TRUST!

TRUST

''Probably has trust issues...NOW''

---Trust is a very important part of ANY relationship. If we do trust the person we’re interacting with, it is easy to move on from there. BUT…if there are trust issues…one will always be ON GUARD to some extent…when dealing with the one he/she doesn’t trust.

---I recently saw a TV show about a dog who was abused and then abandoned by his owner. The dog was a about 20 lbs (NOT REALLY BIG,) who lived on the city street’s and back alley’s and scavenged for food. The dog would spend much of his time in the shadows NOT interacting with anyone. This was his defense mechanism. The dog didn’t trust TOO much of anyone or anything.

---To rehabilitate this animal and to teach him to heel, to sit, lay down, etc., the trainer realized that the first step was to gain the dog’s trust.

---He made a safe bedding area and placed it where the dog would naturally go to in the house to feel safe. Safety and security are places sought out by most of us who have trust as a priority. (It is something we ALL have…just to different degrees. The ideal is to be at ‘’home with yourself’’ and have that secure feeling all or most of the time.)

---The trainer would be sure that only positive things would happen in that bed area. There were treats, his favorite toy and (importantly) the dog was always treated with positive regard while there.

---With love and guidance…the trainer says he was able to re-establish trust with the dog. The trainer eventually branched out…meaning the dog was introduced to more and more social settings. They went for walks to dog parks letting the dog set the pace while keeping a close watch on what the dog could + couldn’t handle.

---The dog eventually was socialized enough where he could live amongst people. A good home and a solid family made a very good match for dog and family…alike. Re-establishing trust is very important and an essential cornerstone for any relationship…especially when trust has been abused. Folks tend to tighten-up and won’t let anyone penetrate this hardened veneer if it isn’t dealt with. Animals (and people) have to really know that it’s okay to be ‘’who they are’’ in settings they are in. Be Well.