Building Trust with Rescue Dogs

Rescues often come with a unique set of fears, anxieties, and trust issues. The best way to help a traumatized dog is being patient with them. Sadly, many adoptive owners rescue pets without considering the significant commitment of time and energy it takes to build a dog’s trust in humans again. They become overwhelmed by the dog’s behavioral problems and return it to the shelter where they are further traumatized. This unpreparedness results in a vicious cycle.

But there are many simple, practical steps people can take to make these special-love-needed pups feel more at ease and begin living happy lives.

Rescue dogs have commonly changed hands and locations many times, which can be very disorienting and stressful. Meeting new people and being brought into an unfamiliar environment may put them on the defense. When meeting a new dog, ignore them at first. Resist the urge to pet, look at, and talk to them. This allows them to settle into the situation and sniff you out on their own terms. Let them familiarize themselves with their surroundings and come to you in their own time.

Once they have calmed down, crouch down to their level, but continue ignoring them. Never lean down over them as this is threatening posture. Leave the back of your wrist exposed for them to sniff if they choose. Outstretched palms can also communicate aggression. If after a couple of minutes they show interest in you and display more comfortable body language, you might slowly try petting them on their shoulder or back. Do not pet their heads until they are totally comfortable. Keep your actions – standing up, gesturing, etc. – slow and calm. No sudden movements.

Speak gently and in a lower register. Cute as they may be, resist baby talk and high-pitched excitable speech. Think of how you would react if someone tried calming you down by making kissy noises and shrill sounds at you!

Bribery could be key. Some dogs can be won over almost immediately with a well-timed treat. Come prepared with some dog-safe nibbles. They might not eat from your hand right away, but associating you with tasty food goes a long way in building trust.

Exercise is an excellent way of releasing anxious energy. Take the dog for a nice, long walk early in your relationship. Going for walks on a leash establishes trust between the dog and human leading them. Let them sniff around, explore, and get used to having you near, as well as taking directions. Getting a good work-out in can also help them sleep more soundly in their new surroundings.

You will never find a more loyal, loving companion than a rescue!

Designate a space just for them. Make a comfy quiet spot away from hustle and bustle where the dog can feel safe. If they start feeling overwhelmed, having their own spot to calm down will help them overcome anxiety. Give them time and space to process the new people and place they find around them. When they understand that you aren’t there to badger them, they’ll be more inclined to seek you out.

Dogs, much like children, thrive within a healthy routine. Help your dog settle in by providing them a consistent structure to their day. But never force a rescue dog to do something they are not ready to do yet. Instead, let them go to their designated spot.

Be quick to reward good behavior. This could take a while for some dogs to get accustomed to due to past abuse. Practicing positive reinforcement builds trust while also training the dog how to behave for the happiest, healthiest life.

Be selective about boarding and groomers. Your first priority is the safety and well-being of your pet and the people around them. This extends to anyone providing you and your pet services, such as veterinarians, groomers, and boarding staff. Make groomers aware of any triggers, injuries, or behavioral concerns your dog has before taking them to be groomed.

When it comes to boarding, remember where your dog came from. If they were held in shelters or other crowded conditions, a large kennel with lots of people and many other animals could easily trigger severe anxiety. If you will be away, finding a house-sitter or boarding them at a home-based business could be the best arrangement for them.

Remember: Bonding with and training rescue dogs can be a long process. It is often just as difficult on the human helpers as it is on the dog. But the rewards for your patience, persistence, and understanding far outweigh the hardships. You will never find a more loyal, loving companion than a rescue!

Kokomo Home Buddies is experienced caring for dogs rescued from shelters and abuse. We strive to make your pup’s time with us as happy and stress-free as possible while understanding their unique needs and challenges. Contact us today for a meet-and-greet! We could be your rescue dog’s home away from home.