How to Get Trust From a Dog

While there are a lot of dogs that run up to every person they see, wag their tail and try to lick them silly, there are also many dogs that you have to gain their trust before they will have any association with you. While this isn't easy, it definitely is doable and it's not as difficult as you may think. Read on to learn how to get trust from a dog.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Don't go toward a dog with your hands outstretched. A dog that doesn't yet trust you will then be on the defensive and think you're trying to hurt it. If you have to go toward the dog, go toward it with your arms at your side.

2. Be careful when approaching the dog. When you want to approach the dog, get down on even level with the dog itself. Again, a dog will consider you standing over it as you trying to be aggressive and it will be weary of trusting you. Get on your knees if you have to or crouch down. Don't rush the dog or run toward it as the dog will be defensive. Approach the dog in a relaxed, slow manner.

3. Don't be rough with the dog, whether you are trying to get it to do a task or whether you are petting it or picking it up. Make sure that you are very gentle with the dog. When you are petting the dog, make sure that you pet their chest and behind their ears and they will most likely be more receptive to you.

4. Avoid scaring the dog. You don't want the dog to associate you with loud and scary noises that the dog will want to stay away from. For example, avoid screaming loudly or making loud banging noises.

5. Let the dog go to you when they are ready instead of you always approaching it. Give the dog time to adjust to you and its surroundings. The dog will evaluate you to see how you are and how much you can be trusted. Give the dog its own time to be able to trust you.