Gradual Exposure and Developing Resilience

Tip #2

One of the core principles of Positive Psychology is building resilience. Dogs—especially those with a history of trauma or anxiety—need to learn how to cope with stress in a healthy way, which means giving the dog time and space to adjust to new environments, routines, and interactions. Humans flex to the needs of the dog to ensure proper integration.

Gradual exposure is an effective Positive Psychology technique that helps dogs overcome anxieties. Instead of overwhelming them with too much, we start small, introducing one new experience at a time and rewarding calm behavior. Over time, this builds the dog’s emotional resilience, helping them feel more comfortable in their new home.