becoming aware of your weaknesses is the best starting point to work on them.

Although I grew up with dogs and work with them, I used to hate certain encounters with strange dogs. When I saw an off-leash dog or an owner who had no control, I used to feel nervous—even fearful.

So, I developed strategies to stay calm and act appropriately in those situations. Do I jump for joy when an unleashed dog runs toward us? Definitely not! But I know I can protect my dogs. And that gives me security.

Tip 4: Learn How to Block

Speaking of which—strange dogs charging at you and your dog can be very stressful.

Instead of letting rude or aggressive dogs approach, hoping for the best, or getting upset afterward, learn how to block!

Some dog schools and clubs offer courses for this. If not in your area, just ask! Practice sessions can be arranged quickly. Once you understand the basic technique and try it a few times, you can train on your own.

Tip 5: Equip Yourself Properly

Twenty years ago, I bought my first pepper spray. In all that time, I’ve only used it once—to test how it works and how hard it is to use.

I’ve never used it on a person or animal. So why do I still carry it?

Because knowing I have it gives me a sense of security.

Tip 6: Make Training a Priority for You and Your Dog

You can’t change other dogs or their owners. But you can always work on yourself and your dog. Training and shared hobbies bring you closer together.

You become more reliable for each other—and more secure. Remember the saying: Practice makes perfect. The more successful repetitions you have, the more confident you’ll become.

Tip 7: Address Problems and Weaknesses Directly

I’m 5’3″ (1.61 m) and weigh under 110 lbs (50 kg)—I’m many things, but intimidating isn’t one of them. I also have a kind, non-threatening demeanor. As a result, people often disrespect boundaries around me.

Add a couple of cute little dogs, and suddenly I’m a walking petting zoo.

For me and my fearful dogs, that’s a real issue. So, I had to find ways to keep intrusive people at a distance.

My size and weight are also physical disadvantages. Strength equals mass times acceleration, and I’d lose a physical contest with a 30 kg (66 lb) dog that lunges or attacks me.

And yet, I can still handle larger, stronger dogs. Not with strength—but with technique developed through training.

Look at your own weak spots and recurring problems. Is your dog’s version of leash walking more like zigzagging around? Does he ignore you during walks? Or are unfamiliar dogs the bigger issue?

There are always tools and strategies to find targeted solutions and increase your confidence—and your relaxation.

Tip 8: Keep Track of Your Progress

On bad days or during stressful times, it’s easy to forget what you’ve achieved. Remind yourself often of how far you’ve come—not just with your dog, but in life in general.

Instead of getting discouraged or insecure, focus on progress and past success. It will give you strength and confidence.

Tip 9: Face Challenges

Just like a dog’s self-confidence, you can build your own step by step.

Challenge yourself now and then—whether it’s a dog school workshop, a self-defense class, or something you’ve always wanted to try but never dared. It doesn’t even have to be dog-related.

Try indoor skydiving or sing karaoke in public. These small acts of bravery show you what you’re capable of. And that boosts your self-confidence.

Tip 10: Keep Learning

Practical courses, working with a good dog trainer, reading books, and connecting with other dog owners (like through PunkRockPudel) all help you grow.

The more you know and can do, the more confident you’ll feel. Plus, you’ll gain new tips and possibly make connections who can support you when challenges arise.

Tip 11: Pay Attention to Your Body Language

A firm stance, squared shoulders, upright posture—it works on people and dogs alike.

But posture and body language aren’t just impressive (or revealing of insecurity).

By paying attention to and improving your physical presence, you’ll also boost your confidence. While you’re at it, take time to understand how your body language is perceived by dogs. I recommend the book The Other End of the Leash by Patricia B. McConnell.

Why Self-Confidence Matters for Both You and Your Dog

Few things have impressed me as much as this: a white Standard Schnauzer and her owners.

The first time I saw the dog with her female owner, she was out of control—pulling, barking, growling, baring teeth, nearly choking herself trying to get at my dog.

The woman on the other end of the leash was visibly overwhelmed. She looked panicked, desperate—even a little resigned.

A few days later, I saw the same dog again. This time, unleashed. Based on our last encounter, I was bracing for the worst.

What happened?

Nothing.

The Schnauzer made a quick move in our direction, was called back immediately, and walked on without another glance.

At first, I thought it must be a different dog. But it wasn’t.

The only difference?

Her handler.

With her confident male owner, the dog was totally calm. With her insecure female owner, she turned into a menace.

So your self-confidence directly affects how your dog experiences the world. Does your dog feel safe—or scared and on edge? That largely depends on the security you provide.

And for yourself, there’s another benefit: when you’re constantly worried or doubting yourself, you can’t focus—neither on your dog nor your surroundings.

By working on your own confidence, you’ll become calmer—and a better dog owner.