When we're expecting a new four-legged friend, it's normal to wonder how to gain a dog's trust! After all, anxiety is great for playing and having fun with the furry one, isn't it? However, some pets can have strong personalities and, therefore, the approach is not always easy.
With that in mind, we talked to a pet behavior expert who explained the topic in detail! Read on to learn seven tips on how to gain a dog's trust!
Attention to eye contact
The first step in how to conquer a skittish dog starts even before the games. Avoid eye contact in the first moments.
This recommendation may sound strange, but we need to remember that, for pets, the relationships are a little different! Intense stares can be seen as a challenge, and with that, that unfriendly dog could end up causing an accident. So, if you notice that the furry is looking like a few friends, avoid squinting.
Prefer quiet places
When you want to meet someone, how do you imagine the ideal scenario? A bustling, noisy place or a quiet place where the two of you can calmly talk? For pets, it's the same situation! Noises and movements are stimuli for the furry ones.
So, a very busy place can be stressful. Generally, places with less circulation, less agitation, and less external noise make the dog more comfortable. In this sense, when you receive the pet at your house, try to leave the space as quiet as possible!
Give the pet time
For those who want to learn how to make the dog like you and how to gain the pet's trust, this tip is essential: respect pet time! Forced interactions can have catastrophic results in a relationship with a puppy.
Some dogs manage to have this contact faster, others, longer. The important thing is to respect your friend's time. Wait for the furry to approach naturally, then continue with the next steps!
Invest in positive reinforcement
Another essential tip for anyone wanting to learn how to gain a dog's trust is positive reinforcement! This is a simple practice that helps tutors on many occasions. Just give your furry a treat when he behaves properly.
In practice, it works like this: if the dog is in a more friendly posture, offer a special treat. That way, he will soon be playful and affectionate!
Encourage mental effort
Play and activities also help in gaining a dog's trust. In addition, the tours are also excellent, as they help to de-stress! Performing these practices regularly, the pet feels safer and, consequently, will soon be friendlier.
Know how to understand the pet's signals
You don't need to say "dogs" to understand your friend's signals! When a pet is uncomfortable, it finds ways to make that message very clear. If the furry is curled up, fleeing, growling, or with its tail down, it is best to end any attempt at contact.
When the dog has no escape route — that is, it feels trapped, unable to escape — forcing an interaction, such as passing a hand, can lead to accidents. Forcing an interaction at this point, with the suspicious dog, can result in accidents, in addition to traumatizing the pet!
And the problem of forced contact is not just the possible bites. The pet's own trust in the tutors can be shaken and, with that, the development of a friendly relationship becomes even more difficult. So, if you notice that the furry is uncomfortable, stop any attempt at contact!
Consult a professional trainer
Finally, here's a recommendation for any first-time tutor: consult a trainer! This professional, specialist in pet behavior, will be able to identify the traumatized dog and verify proper training methods, in addition to avoiding the dreaded pee out of place!
