Q&A for How to Gain the Trust of a Stray Dog

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How can I gain a stray dog's trust?

Sheri Williams
Certified Dog Trainer
Sheri Williams is a Certified Dog Trainer and Behaviorist and the Owner of sheriwilliams.com, a business that specializes in teaching veterans how to turn their dogs into service dogs or emotional support animals to assist with PTSD. Based in the Los Angeles, California metro area, Sheri has over 20 years of dog training experience and also runs a general dog training practice specializing in rehabilitating dogs through positive reinforcement training techniques. She is certified by The Animal Behavior and Training Association.

Sheri Williams

Certified Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

Make sure you stay calm when you approach the dog, or else it might get fearful or aggressive.

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Question

What if the dog is territorial. What do I do then?

Community Answer

Just as the article says. You may want to be careful and just sit a few more feet away from what the article suggests. You will want to go through the steps above, for a time longer. Also, dogs can sense if your afraid, so don't be afraid. If you truly care about the dog, you won't have a problem.

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Question

Can we call it by names like Sherwood?

Community Answer

If the dog seems to respond well you can. Over time he would relate that name to you treating him well.

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Question

What happens if I act or look scared?

Community Answer

Acting or looking scared is the last thing you want to do around dogs. Dogs are very intelligent and can pick up on emotions. Try gaining the dog's trust in baby steps and remain calm and confident. Sit down somewhere in the general area of the dog and try to get the dog to associate you with something he'll view as a reward. Be aware of the dog's body language throughout the process as it will communicate whether or not you're gaining his trust.

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Someone abandoned a dog in the field. He lives in a box behind our house, is very timid and runs every time we approach the box. We feed it and put blankets so it is not as cold at night. My heart breaks. What can I do?

Community Answer

Try to get the dog to know you more. One thing you can do is by sitting down, putting your hand out and waiting. If that does not work, take food in your hand. If he/she comes, stroke it and say, "it is okay." Through time, the dog should gain your trust.

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Question

What if I want to keep it?

Community Answer

You should take it to a vet to scan for microchips, and to see if it is up to date on all of his or her vaccinations.

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Question

What do I do if the dog is hiding underneath a car or something like that, where I can't reach?

Community Answer

Try tempting them with great food. Hotdogs always do the trick for us. Throw a small piece near their nose so they know how yummy it is first. Keep throwing the pieces a bit further away until they are out from under the car. If this doesn't work you can try honking the car horn to scare it out.

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Question

Does the behavior of the dog depend on its breed? And does the time it takes to earn its trust depend on the breed?

Community Answer

Make sure not to look the dog in the eye or show any signs of weakness. Gain its trust by feeding the dog (not too much at first). The behavior can depend on its past life, it could've been abused, and lost trust in humans. If the dog won't approach you even for food, you can leave a bowl outside regularly, so the dog stays around your house knowing it will get food. All dogs have different personalities, so it depends how he/she has been treated before. If the dog looks ill/hurt take it to the vet/call animal control and you can adopt it afterwards if you like.

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Question

What if the dog won't come close to me?

Community Answer

Don't force it. If a dog won't come near you, you can try to lure them with treats, but if they still won't move towards you, try something more tantalizing such as ham or turkey. If they get close enough, slowly attempt to slip a lead on the dog and take them to a local no-kill shelter. NEVER corner a stray, as this can lead to fear and aggression.

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Question

The stray puppy I rescued is very skittish. What can I do?

Seleen Burgos

Community Answer

You can gain the trust of a pup by feeding it and taking good care of it. Once it feels more comfortable, lie down with it and it'll get more comfortable, yet.

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Question

What if you know the dog and it walks with you and you leave it and it goes somewhere else and you wanted that dog?

Community Answer

Gently put the dog on a leash. If it growls or snaps at you, put the leash down and stand calmly. If the dog comes towards you, in a smooth action slip the collar around its neck. Also, feed it plenty of treats and give it a few blankets.

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Question

There is a stray dog down the road from my house. I feed it every day and have been for two months, but I cannot get him to come close to me. What can I do?

SANDRA BROOKS

Community Answer

Start by setting out food and sitting far away from the dog as it eats. Try to stay on the dog's level -- sit down or stay on the ground. Each time try getting closer and just stay quiet.

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Question

Is there anything special needed for a pregnant dog?

HelpingWithLove

Community Answer

It may take longer for a pregnant dog to start trusting you but make sure not to be too touchy and don't leave it alone too long either. Use a gentle voice and pet the dog gently and make sure not to scare or hurt her, since it may make her go into labor too early, which is not good! Make sure to get all the required items to care for the puppies if you need to know what those things check out a pet store website.

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