All relationships start with trust, and that still applies to your bond with your dog.
The most important part of building a co-dependent relationship with your dog is to make sure that they can trust you. If you just recently got your dog, this may take some time. It may also be possible that a certain incident may have left your dog uneasy which may require you to regain their trust. Whatever the situation is, it is fairly evident when a dog cannot completely trust you, but there are some tips that may help strengthen your connection and allow the trust to follow.
With the same respect to personal space, dogs trust people that don't get too involved in their own space too fast (Millan). Once your dog starts to warm up to you, then you can start coming into their space more often. Physical touches such as petting will also help in this process. In addition, it is beneficial to let your dog come to you when he or she wants attention (Millan). This does not mean to ignore them, but rather give them the opportunity to want to connect with you.
When dealing with your dog throughout the day, it is necessary to stay calm, especially when you approach them (Millan). While dogs do love when you are in an exciteful mood, they may not understand what that means from you yet and it may frighten them. Just think how you would feel in someone always greeted you very energetically. It would definitely confuse you at first. When you do want to approach your dog, always come from the side and not directly in front of them, and kneel (Millan). This allows you to be in their personal space, but in a way that doesn't make the dog feel unsafe.
Now the best way to get a dog to trust you is to spend time bonding together through activities. One of the easiest ways to do this is just to go for a walk. By taking your dog for a walk, you are helping them learn that you are there to give protection and direction just like a pack leader (Millan). With you providing guidance in an activity that your dog enjoys, they realize that they must and can trust you in a way that they enjoy. Practice these tips for a while, and over time you and your dog will be closer than ever with a trusting relationship.
Works Cited:
Millan, Cesar. “How to Get a Dog to Trust You.” Cesar's Way, Cesar's Way Inc., 2016,
www.cesarsway.com/dog-psychology/pack-leader/how-to-get-a-dog-to-trust-you.
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