How Do I Get My Dog to Trust Me

How Do I get My Dog to Trust Me?

ANSWER:
Getting your dog to trust you is really very easy. It's really no different than getting another person to trust you. Trust is the end result of building a bond between you and your dog! Building a bond is accomplished when you spend time with your dog. Playing with toys, taking long walks or just relaxing around at home with your dog is important to this bonding process. Spending time and being around your dog serves two purposes. It allows you to get to know and understand your dog, and it will help your dog to understand and learn about you.

When you bring your new dog home for the first time, it would be best to plan to be with your dog for at least 48 hours non-stop. You need to include the dog in everything you do during that time. Your dog will very quickly get used to you and by the end of the second day you will see that your dog has begun to be comfortable in it's new surroundings and is now following you around the house.

It is also a good idea to "hand feed" your dog for the first few days. This will send the clear signal that you are the source of food and water. This will give you a "high value" to your dog. It will also give you "leadership" status with him or her.

You will know that you have successfully bonded with your dog, and that you have your dog's complete trust, when you come through the door and your dog meets you with a wagging tail because it is happy to see you.