2. Be mindful of your dog’s emotional state
It’s amazing how many people do not stop to consider that dogs have a certain level of understanding and intelligence, and although it’s not as high as in most humans, they process thoughts and emotions. They feel pain, comfort, happiness, sadness, depression, fear, confidence, trust distrust, and a range of other emotions.
Most dogs are a lot smarter than people give them credit for so it’s important to assess where your dog is at emotionally. For example, if you have a dog who is fearful of you, it’s best to coax gently, but don’t force intimacy. Let him come to you on his own terms, but do keep trying. An abused dog who is experiencing anxiety may need time and space to heal. Once he discovers that you are not a person that hurts him or treats him badly, he’ll begin to come around on his own. Every dog is an individual and it’s important to treat them as such. When he comes to trust you, then he will be more loyal to you.
