• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Because Of Dogs

Dogs make us better humans

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Free Gift
  • Visit Our Etsy Shop

K-9 of Mine

Building Trust With a Scared Dog

July 18, 2021 By Kelly Crompton Leave a Comment

It can feel so heartbreaking when you’re with a dog who is scared. You know you would never cause her harm, but she doesn’t. And what might work for us humans – eye contact, or a touch, for example – isn’t necessarily what will work for dogs.

So how do we gain a dog’s trust? What if they were abused? What if they have aggressive tendencies? Will it even be possible?

I offer an emphatic yes, BUT, you need to be patient. Earning trust can take lots of time. It might be hours, days, or even months. But it’s worth it when your best friend decides that you are HER best friend as well.

Kayla Fratt has written an incredibly useful article for how to get a scared dog to trust us.

She provides tips and games, and gives us explanations for why certain things will likely work while others just won’t. She also offers gentle advice with zero judgement for when we make mistakes.

Kayla’s article begins with scared dogs, moves on to previously abused pups, and finally to dogs with aggressive behaviors.

Did you know that direct eye contact is not a good decision when gaining trust?

In many human cultures, it’s polite to meet someone’s eyes. But for most other animals, eye contact (especially if it’s sustained) is a threat.

Or that talking a lot can actually cause your dog to feel more anxious, and perhaps sitting silently is the better option?

Rather than talking, just stay quiet and use your body language to show you’re not a threat.

Click on Kayla’s article to learn how you can earn the trust of your fearful dog and help it become a more confident, happy pooch.

Filed Under: Curated Tagged With: Fearful Dogs, K-9 of Mine, Kayla Fratt

Primary Sidebar

Grab My Free Gift!

Read More Here

  • How To Find Your Perfect Dog Sitter – All Your Questions Answered
  • Building Trust With a Scared Dog
  • Do I Really Need to Walk My Dog?
  • Tips for Training Your Deaf Dog
  • Does Your Dog Need Sun Protection?
  • Cures for Runny Poop
  • Do You Need Pet Insurance?
  • Confidence Creates Freedom
  • Your Dog Needs a First Aid Kit Too
  • Why I Hate Retractable Leashes
  • What Makes You Feel Appreciated?
  • Let’s Talk About Poop
  • Must Love Dogs
  • Today is a Good Day to Clean Fido’s Bowl
  • A Good Case of the Zooms: Video Chats with Pets

Footer

Some of the recommendations and links I provide are affiliate links. This means I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking the link.

Copyright © 2022 Kelly Crompton of Because of Dogs