Trust is the foundation of every successful dog-human relationship. It’s what allows dogs to feel safe, confident, and responsive to training. Without trust, even the best training methods can fall flat, leaving both dogs and owners frustrated. In the latest episode of the Canine Caregivers podcast, trainers Ian and Dom explore the concept of trust, emphasising the importance of understanding a dog’s individual needs and communication style. You can listen to the full episode on building trust with your dog, “The Bridge of Trust,” here.
Why Trust Matters in Dog Training
Trust is more than just a bond – it’s the bedrock of effective communication and behaviour change. Dogs that trust their owners are more likely to listen, follow commands, and stay calm in challenging situations. But building that trust isn’t always straightforward. It takes time, patience, and a deep understanding of your dog’s body language and emotional state.
“Trust is individual and earned through listening and understanding,” the hosts explain. “It’s about creating an environment where the dog feels safe and respected.”
For example, a dog that has experienced trauma or negative associations, like a past attack, needs time to rebuild its confidence. In these cases, small, achievable goals and positive reinforcement can help the dog regain its sense of security.
Building Trust with Your Dog
- Observe and Respond to Body Language
Dogs communicate their comfort (or discomfort) through subtle signals – turning their head, yawning, lip-licking, or even avoiding eye contact. These are signs that your dog might be stressed or uncertain. By recognising and respecting these signals, you can adjust your approach to make your dog feel more secure. - Set Small, Achievable Goals
Just like people, dogs need to feel successful to build confidence. If your dog has had a traumatic experience, start with small, manageable steps. For example, if your dog is scared of other dogs, you might start by walking at a distance, gradually decreasing the space as their confidence grows. - Be Consistent but Flexible
While consistency is crucial for training, it’s also important to adapt your approach based on your dog’s comfort level. Push too hard, and you risk breaking the trust you’ve worked so hard to build. Instead, take things slowly and let your dog set the pace. - Use Positive Reinforcement
Dogs learn best through positive reinforcement – rewards for good behaviour rather than punishment for mistakes. This helps create a positive association with you and builds trust over time. Positive reinforcement is a founding principle of Delta-Certified Dog Training and our behavioural dog training. - Empathise with Your Dog’s Fears
If your dog has had a bad experience, it’s important to empathise with their fears. One of the podcast hosts shared a case where an older woman was afraid to walk her dog after a confrontation. By taking small, manageable steps and creating a safe environment, the dog regained its confidence, and the owner felt empowered to resume their walks.
Balancing Trust with Client Expectations
One of the biggest challenges for professional dog trainers is balancing the needs of the dog with the expectations of the client. Clients often want quick fixes, but true, lasting change takes time. As the podcast hosts discussed, building trust means prioritising the dog’s emotional well-being over quick wins.
“In the past, the focus was on impressing clients with quick results, but now it’s about creating a relationship where the dog feels safe and engaged,” they note.
This approach not only leads to better long-term outcomes but also strengthens the bond between the dog and its owner.
Rebuilding Trust After a Traumatic Incident
If your dog has experienced a traumatic event, rebuilding trust can be challenging but rewarding. The trainers shared a case where a dog and its owner both struggled to regain confidence after an attack. The solution was to start small, gradually increasing the difficulty of the walks and focusing on positive experiences just like we do in our reactive dog clinics.
This step-by-step approach mirrors the process of building resilience, where small victories build momentum and strengthen the dog’s ability to cope with future challenges.
Building a Bridge of Trust
Trust isn’t something that can be rushed. It’s a gradual process that requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to adapt. Whether you’re a professional trainer or a dog owner in Sydney’s busy Eastern Suburbs, the key is to meet your dog where they are and move forward together.
For personalised advice on building trust with your dog, or to book a one-on-one training session, contact Domineque Hone at The Dog Behavioural Trainer.
Listen to Dom on the Unleashed and Unhinged Podcast talking building trust with your dog, here.
