Hi all! I’m currently working on building my dog’s rear-end awareness and confidence. He’ll step over objects placed in front of him with his front paws after a little convincing, but not his back. He shows some tactile hesitance in general and also doesn’t like stepping through objects like hoops or tunnels, so I’m trying to build his confidence further by starting with stepping over low objects. Besides the yellow pole you see in the video, I’ve also tried objects he’s familiar with like his leash, a blanket, toilet paper, and other things I know he isn’t afraid of, all with the same results. So I think it must be the act of stepping over something in general that he’s hung up on?

Any advice on how I can help encourage him to not be afraid and use his back paws more? I’ve tried luring him by keeping the treat close to his nose (but after a few seconds he gives up and backs away), tossing food for him to go after, and encouraging him by rewarding one paw at a time.

Side note: He’s a healthy two-year-old! He has no rear-end or hip injuries. Other than this he’s a very confident boy! He walks through doorways, steps over curbs on walks, etc.

Any advice on building a dog’s rear-end awareness and confidence? My boy is hesitant to step over objects with his back paws during training, so I’m looking for some help!