Puppy training

As many dog owners know, training a puppy requires a lot of positive reinforcement. Treats, walks and praise are all means of recognising and rewarding a pooch’s good behaviour, in order to encourage obedience. Now imagine you’re that puppy! You need to acknowledge and incentivise your own good behaviour. Jot down a moment in your life where you feel you exhibited some mental strength. Maybe it was a time you spoke up for yourself despite feeling reluctant. Or perhaps you enrolled in a club completely out of your comfort zone. Even if it’s just a seemingly small thing, remind yourself that you have that pluck within you. Stick that piece of paper somewhere where you can see it regularly – by your bedside or on the fridge – and keep adding to it. When you clock up another ten ‘plucky’ moments, treat yourself! It could be your favourite meal, a trip to the cinema, or just a bunch of flowers. Then vow that this list marks the start of never underestimating yourself again.