Adopting a dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. Not only do you get to share your home with a loyal companion, but many health benefits are associated with owning a pet. Studies have shown that having a dog can reduce stress and anxiety and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Dogs also provide unconditional love and companionship, which can help improve overall mental health. Additionally, dogs require regular exercise, so having one will encourage you to stay active and fit. This can lead to improved physical health and increased energy levels throughout the day. In any case, adopting a dog is a very selfless act that helps save the life of the helpless animal.
By choosing to adopt rather than shop for a pet, you’re helping to reduce the number of homeless animals in shelters worldwide. You can also make their life much better by providing them with the best care from experienced vets and experts, including The Vets, a mobile vet in Pflugerville, TX, for example.
This is all wonderful, but adopting a dog is not always straightforward. Some abandoned puppies have trust issues. If your adopted dog does not trust you, here are some of the best ways to earn its trust.
Learn To Read Their Body Language
Reading your dog’s body language is essential for building a strong bond with your pet. Dogs communicate through their body language, and understanding what they are trying to tell you can help you earn their trust. Pay attention to the way your dog moves and positions its body. A relaxed posture with a loose tail wag usually indicates that your pup is happy and comfortable.
On the other hand, if it has its ears back, tail tucked between its legs, and eyes wide open, it may feel scared or threatened. If you notice any of these signs, try to make your pup feel safe by speaking calmly and offering treats or toys. Apart from that, look out for signs of aggression such as growling, snarling, or baring teeth. If this happens, don’t make any sudden movements, and try to slowly back away from the situation until your pup calms down. By learning how to read your dog’s body language, you will be able to understand its needs better and build a stronger relationship with it.
Provide Them With A Safe Space
Creating a safe space for your dog is essential for building trust and forming a solid bond between you and your pet. A safe distance should be an area that is free from distractions, where your dog can relax and feel secure. This could be a corner of the room or even a crate.
Ensure the area is comfortable and inviting, with many soft bedding and toys. It’s also essential to provide your dog with access to food, water, and treats in their safe space so they don’t have to leave it to eat or drink. Also, make sure the area is off-limits to other pets or children who may disturb them while they are trying to relax.
It’s essential to give your dog a lot of positive reinforcement when they enter their safe space. Praise them for going there on their own accord and reward them with treats or toys when they stay there for extended periods of time. By providing a safe space for your pup, you can earn their trust and create a strong bond between you two.
Read this post: How To Get Your Adopted Dog To Trust You
Best Trust Exercises
Earning your dog’s trust is integral to having a healthy and happy relationship with them. One of the best ways to do this is through exercise. Exercise helps build a bond between you and your pup. It also provides them with physical and mental stimulation. Here are some activities that can help you earn the trust of your dog:
- Play fetch – Fetch is a great way to get your pup moving and have fun at the same time. It also helps to build trust between you and your dog, as they learn that when they bring back the toy, they will be rewarded with praise or treats.
- Going for walks– regular walks together is a great way to bond with your pup while getting some exercise in too. Keep the walks interesting by changing the route or taking different paths each time.
- Practice obedience commands – Practicing basic obedience commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come” can help to strengthen the bond between you and your pup while teaching them valuable skills at the same time.
- Try agility training – Agility training is a great way to give you and your pup an intense workout while having fun simultaneously. It also helps build trust between you two as they learn to navigate obstacles under your guidance.