Using Tug to Build Confidence in Nervous or Soft Dogs

Foundations Friday — Featuring Tokyo

Not every agility dog bursts onto the field full of confidence. Some are thoughtful, soft, sensitive… and honestly? Those dogs can become some of the best partners you’ll ever have — if you build their confidence the right way.

For Tokyo, tug has been one of the most powerful tools in helping her grow into a brave, driven, engaged agility dog. It’s more than play. It’s empowerment.

Many nervous or softer dogs live in their heads. They overthink, hesitate, double-check, or worry about getting things wrong. Tug gives them a place where they can feel strong, right, and in control.

When Tokyo grabs the toy, she’s making a confident choice.
When she pulls back, she feels powerful.
When she “wins,” her body releases a surge of self-belief.
Every repetition builds a dog who trusts herself a little more.

Tug also creates predictability. Soft dogs love clarity.
The routine of:
“Ready?” → “Take it!” → tug → “Drop” → celebrate
helps them understand the game and feel safe inside it.
Predictability creates confidence.

The best part? Tug teaches them they can handle excitement without shutting down. Tokyo used to dip out if pressure rose too quickly. Now, because tug lets her rehearse manageable arousal, she knows she can feel hyped without feeling overwhelmed.

And because tug is shared, it builds confidence in the relationship too. When Tokyo looks up at me mid-tug, she’s not just playing — she’s checking in, choosing connection, choosing trust. Nervous dogs anchor themselves to their handler, and tug strengthens that bond beautifully.

If you have a softer dog, remember: confidence isn’t given. It’s rehearsed. Tug gives them tiny, safe wins that accumulate into real bravery on the agility field.

Start slow. Keep the rules clear. Keep the game fair.
Let your dog win often.
Let them feel like the hero of their own story.

Confidence grows in moments like this — one joyful tug at a time.