Dog socialization is different from human socialization. When dogs meet, dogs say “hello” and shake hands in a different way than humans. If you're meeting a dog for the first time, you should earn his trust using dog language instead of human language. In order to gain the trust of a new dog or puppy, you must use certain techniques to get the dog to perceive you as a friend and owner, not a threat.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Gaining the Dog's Trust
Step 1. Be calm the first time you meet the dog
When interacting with a dog for the first time or with a dog you've never met before, don't approach him too eagerly. Be calm and relaxed when you meet the dog and be gentle.
If you're too excited, your dog may get excited and respond aggressively by jumping or barking at you. It can also trigger the dog's instinct to fight because strangers who approach him eagerly can come across as a threat
Step 2. Keep your distance from the dog
Respect the dog's privacy by asking the owner's permission first. Do not approach the dog and stand too close to it. Stand at least 1.2 meters away from the dog. This will give the owner time to allow you to interact with the dog.
Step 3. Approach the dog in a kneeling position
Ask the owner if you can interact with the dog or not. If allowed, approach the dog from the side, and not from the front. Kneel beside the dog, facing the same direction as the dog. This will show your dog that you are occupying his personal space, but not being confrontational.
Don't look the dog in the eye and clench your fists
Step 4. Let the dog approach you
Instead of extending your hand to him, let the dog come closer and smell your hand. If your dog remains calm, you can stroke the front of his chest. Don't touch the top or pet the head of a dog you don't know well.
Dogs accept you if they lick your hand. However, if they look away or don't pay attention to you, the dog is not interested in interacting. Don't take it to heart. Interact with the owner again and try again the next time you see the dog
Step 5. Use treats
When trying to get your dog to trust you as its new owner, you can use a treat to let your dog approach you and take the treat out of your hands. If the dog takes the treat, say "Smart dog." After these few training sessions, your dog may touch your hand before taking the treat. When your dog begins to do this, you can try to stroke the front of his chest and under his chin.
The process of gaining a dog's trust may take some time. The more you interact with him in a calm manner, the more likely it is that your dog will trust you. Do this step slowly so that the dog is not afraid. Once your dog lets you pet him, trust between you and your dog is starting to form
Method 2 of 3: Using Discipline Practice
Step 1. Identify the person the dog is afraid of and have the dog interact with the person
Dogs often feel shy or show fear around certain people, such as men or certain people in the house. If your dog shows fear and distrust around certain people, think about the possible reasons. The person may engage in behavior that the dog perceives as threatening, such as being too loud, talking to the dog in a loud voice, or playing aggressively with the dog.
- Dogs may also have certain people they like, or who are considered "safe" in the house. The dog may approach the person when the person he fears enters the room. Dogs must learn to trust and interact safely with the person they fear. Allow the dog to learn it by getting the person he fears to feed him, taking him for walks, and doing discipline exercises. This will help the dog connect the person with positivity and over time can trust him.
- If you are someone your dog considers safe, try to ignore him when the dog approaches or comes to you. Encourage the dog to interact with the person he fears so that the dog learns to trust him. That way, the dog will be able to trust people other than the "safe" person.
- People who are afraid of dogs should follow the technique of meeting dogs for the first time and building trust with them. The technique in question is being calm, not looking the dog in the eye, letting the dog smell the scent, and using treats to make interaction.
Step 2. Teach the dog basic commands
Begin discipline training by teaching your dog basic commands such as “sit”, “shut up”, and “here”. Adjust your posture and body language so your dog learns to learn it and respond to your commands.
- If there is a person who is afraid of dogs in the house, ask that person to do discipline exercises with the dog.
- Always stand up when giving the dog a command. Don't get into the habit of sitting or squatting on the floor when giving commands, because your dog will learn to respond only when you're in that position.
- Teach your dog to recognize commands, not treats, as cues. If you keep the treat in your pocket, don't put your hand in your pocket when you say the command. Treats should also not be kept in the hands or treat bags in the hands during exercise. This will teach your dog to respond to your command, not the treat.
- Teach the dog basic commands in different rooms of the house and when the dog is being walked. This will teach the dog to follow commands in all areas, not just one room or area of the house.
- Continue to practice the command in the rooms of the house and in the yard. Practice regularly and give your dog commands when you walk him every day so that the dog learns to follow commands in many different environments and situations.
Step 3. Reward good behavior, but don't use treats as bribes
Do not overuse gifts, or treats, so as not to be seen as a bribe. Don't make treats a bribe by not using them to motivate your dog after they understand your command.
For example, tell the dog to "sit," then wait for the dog to obey for 2-3 seconds. Don't take the treat out of your pocket and put your hand in your pocket so your dog doesn't see that you're about to give him the treat before he sits down. After the dog is seated, give the treat. This will teach him to follow verbal commands only and not be motivated by treats
Step 4. Avoid violent punishment
While the use of harsh training is debated, behavioral experts argue that violent punishment can frighten and traumatize dogs. This can then lead to distrust and aggression in the dog. A better long-term solution is to use reward-based positive training, which focuses on gentle methods of gaining the dog's trust.
- Begin to earn your dog's trust through gentle interaction and positive support during basic discipline training. You can then begin to build confidence in your dog by encouraging positive behavior with praise.
- If your dog does something wrong or doesn't obey a command, give a gentle “no” or “ah-ah-ah” command. You can also ignore the dog and try to give him the command again at a later time. Don't hit, yell at, scold your dog, or pull on the leash to train it.
- For example, instead of pulling on the leash when your dog starts barking nervously for a walk, ignore the barking. Then, give the command to get the dog to refocus on you. After you stop barking, give your dog praise and rewards for the behavior. This will teach your dog to realize that barking when nervous is not an effective response to fear, so the dog learns to deal with it by approaching you.
Step 5. Enroll the dog in class and discipline training
Once they appear comfortable with the basic commands, the dog may be ready for formal discipline training. You must earn your dog's trust before enrolling him in any professional training so that your dog can interact with trainers and other dogs confidently and without fear.
Method 3 of 3: Interacting with Dogs in Daily Life
Step 1. Take the dog with you when you do certain business
If your dog seems distrustful or embarrassed by other people, try to get him used to being around other people as much as possible. You can do this by taking the dog to the store or doing things that can be done by walking. Try to introduce your dog to as many people and dogs as possible. This will make it easier for him to socialize and be controlled because the dog is on a leash and is close to you.
- Make sure that when the dog interacts with someone, the person does not respond aggressively. Be sure to pay attention and control every interaction so that your dog is not frightened or threatened.
- Never force your dog to interact with other people or dogs. Let the dog smell the person's scent and never move him close to the person if the dog seems uncomfortable or uninterested.
Step 2. Demonstrate leadership and be calm when walking the dog every day
Don't feel tense or nervous when walking your dog as this will make him feel the same way. Stay relaxed and keep your dog close to you while walking.
- Use basic discipline training to encourage your dog not to bark or act aggressively at other people. Do not pull on the leash or be tense around the dog. If someone approaches you or your dog too quickly or too closely during a walk, tell the person to back off. Say it politely: “Please step back. I'm working on a number of issues with my dog."
- Always reward your dog for good behavior on a walk and use a calm voice to call or command the dog. If your dog seems afraid or distrustful of other people, don't pamper or comfort him. Just instruct the dog to move and away from the source of the fear. If your dog is pampered or entertained, it will think it can get your attention when you're scared and don't teach it to be brave.
Step 3. Clean the dog's coat regularly
Pay attention and take care of your dog by cleaning his coat regularly. You can brush your dog for half an hour every night before bed, or pet his tummy in the morning before work. Show your dog love by brushing and petting his fur to make him think of you as a source of positivity and recognition.
Step 4. Play a non-confrontational game
Use non-threatening and aggressive play to build trust with your dog. The game in question can be a tag game. The trick: You start crawling on the floor and roll over to get the dog interested in doing it. Then, encourage the dog to follow you around the room. The game is a light form of play that will also teach the dog to follow you and your directions.
You can turn this game into hide and seek. The trick: You tell the dog to "sit down." Then, hide in a slightly visible place in the room and command the dog to come over to you. The dog should come and find you in the area
Step 5. Join a dog play group
After having fun with the dog through a few games and the dog seems comfortable with the basic discipline commands, socialize the dog with a dog play group or take him to play with other dogs. Find a dog community in your area or talk to other dog owners at the park to see if you can plan a play schedule together, especially if your dog seems comfortable around a particular dog.
