C is for Confidence

Positive emotions and optimism seem to be very beneficial for human psychological health as these traits protect against stress. It seems that, as in humans, resilience in dogs is a complex mixture of genetic and environmental factors. There is some evidence on several key factors supporting resilience in dogs, where factors in early life such as good maternal care, environmental enrichment and socialisation (including adoption age and several positive experiences from the environment) are among the most important ones. There is some evidence that caregiver personality, secure attachment, and positive interaction with the dog (play, exercise, training, diet) are important environmental factors supporting resilience.

If we follow the first four C’s – Calm, Connection, Choices and Consistency it will help our dogs become confident and resilient.

References:

Segovia F, Moore JL, Linnville SE, Hoyt RE, Hain RE. (2012) Optimism Predicts Resilience in Repatriated Prisoners of War: A 37-Year Longitudinal Study. J Trauma Stress. 2012;25(3):330–336. doi:10.1002/jts.21691

Tiira K. (2019). Resilience In Dogs? Lessons From Other Species. Veterinary medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 10, 159–168.