An Insecure Great Dane Gains Confidence

Most of us have an understanding of what it means to be comfortable in our own skin.  It means we are confident with ourselves.  We may not be thrilled with who we are in every aspect but we don’t resist being who we are.  I am finding that being comfortable in our own skin also applies to dogs.

I love working with insecure/timid dogs.  I know that within each of them is a solid Being.  They may never be completely comfortable in their own fur, around other people, or other dogs; but, there’s nothing like the reward of having a dog with an abusive past, demonstrate a level of comfort in Being themselves.

A low self esteem in a human leads to poor choices and co-dependency with those who give them attention.  It’s not so different with dogs.  Low self esteem in my Great Dane shows up as timidness, insecurity, and neediness.

I hear others say of large dogs, “they don’t know their size – they think they are little dogs.”  I disagree.  I think she knows very well how huge she is but doesn’t know what to do with herself.  Try though she might to get into my lap, her head is the only body part that fits.  I think she dreams of being little and then awakens to her giant body filled with big uncertainties.

We’re working together on her insecurities and she is becoming more independent and secure. She is learning to be more comfortable in her own skin, uh – fur.