If you’re struggling to build trust with your new pup or foster dog, don’t fret. Below, our team from Peace Love Dogs, Houston’s reliable dog training experts, covers how to get a dog to trust you. If you need more support with building dog trust, schedule a training session with our team.
What Can Cause Trust Issues With Dogs?
Dogs can develop trust issues during numerous stages of their life, and it may have nothing to do with how you treat them at home. Here are some common causes of trust issues in dogs:
- Poor socialization as a puppy
- Traumatic events in their upbringing
- Early separation from their mothers
- Genetic predisposition
- Recent housing changes
Signs That Your Dog May Have Trust Issues
So, how can you tell whether your dog has trust issues or another type of behavioral concern? Here are some of the top signs indicating a lack of trust in human relationships:
- The pup does not allow you to pet them or show them affection.
- The dog does not seem excited when you arrive home and greet them.
- The pup typically hides from you or other people in the house.
- When you force interactions, they bark, growl, or try to bite you.
- The dog does not enjoy engaging in typically fun activities.
How To Build Trust With Your Dog
If the above signs sound familiar, you need to learn the basics of how to get a dog to trust you. Building trust with your pet can take time, trial, and error, just as building trust in any human relationship. We recommend the following six tips:
1. Learn Your Dog’s Body Language and Triggers
Learning your dog’s body language allows you to understand when they’re fearful of the situation versus relaxed and happy. You need to understand when they’re tensed up and scared so you can give them space rather than making the situation worse. A happy, relaxed dog should wag their tail and feel comfortable approaching you, whereas a scared dog might lash out.
A fearful dog may exhibit the following signs:
- Body tenseness
- The tail tucked between the legs
- Excessive panting or pacing
- Low or flat ears
- A curling lip to show their teeth
- Whining or yawning
- Body shaking or trembling
- Growling, barking, or biting
Every dog shows fear differently, so you want to learn how your dog tells you they’re scared. Do they react by hiding and shaking, or do they growl and try to bite?
If possible, you should also try to learn your dog’s specific triggers. In some cases, their triggers may be related to the cause of their fear. For example, a dog who suffered abuse may lash out if you touch them in certain areas, while a dog with abandonment issues may lose trust when they see you packing bags.
By learning such triggers, you can strengthen your relationship with your pup by avoiding the actions that scare them or slowly introducing more positive associations with them.
2. Go at Their Pace
Building trust with a dog takes patience and consistency. You can’t rush the process, or you may make things worse. Instead, move at their pace, only progressing when they show signs of comfort.
Giving a dog time and space through this gentle approach allows them to feel more at ease, so they have room to build trust. When they’re ready to come to you, they will.
3. Respect Your Pup’s Space
Fearful pups need safe spaces, which often mean areas where they can hide from humans. As the owner, you may feel tempted to block these areas off to force your dog to spend time with you. However, doing so could only inhibit more fear.
Let your dog have their space to feel safe in your home. The same applies to personal space. Your pup may not want to be pet, touched, or played with initially, so you must respect this until they’re ready.
4. Always Approach From a Safe Angle and Let Them Come to You
One of the most common tips you’ll hear when learning how to get a dog to trust you is to approach them from a low angle. If you tower over the dog when you attempt to say hi or give them a treat, you might accidentally create more fear.
Instead, sit down a few feet away from the dog to get on their level. Then, reach your arm out slowly and let the dog approach you on their terms.
Giving your dog control over the situation clearly conveys that you are there to nurture, not harm.
5. Engage Them With Mental and Physical Stimulation
Dog anxiety can worsen from pent-up energy. By providing your dog with mental and physical stimulation activities, you can potentially calm their nerves.
While they may not be ready to play directly with you, you can let them out in the yard to run around and provide ample toys. You can select stimulating toys, such as those containing treats that are tough to reach, to help keep their mind busy and entertained for hours.
Over time, you can join them in their favorite games or toys. For example, you may toss the ball outside or play tug-of-war as they become comfortable. Bonding activities help your pup learn the value of spending time with you while developing a strong sense of confidence around your relationship.
6. Use the Right Reinforcement Tactics
Positive reinforcement builds trust, while negative reinforcement will only heighten the dog’s fear. To build positive associations, try offering treats anytime a human walks nearby or praise when your dog acquiesces to your commands.
Remember to avoid coddling when they’re anxious. While this might feel like the natural thing to do, it will seem like a reward for negative behavior. Instead, just give them space to realize that they’re safe.
Need Help Training Your Dog?
If you’re still struggling to figure out how to get a dog to trust you, check out the training programs we offer at Peace Love Dogs.
