During a recent session at RSPCA Dakabin, our Saturday Intro to Handle group was introduced to a shy young puppy who wasn't quite sure about trying new things. Faced with anything unfamiliar, the puppy tended to shy away, a common response for a young dog still building trust in a new environment.

One of our participants, Sienna, who has been steadily developing some genuinely impressive dog-training skills over recent sessions, stepped up to help.

Rather than pushing the puppy toward anything it wasn't ready for, she suggested starting with the "middle" game, a foundational exercise where the dog is encouraged to settle between its handler's legs. It's a simple idea with a real purpose: building a dog's confidence and optimism by helping it find safety and value in staying close to its person, rather than shying away from what's unfamiliar.

It was a beautiful moment of connection to witness both Sienna’s confidence and the unlocking of the pup’s own confidence along with acquiring a new skill.

With that groundwork laid, the group moved on to the "paw on" game, encouraging the puppy to place its front paws up onto an object. For a dog already unsure of new things, this asks for a small act of bravery. Bit by bit, the puppy grew more confident, until it was willingly approaching different people and items around the room. A stark difference to the timid behaviour when first entering the room.

Games like these not only build confidence, particularly for shy pups, but pair perfectly as a training activity which stimulates a dog's brain and provides a source of enrichment through learning, a key part of every HPHH session.

We are so proud of our participants and Sienna, for the skills they have built in understanding animal body language and recognising when and how to apply their learnings to suit each individual dog’s need. In as little as 30 minutes, the unsure pup grew in confidence and instead of shying away, moved bravely.

For our participants, it was another beautiful end to a session whereby practicing patience and care, they have tangibly supported another shelter animal to put their best paw forward for adoption.