Quick Answer: Let the dog come to you — never pursue or corner. Be predictable — same tone, same routine, same calm energy. Every interaction should lead to something good: food, play, or peaceful companionship. Trust builds when a dog learns that your presence reliably predicts positive things and your behavior is consistent. A frozen lick mat given while sitting calmly near a new or fearful dog builds association: you = good things.
The Foundation Principles
- Never corner or pursue — let the dog control the approach
- Be predictable — same tone, same energy, consistent routine
- Be a source of good things — food, play, and calm come from you
- Respect avoidance — if they move away, don't follow. Trust builds when they're never forced.
- Patience above all — trust cannot be rushed, only earned
For Fearful or Rescue Dogs
The 3-3-3 decompression rule: 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn the routine, 3 months to feel fully at home. Enrichment tools — lick mats and snuffle mats — build positive association with your presence from a comfortable distance.
Related Questions
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