So, you’ve just brought home a new puppy. Congratulations! A dog can be a wonderful addition to the family; they’re full of life and energy and make great companions. However, just as you’d feel lost in a new city without a map, your new puppy will feel just as disoriented in its new home. So, what can you do to help your new puppy trust you and feel at home? Here are a few tips and ways to build trust with your dog:
Build Trust With Your Dog: The Rundown
Establish a Daily Routine
Dogs are creatures of habit, and they like to know what’s going to happen next. So, it’s important to establish a daily routine as soon as possible. Let them know when it’s time to eat, play, go for walks and settle down for the night. This will help your puppy feel more secure and trust that you will care for their needs.
In the same light, try to keep mealtimes, walks, and playtimes at roughly the same time each day so your pup can predict what’s going to happen next and won’t get too anxious.
Be Patient and Consistent
Puppies are just like children; they need time to adjust to their new surroundings and figure out what’s expected of them. So, don’t rush or force them to do things they’re not comfortable with — it will only make them more scared and less likely to trust you.
Instead, be patient with them. Start with simple things like letting them sniff you and getting them used to being petted. Once they’re comfortable with that, you can move on to more advanced things like teaching them tricks or going for a walk.
Most importantly, be consistent with your commands and rewards. If you give them a treat for sitting, make sure you always give them a treat when they sit. This will help them understand what you want them to do and build trust between you and your pup.
Spend Time with Your Dog
There’s no better way to build trust than spending time with your dog. Get down on their level, let them sniff you, and give them some gentle pets. This will help them get to know you and feel comfortable around you.
In addition to physical affection, quality time also means playing with your pup, taking them for walks, and spending time together in the same room. The more time you spend with your pup, the more they’ll learn to trust and love you.
Be a Calm Leader
As the saying goes, “calmness is contagious.” If you’re anxious or stressed, your puppy will pick up on that, and it will make them anxious as well. Dogs are highly attuned to their owner’s emotions, so it’s important to remain calm and confident when interacting with your pup.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t show emotion — dogs are very good at reading facial expressions. Just try to keep your voice steady and avoid any sudden movements that might startle them.
Give Them Plenty of Opportunities to Socialize with Other Dogs
One of the best ways to help your pup build trust is to ensure they have plenty of opportunities to socialize with other dogs. This will help them learn how to interact with other animals and build their confidence.
There are a few different ways you can do this:
- Take them to a dog park where they can run around and play with other dogs
- Sign up for a dog socialization class
- Have regular playdates with a friend’s dog
Whatever you do, make sure that you supervise them closely at first and don’t force them to interact if they seem scared or uncomfortable.
With these five simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to building a trusting relationship with your pup. Just remember to be patient, consistent, and loving, and you’ll have a friend for life.
Adopt A Dog From The Barking Boutique
Are you looking for a pup to adopt? At The Barking Boutique, we have a large variety of pure-bred puppies, and you can find one or even two to take home. Contact us today or visit our puppy adoption stores in Buffalo, NY and Grand Rapids to learn more!
