How to Train Your Puppy to Trust You

How to Train Your Puppy to Trust You
Medium difficulty iconMedium
Time icon3-7 Weeks
General training category iconGeneral

Introduction

You just brought your new puppy home. You want your pup to feel comfortable in their new home, but they act skittish and strange around you. You are starting to worry that your puppy doesn't feel safe in the house. Dogs speak a different language. To gain your puppy's trust, you need to learn to speak their language and consistently let them know they are safe and secure around you.

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Defining Tasks

Training your puppy to trust you requires patience and consistency. The amount of time it takes for your puppy to trust you will depend on a few factors, including their history and how much you work with them. When you are working with a new dog, at any age, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you should always be kind to your puppy. Act with patience and kindness, even when you are dealing with a frustrating situation. Second, show your pup that you care about their safety and well-being by protecting them and removing them from situations which make them nervous. And finally, provide reinforcement for your puppy when they do something good, rather than punishing them for messing up.

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Getting Started

Building trust with your puppy starts from the moment you meet them and grows from there. You can use treats to reward good behaviors from your dog. Remember, the key to earning your pup's trust is consistency. You want to show your puppy over and over again that certain behaviors get rewards and others don't. By showing them what is good instead of scolding them for what goes wrong, you show your dog that you are a fair and loving owner who will take care of their needs.

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The Obedience Method

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1

Start out with simple commands

Choose a few basic commands to start practicing with your puppy. You want to start off with ones that are easy for your pup to learn so they gain confidence. Most often, dog owners begin with 'sit', 'down', 'stay', and 'come'.

2

Start with 'sit'

Generally, 'sit' is a good starting point for any young puppy. Use a treat to lure your puppy into a sitting position and then give them lots of praise for completing the action successfully. Repeat this process several times until your puppy is sitting without a lure.

3

Have your puppy sit in lots of situations

Once your pup has a good grasp on 'sit', use the command to set up consistent behaviors in other areas of your puppy's life. Have them sit before you give them their dinner bowl or before you leave the house on a walk. Building a routine creates consistency in your puppy's life and helps them trust you further.

4

Add in other commands

Work with your puppy on additional obedience commands, such as 'down' and 'stay'. Remember to keep your rewards consistent for each new command. Every training session is another opportunity to show your puppy how fair you are.

5

Keep up the praise

As you add more and more commands to your puppy's repertoire, continue to praise them rather than discipline them. Love and mutual respect are the best tools you have to gain your puppy's trust.

The Respect Method

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Remain calm at your first meeting

Earning your new puppy's, or any dog's, trust starts at the very first meeting. When you interact with your puppy for the first time, project calm and relaxed energy to avoid prompting an aggressive greeting. Greet the dog softly and with a calm, friendly voice.

2

Respect your puppy's space

Give your puppy time to get used to you before you try to pet them. Stay a few feet away if you can. While it may seem rude, ignoring your puppy when you first meet them is a good way to begin establishing trust.

3

Get on their level

When you do approach your puppy for the first time, do so from the side rather than directly. Kneel down and face the same direction as your pup is facing. Both approaching head on and making direct eye contact may be interpreted as an act of aggression.

4

Let them come to you

Rather than reaching out immediately to pet your puppy, hold your hand out in a fist and let them respond by sniffing you. Typically, a dog will let you know they are okay with you by licking your hand. At that point, you can pet the front of their chest. It is best not to touch a dog on the head in the first meeting.

5

Give your puppy a treat

Allow your puppy to take a few treats out of your hand one at a time. After each treat, say "good dog" and give them some physical affection. Letting your puppy eat out of your hand shows you are non-threatening and a trustworthy figure.

The Examine Method

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Have your puppy lie down

For this method, it is best if you have already trained your puppy on a few of the basic commands so you have a base to build from. 'Sit' and 'down' will likely be enough to start with.

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Put your puppy in a 'down'

Either give the command "down" or place your puppy in a 'down' using your hands. If your pup already knows 'stay', great! You can use it to help them hold this position. If not, gently keep your puppy in the 'down' position with your hands.

3

Examine your pup

Gently "examine" your puppy by touching their ears, teeth, tail, paws, and other areas of their body. Praise your puppy as you do so to let them know that this activity is fun and safe.

4

Respond calmly if biting occurs

Your puppy may not like the examination, which is fair. They may try to squirm away from you. However, if they bite you, say "ouch" in a loud, high-pitched voice. This sound should prompt your puppy to stop biting. When they do, praise them.

5

Repeat this activity regularly

Once or twice a day, repeat the examination process with your puppy. Show them that there is nothing to fear from you handling them. At the end of the session, give them a nice treat if they did not bite you.

Written by Christina Gunning

Veterinary reviewed by:

Published: 04/13/2018, edited: 01/08/2021

Training Questions

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Training Questions and Answers

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Haru

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Pomeranian

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7 Weeks

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he is 7 weeks old, I've heard from many sources those puppies can start a training in 6 or 7 weeks. Haru know "sit" & "stay", but in my opinion he still doesn't know his name whenever i call him "haru", he doesn't even look at me or stop what he is doing. and another problem is potty time haha. he can call me if he want to get out from the playpen to go tot he bathroom, but.. sometimeshe didn't bark and pee

Jan. 2, 2021

Haru's Owner

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Alisha Smith - Alisha S., Dog Trainer

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253 Dog owners recommended

Hello! He sure is cute! To teach him his name, you will want to set aside about 5 minutes a few times a day and play what I call the name game. Have him in front of you and take a treat from his nose to your face while saying his name only one time. Then reward him with the treat when he makes eye contact. This will teach him that when you say his name, he is to look at you.

Jan. 4, 2021

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Rosie

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Blue Heeler

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2 Months

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I am trying to get my new puppy to like me and trust me but all attempts have failed. She constantly lunges at me and tries to nip my hand or face. What do I do to get her to trust me and not be so aggressive

July 2, 2020

Rosie's Owner

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Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer

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1128 Dog owners recommended

Hello Destiny, Pup might be playing but if pup is truly aggressive or fearful, I suggest hiring a trainer who specializes in behavior issues to help you in person. This is early for that type of behavior so I wouldn't wait to get help. Check out the free PDF e-book AFTER You Get Your Puppy for information on socialization and general puppy behavior: www.lifedogtraining.com/freedownloads Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

July 6, 2020


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