Building trust with a new dog involves creating a safe and predictable environment while fostering positive interactions.
This includes consistent routines, positive reinforcement, clear communication, and respecting their boundaries.
It also involves learning their body language, allowing them to approach you, and spending quality time together through play and training.
Building trust takes time and patience, but there are several things you can do to help your dog feel more at ease and trust you.
Depending on your dog’s specific situation and how they demonstrate trust issues, the following ways will help you get started.
Why do dogs have trust issues?
Most dogs are known for their loving and playful personalities, and they easily trust their human parents. But each dog has a unique personality and different trust levels. Here are some reasons why dogs can develop trust issues:
- Lack of socialization.
- Past trauma is associated with events like loss during travel, having an abusive caregiver, etc.
- Sudden first-time exposure to stressful events such as loud noises from fireworks or thunderstorms, road trips, a change of location/home, and other similar experiences.
Tips to build trust with your new dog
As caregivers, we consider it an honor to have our canine companions’ trust.
But what if your dog has experienced something that makes trust difficult for them?
Is there anything you can do to make them feel safe, confident, and loved so they can trust you? Absolutely.
With a little time and patience, you can start to break down the barriers your dog has created.
1. Learn to read their body language
A dog who is happy and eager to greet you will have a relaxed body and face, hold their tail high, and wag it back and forth.
A fearful and anxious dog will have a tense body, keep their tail low or tucked under them, avoid eye contact, pant, pace, or exhibit any of the symptoms listed below.
2. Notice other signs of fear and anxiety
Examples include cowering, keeping ears low or flat, standing still and stiff, or moving slowly, curling the lip, growling, raising hackles, trembling, turning away, whining, yawning, or licking the lips.
If your dog exhibits severe fear and anxiety (such as growling, nipping, biting, a frozen or stiff stance, or fleeing), make an appointment with your veterinarian for an assessment and recommendations.
3. Let your dog come to you
When your dog approaches, respond in a calm, happy tone and give them a food treat. Take note of your dog’s reaction to the treat.
If they grab it roughly or drop it, that’s a sign they are anxious and fearful. Do not try to touch the dog; instead, talk to them softly and offer a few more treats.
Then give them space. If they take it gently and eat it right away, you can proceed. If they allow it, gently stroke their chest or chin with your hand from beneath.
4. Give him his own space
Adoption is one of the most stressful experiences for a dog. Before you can do any of the exciting things you have planned with him, he needs to feel safe.
Giving him his own space is one simple way to accomplish this. Most dogs benefit from crates, but you can also use a dog bed or an exercise pen.
5. Be consistent
This encourages predictability, which increases trust. Maintain a consistent routine, including feeding schedules, walk times, and play sessions.
Maintaining consistent expectations throughout the day boosts your dog’s confidence and prevents unexpected changes that could disrupt their well-being.
All family members should adhere to this consistency, which includes using the same words and hand signals for commands.
6. Make It a Game
Nothing strengthens your bond with your puppy more than playing together. Some puppies want to play the moment they enter your home, while others need time to adjust to their new surroundings.
So, keeping their favorite food or treats nearby can help you entice them to play with you! There are a few games that not only provide excellent quality time but also help with puppy training!
7. Exercise your puppy
Going for walks and playing outside is a great way to give your pup extra quality time and much-needed exercise.
Puppies and dogs, like their human parents, benefit from regular exercise. Boredom can lead to disruptive behaviors like unwanted barking, chewing, digging, and general puppy antics.
8. Start dog training
Establishing a language to speak with your puppy is a key ingredient to forming a bond. An easy way to do this is through obedience command training.
Being able to ask your puppy to do something and have them understand and respond to it is one of the best feelings that will have you feeling even closer.
By using obedience command routines, you will not only be able to communicate more effectively, but your dog will feel more fulfilled.
9. Be your dog’s protector
We often think about how dogs protect us. However, we forget that our dogs require more protection than they do.
You are your dog’s sole advocate and defender. Support them. To ensure your dog’s safety, prioritize proper training, socialization, and a secure environment.
Focus on developing a strong, trusting relationship with your dog so that they feel confident and secure, which will naturally reduce their need to be overly protective.
10. Build Trust Through Cuddling and Handling
Nothing beats a cozy cuddle session! However, practicing some basic puppy handling techniques can help strengthen your bond even further.
This includes getting your puppy used to having all of their body parts touched, such as the ears, mouth, nose, legs, paws, belly, tail, and backside. This is best done while they are asleep.
11. Provide a balanced diet and maintain proper hygiene
A healthy diet is critical to your pet’s overall health and well-being. Consult your veterinarian about the best diet and feeding schedule for your pet’s specific needs.
Bathing, brushing, and nail trimming should be done regularly to keep your pet clean, comfortable, and free of skin problems.
12. Schedule regular veterinary care and vaccinations
Regular veterinary care is vital for your pet’s health. Schedule regular checkups and vaccinations to prevent disease and keep your pet healthy.
Your veterinarian can also guide you on nutrition, behavior, and overall care, all of which help your pet form strong bonds and live a healthy life.
13. Be present
Connections are not one-way streets. If you want your dog’s respect and attention, you must give her yours.
When working with your dog, devote all of your attention to them. Training sessions are not the time to think about work or decide what to eat for dinner. Focus on being truly present in the moment.
14. Walk together
Instead of rushing him out to do his business or get his 30 minutes of exercise in, take your time. Explore with your dog.
Allow him to take a moment to smell the flowers. You sometimes lead the way, and sometimes he does.
Walking is a simple way to spend quality time together and develop positive feelings for one another.
15. Never punish your dog
No matter how big a mistake your dog makes, do not punish them. Punishment makes your dog fearful of you and develops negative feelings toward you.
Once trust is broken, it will be difficult to convince your dog that they are safe with you again.
It is important for dog parents to build trust with their furry family members to provide them with the healthy and happy life they deserve.
Conclusion
Building a dog’s trust and confidence is a matter of helping them overcome their anxieties and fears.
Depending on the number and severity of their fears, this can be time-consuming and emotionally draining, particularly for dogs who have been rehomed several times, are predisposed to fear and anxiety, have been through a traumatic event, or have been abused.
Even encouraging the spirit of a newly adopted dog can be challenging. However, the effort is worthwhile; gaining your canine companion’s trust means you will have a stronger, deeper, and more meaningful bond.
