Does your dog have a hard time exploring the world around him? Has his fear of things such as other dogs, people, new items, strange noises, etc. caused him to shut down during the learning process? This book focuses on teaching a wide variety of fun, basic tricks that can be taught to any dog, but with specific focus and instruction on how to teach these behaviors to pets that are suffering from fear or anxiety type issues. There are various sections throughout the book, including one with tricks to help your dog develop better coping mechanisms, a section on games to help with the desensitization and counter-conditioning process and a section on tricks to help your dog step out of their comfort zone and guide them to be a braver dog, willing to experience and try new things. Through fun tricks and games you will take your dog on a journey to empowerment, which is the most rewarding bonding experience you can share with your dog. This book is for anyone who works with dogs that have fear or anxiety issues, whether it be from abuse, neglect or genetic predisposition. Shelter and rescue workers, foster homes, trainers and most importantly the pet owner who is battling the trials and tribulations of training a fearful new family member can all benefit from learning how to use tricks and games to help your fearful dog open up and have fun during the training process.

Kim Mayes is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, a Certified Trick and Stunt Dog Trainer and owner of Rockin' Dawgs Positive Dog Training facility in Brevard County, Florida. For 20 years, she has been using her force-free training methods and positive dog training techniques to work with dogs in managing and preventing behavioral problems, teaching basic manners and helping to modify a variety of temperament challenges. Her positive, fun and force-free methods have allowed her to accomplish great feats with her own challenged, rescue dogs over the years, including, becoming registered therapy pets, earning multiple Champion Trick Dog titles, and performing in a variety of demonstrations, trick and stunt dog shows and animal acting projects with her. Kim currently resides in Titusville, Florida with her two huskies, Seppala and Abbey, her English Bulldog, Riddick, her Chinese Crested Dog (and co-author of her newest book Getting Braver) Loki, and a menagerie of other little critters that have been rescued by the Mayes family.