“Boldness comes from confidence. Confidence comes from success. So it becomes the job of the trainer to create situations which as much as possible guarantee success.”
— Jack LeGoff

Whether you’re training a new puppy, helping a rescue dog find trust again, or fine-tuning a working partner’s performance, this quote captures one of the most important truths in dog training — confidence comes from success, and it’s our job to create it.

At Next Step K9 Center, we believe that training should build understanding, trust, and teamwork between dog and handler. Boldness isn’t about pushing harder; it’s about building a strong foundation of confidence — one successful step at a time.

Go Back to Foundations

When training feels stuck, it’s tempting to push for more — longer stays, tighter heeling, faster recalls. But often, the key to moving forward is going back. Revisiting foundational skills helps both dog and handler reconnect with what works.

Can your dog perform that behavior calmly and confidently in a quiet setting? If not, that’s the place to start. Returning to foundations reinforces understanding and strengthens the communication that makes higher-level work possible.

Teach Skills in Different Environments

A dog who performs beautifully at home may struggle when distractions change the picture. Environments bring new sights, smells, and sounds — each a new challenge to focus through.

By gradually training in a variety of settings — your backyard, a park, a friend’s driveway — you teach your dog that familiar cues apply everywhere. This builds reliability and resilience, helping your dog stay confident no matter where life takes you.

Consistency Creates Clarity

Confidence thrives on consistency. When cues, timing, and expectations stay the same, your dog learns exactly what earns success.

If “sit” means one thing today and something slightly different tomorrow, confusion sets in. But when your communication stays predictable, your dog can respond with confidence — and training becomes smoother and more enjoyable for both of you.

Define What Success Looks Like

Before every training session, ask: What does success look like today?

Maybe it’s holding a “place” for ten seconds, walking calmly past another dog, or focusing on you in a busy environment. Defining success allows you to celebrate the small wins that build lasting progress.

Each repetition of success adds to your dog’s belief that they can do it — and that belief fuels confidence, which in turn leads to boldness.

Layer, Don’t Leap

Progress in training isn’t about jumping from beginner to advanced overnight — it’s about layering challenge at the right pace.

Add one variable at a time: a bit more distance, a slightly longer duration, a small distraction. When the dog succeeds, celebrate, then take the next step. This approach keeps your dog motivated, engaged, and willing to try, because every layer is built on prior success.

Bold Teams Are Built, Not Born

Jack LeGoff’s insight reminds us that success doesn’t happen by accident — it happens by design. As trainers and handlers, our job is to craft experiences that help both ends of the leash succeed.

When dogs learn that effort leads to reward, and handlers see that growth unfold, both become bolder. Boldness isn’t just about courage; it’s about trust — trust in the process, trust in your training, and trust in each other.

Ready to Build Confidence Together?

At Next Step K9 Center, we help dogs and their people build real-world skills through clear communication, structured success, and steady progression.

Whether you’re working on puppy manners, obedience foundations, or advanced skills like mantrailing, our programs are designed to help you and your dog grow in confidence — and become bold together.