How to Build Trust with your Dog
Learn your Dogs Body Language
A dog that is calm and collected will approach you with their tail wagging and with their faced relaxed. If a dog is anxious or nervous they will visibly have a tense body, as well as keeping their tail tucked and possibly even avoid eye contact. Noticing these signs will help you massively in building trust!
Let them Approach You
We as humans are always guilty of approaching dogs before they approach us. If they're a confident dog they'll obviously love this, but if they're nervous it can have the opposite effect. If you have a nervous pup, try ignoring them and waiting for them to approach you first. You can reward them with treats when they do approach, so they know you aren't a threat.
Give them some Space
As mentioned in the intro, you will be desperate to shower your dog with love, but if you have a nervous or fearful pup, this can have the opposite affect to your intention. Try moving slowly and talking quietly to them to begin with!
Go down to their Level
Try not to tower over your dog when approaching, as if your dog is nervous, and especially if they're small, they will be anxious and fearful of being towered over. Be sure to sit on the floor or crouch down so your dog can approach you at their level.
Reward Good Behaviour
A fab way to gain your dogs trust is to reward then when they're well behaved. If they can follow a command in order to get a treat, even better! Your pup will trust you in no time if you continue to repeat this process, and they'll love you even more!
