Small Dog Confidence Club 🐾

Building confidence, one paw at a time.

A supportive, structured confidence and socialisation club for small and medium-sized dogs, up to approximately Spaniel size, in East Kent.

Does your dog feel nervous around other dogs or people? Perhaps they bark when approached, struggle with social situations, become overexcited or simply need opportunities to build their confidence.

Our Small Dog Confidence Club is designed to help dogs and their owners develop confidence, improve communication and enjoy positive experiences together in a calm, supportive environment.

Whether your dog is shy, sensitive, reactive, easily overwhelmed or simply needs a little help navigating the world, we're here to support you both.

What Is the Small Dog Confidence Club?

Unlike traditional dog socialisation groups, our club isn't about putting dogs together and hoping they make friends.

It's about understanding how dogs communicate, recognising their individual needs and creating opportunities for safe, appropriate social experiences.

Dogs are never expected to interact if they aren't comfortable. Instead, we work at each dog's pace, helping them develop confidence and the skills to navigate everyday situations.

Our aim isn't to make every dog sociable. It's to help every dog feel more confident and secure.

What Will We Work On?

🐾 Confidence Around Other Dogs

Helping dogs feel more comfortable sharing space with other dogs, without the pressure of direct interaction.

🐾 Confidence Around People

Supporting dogs who may be nervous, uncertain or overly excited around unfamiliar people.

🐾 Canine Communication & Body Language

Learning to recognise subtle communication signals, understand when your dog needs space and identify appropriate social interactions.

🐾 Calmness & Emotional Regulation

Helping dogs learn to settle, disengage and recover from exciting or challenging situations.

🐾 Social Skills & Appropriate Interactions

Providing carefully managed opportunities to practise greetings, boundaries and communication when appropriate for the individual dogs.

🐾 Owner Confidence & Handling Skills

Developing practical skills to help you understand your dog's behaviour, advocate for their needs and confidently manage everyday situations.

Who Is It For?

Our Small Dog Confidence Club welcomes small and medium-sized dogs, up to approximately Spaniel size.

The club is suitable for dogs who may:

• Feel nervous or uncertain around other dogs or people.

• Bark or become overexcited when they see other dogs.

• Struggle with greetings or understanding social boundaries.

• Lack confidence in unfamiliar environments.

• Find busy group walks overwhelming.

• Benefit from calm, structured social experiences.

• Simply enjoy learning and exploring alongside other dogs.

Dogs are carefully matched based on their size, temperament, confidence and individual needs.

Reactive dogs are welcome, subject to an individual suitability assessment. Some dogs may benefit from initial 1:1 support before joining the group.

How Our Sessions Work

Sessions are led by Emily, Canine Behaviourist at Kent Canine Behaviour, with a focus on confidence, emotional wellbeing, communication and practical behaviour support.

Our sessions combine structured confidence-building activities with a shorter group walk, giving dogs the opportunity to move together in a calm, supportive environment.

Walking together can help dogs become more comfortable in one another's presence, without the pressure of direct greetings or interaction. Moving in the same direction, with appropriate spacing, allows dogs to explore their surroundings, build familiarity and practise remaining calm around others.

Throughout each session, we'll focus on:

• Confidence-building games and activities – helping dogs develop resilience and feel more comfortable in different situations.

• Moving together – a shorter, structured group walk encouraging dogs to share space and become comfortable around one another.

• Canine communication – understanding body language, boundaries and appropriate social interactions.

• Calmness and emotional regulation – helping dogs practise disengagement, settle and recover from excitement.

• Confidence around people – supporting dogs who feel nervous, uncertain or overexcited around unfamiliar people.

• Owner handling skills – developing confidence in managing leads, creating space and advocating for your dog.

• Positive social experiences – carefully managed opportunities for interaction where appropriate and comfortable for the dogs involved.

Dogs will not be expected to greet, play or interact with one another. Each dog will be supported at their own pace, with activities adapted to their individual needs.

The goal isn't to make every dog want to meet other dogs. It's to help them feel confident, comfortable and secure in their presence.