How To Build Trust & Bond With Your Rescued Dog

How To Build Trust & Bond With Your Rescued Dog

Parents of newly rescued dogs will discover that there’s an adjustment phase to get over, where you and your pup adjust and establish trust.

While some carefree dogs readily slip into their new rhythm, others may require more time and patience, especially those who were given up by families more than once and forced to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings and companions. Some rescued dogs may have also been picked up from the streets and, not once, experienced a family’s care and love, hence their shyness and anxiety.

So, here are some tips on how to successfully build trust and bond with them:

  1. Don’t rush in showering them affection. Give lots of space to adjust.

Understandably, you’re eager to shower affection and assure them of your love. Remember, though, that you’re a potential heartbreaker to overly timid pups just like their past families.

  1. Wait until they’re ready.

Initially, it’s advisable to let them approach you first.

  1. Leave toys or treats daily and walk away, inching closer as your pup enjoys it.
  1. Once they’ve adjusted, boost confidence with basic exercises and games.
  1. Manage stressful settings or triggers to get them ready for training and behavior modification.
  1. Maintain calm especially when your pup feels afraid.
  1. Overcome fear through controlled exposure.
  1. Consult a veterinarian or animal behavior expert especially when your pup has lots of fears that need to be addressed with special care and treatment.
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