How to Build Trust With Your Adopted Dog

If you have adopted a dog instead of purchasing one from a pet store, you have saved a life. It is possible that you have also taken on some baggage that you won't know about until your new dog is settled into your life. Most likely, you have also taken on an older dog, which comes with its own rewards. Building trust with your newly adopted dog takes patience, time and empathy on your part.

  1. Purebred Dogs

    • "Aussies," as Australian shepherds are sometimes called, may want to "herd" the family.

      The Humane Society of the United States reports that 6 to 8 million animals are surrendered to shelters every year. Of these, 25 percent are purebred. If you have adopted a purebred dog, your task is a little easier because purebred dogs, while still being unique and individual, share certain traits. For example, terrier breeds are prone to chasing down small animals, and herding dogs may nip at the heels of people who stray from the group. Knowing why your dog exhibits certain behaviors will go a long way toward helping to build trust.

    Mixed Breeds

    • Your loving dog may have had a life of hardship before he came into your life.

      Some mixed breed dogs have physical features that make their genetic makeup obvious. This is especially true of the so-called "designer dogs," such as the Malti-poo (Maltese and poodle) or the goldendoodle (golden retriever and poodle). Other mixed breeds, also called "natural dogs" or the more derogatory "mutt" or "cur," are harder to discern. Learning all you can about the breeds you believe make up your dog will help you to understand your dog well.

    Past Lives

    • Your dog may know tricks you never taught him and could surprise you from time to time.

      Try to understand that your dog carries some baggage. The older the dog is, the more emotional trauma he may have endured. He may exhibit behaviors that make absolutely no sense to you but make perfect sense in his world. For example, he may growl at people in baseball caps, or teenagers, while being affectionate to all others. What this tells you is that he was most likely previously owned, and mistreated, by a person who frequently wore a baseball cap or had teenagers who abused him for sport. Though you will not tolerate growling or a show of aggression of any kind, understand that his actions are based on fear.

    Be Gentle

    • If your dog is fearful of cars, use counter-conditioning to help him overcome that fear.

      Be gentle with your adopted dog when it comes time to discipline him or train him to eliminate outdoors. It is possible your dog was chained up outside or lived in an outdoor run or yard and never came in a house before. Give him time to adjust to his new reality. Avoid dragging him out from corners or under tables in a misguided effort to get him to join the group. Give him all the time he needs to stand back and watch how your family operates.

    Counter-Conditioning

    • In an article for "Good Housekeeping" magazine, pet expert Kathy Santo writes about counter-conditioning. "Counter-conditioning will always save the day," writes Santos, "although it can be a long, slow process. This technique requires patience, but when done properly it will work to reprogram all but the most phobic of dogs." Counter-conditioning simply means attaching new and pleasant sensations with objects and situations that scare your dog. For example, if he is afraid of the crate, put a toy or treat in the crate and gently persuade him to go in. Never use physical force. It's possible he was left in a crate for hours on end with his last owner and is now rightfully fearful of the crate. Once he is in the crate, let him out right away so he sees he will not be neglected and left there.

    Consult a Professional

    • If your dog is showing signs of fearfulness or aggression, consult a reputable dog trainer, behaviorist or veterinarian. A vet can prescribe medication that will help calm your dog down. A trainer or behaviorist, especially one who specializes in traumatized dogs, will be able to teach you how to build trust with your dog through pleasant interactions.