by Trish Harrison
•
16 January 2025
The Power of Calm: How Your Energy Affects Your Puppy’s Confidence Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and joyful experience. Their boundless energy, adorable curiosity, and sweet snuggles are hard to resist. But puppies are also highly sensitive creatures who pick up on our emotions and behaviour more than we realise. Staying calm and balanced around your puppy is one of the most powerful tools for raising a well-adjusted, confident dog. In contrast, being overly anxious or protective can inadvertently create stress and anxiety in your puppy. Let’s explore why your energy matters and how to foster a peaceful, positive environment for your pup. The Emotional Connection Between Humans and Puppies Dogs are incredibly perceptive when it comes to human emotions. Puppies are like sponges, soaking up the energy around them. If you are calm, composed, and consistent, your puppy will sense this stability and feel secure. However, if you are tense, nervous, or overreactive, your puppy may mirror these emotions, leading to anxiety and fear-based behaviours. For example, if you react with panic when your puppy stumbles or encounters a new situation, they may learn that unfamiliar experiences are dangerous. Conversely, if you stay calm and reassuring, your puppy will be more likely to approach the world with curiosity and confidence. How Overprotectiveness Can Backfire It’s natural to want to shield your puppy from harm, but being too protective can unintentionally teach them to be fearful. Common signs of overprotective behaviour include: • Hovering over your puppy during social interactions to prevent potential rough play. • Rushing to “rescue” your puppy from minor falls or harmless situations. • Constantly controlling their environment to avoid every possible risk. While some caution is necessary, puppies need to explore and experience mild discomfort to build resilience. If you intervene too quickly, your puppy may become dependent on you for security, which can hinder their ability to develop confidence and independence. Why Calm Energy is Essential for Training Training a puppy requires patience, consistency, and a calm demeanor. When you remain relaxed and use positive reinforcement, your puppy is more likely to engage and learn effectively. On the other hand, frustration or shouting can confuse and frighten your puppy, making training sessions stressful and less productive. Some key benefits of staying calm during training include: • Clear communication: Calm energy helps you give clear, consistent commands. • Better focus: A calm atmosphere allows your puppy to concentrate on learning. • Stronger trust: Your puppy will feel safe and confident in your leadership. Tips for Managing Your Energy Around Puppies 1. Stay mindful of your body language and tone of voice. Puppies are highly attuned to nonverbal cues. Use gentle movements and a soft, encouraging tone. 2. Breathe and pause before reacting. If your puppy misbehaves or encounters something new, take a moment to assess before responding. 3. Practice self-awareness. Recognise when your own stress levels are high and take steps to calm yourself before engaging with your puppy. 4. Set healthy boundaries. Allow your puppy to explore, make small mistakes, and learn from experiences. Fostering Confidence and Resilience in Puppies By maintaining a calm, confident energy, you help your puppy develop important life skills, such as: • Self-regulation: Learning to manage excitement or frustration. • Social confidence: Feeling comfortable around people, other animals, and new environments. • Problem-solving: Facing minor challenges without fear. In the long run, a balanced puppy is more likely to grow into a well-behaved, happy adult dog who trusts your leadership and handles the world with poise. Final Thoughts Raising a puppy is as much about managing your own energy as it is about teaching your pup new behaviours. By staying calm and giving your puppy room to explore, you create a positive, trusting relationship that sets the stage for lifelong confidence. Remember, your energy is a powerful influence—use it wisely!
