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Help an Abused Dog to Trust
It is a fact that so many dogs suffer abuse. Through not fault of their own innocent animals suffer cruelty. But we can make a difference,there are ways to help an abused dog to trust. When we adopt a shelter or rescue dog below is 10 ways to help a dog to trust.
Contrary to what many people think is that animal abuse is not limited to rescue pups and shelters dogs. Dogs of all types of breeds, ages and backgrounds may suffer abuse. So it is possible that you will either adopt or encounter a dog whose been abused in some form at some point in time.
These beautiful canines may appear to be difficult to deal with as some of the most ‘normal’ things we do can cause them anxiety and fear.
However, there are ways to help help an abused dog and increase your chances of helping them to dog to trust. And you can change the life of a dog by making a few simple changes while being kind and patient. Here are some ways to help anxious, nervous dogs or abused dogs with the below tips.
Tips for Helping Abused Dogs
Below we share helpful ways to help any dogs who is fearful, anxious and may be particularly useful for puppies and dogs to overcome abuse in their life.
Make Yourself Appear Small
When interacting with a dog, you can ist a floor or bend down to appear less threatening. Make slow, small movements while the dog slowly adjusts. Place calming treats near the dog and let them sniff and take the treat.
Tone of Voice
Just like their humans, loud voices, shouting, and certain pitches can trigger a fearful dog. When talking to a fearful or abused dog it is important and helpful to keep your voice low and cheerful. Dogs are highly sensitive so be patient, relax and use soft tones so he will sense less frustration that will cause him to fear.
Allow a Dog to Come to You
Instead of approaching a dog. It is best to call him to you; you can sit quietly, speak softly and encourage a fearful dog with treats. Let the dog come to you. And never chase a dog, he may run out of fear and he may associate it with the any abuse suffered.
Give Lots of Praise to Help an Abused Dog
If your dog takes any action that is positive give them lots of praise. Don’t wait for him to obey or complete the action completely, encouraging words and voice tones will raise a dogs trust. Remember, he may be used to getting hit when he approaches someone. Staying calm will help to calm a rescue dog over time.
Understand What Makes a Dog Fearful
Leashes, brooms, the glint of a something in hand —all of these may cause a dog to be afraid if he had bad experiences in the past. Loud noises, fast movements and almost anything may trigger a dog who has suffered abuse.
To the best of your ability, just go about your daily routine without paying a lot of attention to the dog. Let him know you’re there, speak to him gently, but try not to put any demands on him while they are going through changes.
How to Touch a Dog
When you do get to pet this dog, avoid his head. Keep your hand palm up as it approaches him and gently rub under his chin or on his chest. Rubbing either spot tends to calm a dog. Move slowly and refrain from waving your arms around that may appear threatening to a fearful dog.
Give a Dog Space
One of the best ways you can help an abused dog is to let him retreat. If he moves to step backward, let him retreat. In time, he will stay longer. Always give a dog space, a safe and somewhere to get away.
If you adopt a rescue dog, provide them with a quiet space such as a bedroom, with a calming dog bed, or a soft blanket and a few toys. If you adopt a dog who has suffered abused, or any dog for this matter require a quiet places to re treat and get calm.
Give a Safe Space to Help an Abused Dog
Start by just being with him in the same room. It should be dog-proofed, so there’s nothing he can hurt himself on, or nothing he can damage. Have a bed in there for him. Sit quietly and read a book or watch TV while he just lies on his bed, or wanders around the room. Let him come to you.
Patience is Key With Fearful Dog
Keep any sessions short, with just a few minutes of actual touch each time. You can gradually increase the time as his trust grows. Often, just sitting quietly and waiting for him to approach you will make him feel comfortable. If your initial attempts fail, try this.
Accidents Happen (Dog Urinating)
When a dog is nervous or scared, he will often wet the floor involuntarily. Some abused dogs may even poop if they are unsure and fearful. If this should happen, it is important not to allow your frustration to show.
Dogs are clean by nature so this is not a deliberate attempt at disobeying and will likely disappear as he gains trust in you. Whether you have a puppy or a senior you can help abused dog with positive reinforcement potty training while helping to build their confidence.
Concluding Tips to Help an Abused Dog
A once-abused dog can be as trusting and loving as any other. All it takes is patience on the part of those in his life. A crouching position, low voice and appropriate touch will win him over eventually.
Find a rescue dog at your local shelter!
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Our favorite: The Dunbar Academy Training Program. If you want a happy and obedient dog, this is one of the best online dog training programs available today! You can get the first month free using dunbar.info/RescueDogHappiness <
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