7 Things to Remember When Trying to Earn a Dog’s Trust

The moment you bring a new dog into your home may be one of the most exciting ones you’ll have all year, but it’s equally important to remember that your new furry family member will require an adjustment period before they feel 100 percent comfortable around you. This is especially true for shelter and rescue dogs, who may have faced challenging circumstances before finding their “fur-ever” families. And while your home is sure to be much more comfortable than a shelter facility, it’s still a major change of environment for the dog, which means you’ll need to be patient with them as they warm up to it.

This adjustment period is also the perfect time for you to start building trust with your new pet. Trust will lay the foundation for a strong and healthy relationship between the two of you going forward, and it’s what will help your dog feel safe, secure, and loved in their new home. You might provide certain personal items to welcome your dog and help them feel more at home, such as wholesale dog toys, customized pet blankets, or even custom dog bandanas and other accessories. And alongside meeting their material needs, the time and effort you take to understand their nature and behavior can go a long way in brokering one of the most meaningful relationships you could ever have. 

This blog post will walk you through some important insights pet lovers should bear in mind when trying to gain a new dog's trust, based on expert advice from PrideBites. If you’re looking to facilitate a smooth transition for your new canine companion and lay the groundwork for a lifelong bond, then you’ll need to be aware of the following:

1) Every Dog Is Unique

Each dog has its own personality and history, and these influence their behavior and the ways they relate to humans. Some dogs might be outgoing and eager to explore their new environment, while others may be shy and reserved. 

Spend time observing your dog to understand what makes them tick. Do they like gentle petting or vigorous play? Are they enthusiastic about spending time with you, or do they need more time alone to adjust? Your effort to recognize these individual traits will help you respond appropriately to your dog's needs, which in turn will more firmly establish you as someone they can feel safe with.

2) All Dogs Need a Safe Space

Many dogs will take to a change of environment better if they have a safe space that they can call their own. This area can be a cozy bed, a crate, or a quiet corner of a room where your dog can unwind by themselves, undisturbed by others. 

Make this space more inviting to them with custom dog beds and a few favorite toys. Keep the space free from loud noises and disturbances, and in time your dog will begin to see it as a sanctuary where they can feel secure. Ultimately, this will allow them to be at ease and be more trusting of your family and your mutual surroundings. 

3) Dogs Thrive on Routine

Dogs feel more secure and lend their trust more easily when they know what to expect, so as early as now, try to establish a consistent daily routine to show your dog what their days with you will be like. Regular mealtimes can make your dog feel more stable, while scheduled walks and play sessions provide essential physical and mental stimulation. Stick to this routine consistently to reinforce your role as a dependable caregiver and further strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Over time, your dog will learn to trust you as the provider of their needs and the organizer of their daily activities.

4) Dogs Respond Well to Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement techniques will be highly effective in building trust with your new dog. Rewards such as treats and affection will encourage desirable behaviors and help your dog associate you with positive experiences. 

When your dog follows a command or behaves calmly, immediately reward them with a treat or verbal praise. This tells them that they should repeat the behavior in the future. Avoid any measures designed to punish your dog, as these can create fear and anxiety and undermine the trust you are trying to build.

5) Dogs Communicate through Body Language

Dogs express their feelings through various physical cues, such as tail wagging, ear positioning, and posture. A wagging tail often indicates happiness, while flattened ears can signal fear or submission. Pay close attention to these signals and try to respond appropriately to your dog's emotional state. If your dog feels understood and respected, they’ll come to trust you much more easily.

6) Dogs Are Sensitive to Human Emotions

Dogs are incredibly perceptive and can pick up on human emotions. They often mirror the feelings of their owners and will react to your mood and energy levels. Hence, it’s best to always maintain a calm and positive demeanor around your dog. If you are anxious or upset, they may also become anxious; on the other hand, a relaxed and happy attitude can help your dog feel more secure and confident. 

7) Socialization and Training Are Good in Small Doses

Lastly, introducing your dog to new experiences, people, and other pets in a controlled and positive manner will help them become more well-adjusted as well as more trusting of everything in their new life. Start with short, positive interactions and gradually increase the duration and complexity as your dog becomes more comfortable. 

Training sessions should be brief and fun, focusing on positive reinforcement to encourage learning and cooperation. This approach keeps your dog from becoming overwhelmed and promotes a positive association with new experiences and learning, which will serve as a solid foundation for a happy life with you.  

It may take time and patience to fully build trust with a new dog, but the rewards you can look forward to will be worth the effort. We at PrideBites are happy to support your efforts to bond with your furry friend through our extensive catalog of personalized pet products.