subject: 4 Ways To Help A Dog Gain Trust In You [print this page] Many animal rescue and rehabilitation center personnel or volunteers always struggle in getting a rescued dog to trust them. These dogs have probably been abused or neglected by their previous owners, causing them to be traumatized. Keep in mind that the dog was probably placed and grew up in an environment where it experienced harsh treatment from humans, so it will take some time for it to actually become friendly. Gaining a dogs trust can also be difficult, especially if its an older dog. Patience and perseverance is needed to let the dog know that it is going to be ok and it will be well taken care of.
Here are a few tips to help calm a dog down and help it gain your trust.
Interaction
Bend down so that you look less threatening to the dog. When talking to him, make sure you keep a cheerful and low voice, as a frustrated or loud tone will make the dog fear you. If it shows that it is making an effort in obeying you, praise him. Call the dog and see if he approaches, do not walk up to him because it might see this as a threat. For dogs that are not able to move properly, such as those affected with joint problems and degenerative myelopathy, you can slowly approach them and if they react violently, wait for a while or give them food to gain their trust.
Touch
When petting the dog, try to avoid its head. You need to be very careful when patting it and make sure that the dog will actually let you touch it. Reach out and if it growls or has a negative reaction, dont force it. If it does let you touch it, then rub its chest or chin since these spots tend to calm them.
Reactions
When dogs are scared, nervous, or even excited they often wet themselves involuntarily. Dont show any frustration if the dog does this. This most likely will disappear when it gains trust so be patient with it.
Sessions
Keeps sessions short and gradually increase them as the dog becomes more comfortable with you. You can even just sit in a room quietly with it and it will eventually approach you. Dogs that have physical disabilities or illnesses like degenerative myelopathy may require more time, especially if you need to assist the dog.
Helping out or adopting an abused dog from your local animal shelter is one of the best ways to gain a new pet. You get to give a dog a new life and a family that it deserves.
by: Hilton D
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
