It takes a long time and a lot of effort to build up a person’s trust, and that includes your pets as well. But while building trust can take a long time, little actions can break them quickly. And once you break someone’s trust in you, it can be incredibly difficult to build it up again.
It’s important to remember that trust goes both ways. So while you may be consciously putting in the effort to build up their trust, you might also be subconsciously ruining their trust in you at the same time. Here are some actions that can cause your dog to distrust you.
Forcing your pet to do uncomfortable things/be in uncomfortable situations
This is definitely the easiest way you can ruin your dog’s trust. A lot of dogs hate taking baths or having their nails trimmed, so you don’t want to do these things often. And when you do need to trim their nails or give them a bath, make sure to make it more enjoyable for them. This can be done by simply providing them with their favourite treat.
Taking away their favourite things
You should never actively take away their food or their favourite toys. Even if you are taking them away as a form of punishment, your dog won’t understand that you are punishing them. Furthermore, your dog won’t associate the punishment with their actions, so they don’t even know what they’ve done wrong. If you want your dog to behave properly, you have to train them correctly. You can read more about training your dogs properly here.
Not listening to them
Yes I know that dogs cannot talk. But that doesn’t mean that they can’t communicate with you. Dogs communicate with you all the time using their body language. If you try and pet your dog but they physically move their head back, then don’t keep trying to pet them. They’ll naturally move their head toward your hand if they want to be petted. If you’re trying to pick them up but they keep resisting, then don’t pick them up.
Labrador Retrievers need plenty of exercise.
Ignoring your dog’s needs, likes and dislikes
Each breed is different. Each breed has their own set of needs, likes and dislikes. Before you adopt a dog, make sure you research which dog breed is the most suitable for you. A Labrador Retriever requires plenty of exercise, so they are best suited for someone with an active lifestyle. On the other hand, English Bulldogs prefer to stay indoors most of the time.
Like humans, no two dogs are the same. Every dog has their own specific likes and dislikes. So if your dog doesn’t like to be picked up, don’t let your friends try and pick them up. Your dog can’t speak for itself, so you’ll have to speak up for them.
Hopefully after reading this article, you’ve learned what not to do with your dog if you want to gain their trust. But is your dog a reflection of you? Click here to find out!
