What is trust? Predictability. Trust between a dog and its owner develops when both parties know what to expect and their expectations are met. 

When we take our dogs for a walk, we expose them to the public. As we know, the public can be unpredictable. Between humans, we use manners to reduce unpredictable behavior and to create expectations for other people’s behavior. That helps us stay calm even when the situation is a bit uncomfortable because we can expect others to behave mannerly.

Unfortunately, most of us don’t give our dogs clear expectations for what will happen when they’re out in public on a walk or hanging out at the coffee shop. In most cases, they don’t know what behavior we expect from them, or what behavior they can expect from us, or from the other people and dogs they come in contact with. If we want to gain “Unshakable” trust on and off the leash with our dogs, we must take time to make expectations clear. 

Creating the Expectation of Calmness

One expectation my dogs enjoy is feeling calm on the leash with me in public. They stay calm because they know I expect them to be, and they expect to be safe. I build the expectation of safety by demonstrating my control over the timing of events and their immediate environment. This is simple: We move when I decide to move, we stay still when I decide to stay still; I restrict my dog from touching or engaging with others, and I prevent others from engaging and interacting with my dog unless and until I allow it. I also use “Greeting Routines” so that my dogs know from the start of the routine that they will meet a person or a dog, and when that meeting ends, they will be safe. In other words, I protect or guard my dogs’ intimate space. 

If someone wants to meet my dog, they are not allowed to approach and start engaging. If they try, I am prepared to step in between and prevent it. The person’s age, race, religion, physical ability, or friendliness does not matter. Anyone who meets my dogs must go through the proper greeting routines. The same is true with dogs. I practice this with my clients. We drill and develop our ability to interact with off-leash dogs and prevent them from engaging with our dogs. This shows our dogs that we control whether that dog or person can touch them and that we control the timing of that contact. 

Establishing Trust is Fundamental

My dogs trust me to control space, and I never waver or shake in that responsibility. They expect it, and because I do it they expect to be calm and safe when they are with me. This is only one of many expectations my dog and I share. Reinforcing this one helps me reinforce the others. 

If you want your dog’s trust to be unshakeable, so they don’t panic or react poorly on the leash regardless of environment or situation, contact us! We would be glad to help. As always, thank you for reading, and Enjoy Your Dog!!!