How to Build Optimism
To build optimism as a concept there are some fantastic games you can play to make novelty normal. We want our dogs to be able to approach challenges in their every day life with the best reaction - not barking and lunging and screaming and worrying - actually, absolutely no reaction.
We can build that through games….
“The Best Reaction is No Reaction”
One of our favourite games is Noise box and one to start you on the optimism-building road right away….
1. Fill a box with safe items that the dog can safely explore, bubble wrap, foil, plastic bottles,
2. Scatter feed in to the box and let them explore in their own time,
3. As they do, reinforce that amazing choice by scatter feeding some more in to the box.
4. Allow them to explore, no pressure, no stress….scatter feeding part of your dogs daily food allowance.
This is pairing novelty with a positive outcome to the MAX, and actively builds optimism and shapes your dog’s brain and future choices to better tackle the weird and wonderful worlds they find themselves in!
Now this is just one of the games we play in our living rooms with our dogs that actually change and shape their brains to optimists, transforming their struggles in the rest of the world. Now that’s powerful!