Trust Point System
Trust is at the base of every relationship; human to human, dog to dog, dog to human etc.! Trust is easily gained or lost depending on communication and understanding of both parties. When it comes to dogs relating to humans, trust plays an important role that is ever evolving. To make it simple on whether trust is being gained or lost with your dog (usually unknowingly), I use the Trust Point system.
How can you tell if trust is being gained or lost with your dog? It’s all in their body language! Dog’s tell everything they are feeling in their body language signals. Dogs give subtle signals to, at first, avoid confrontation and usually only escalate to more obvious, serious signals when the subtle signs are not being listened to. Miscommunications happen when we put dogs in situations they cannot handle and when we are not paying attention to what their body language is telling us. Once you know what to look for, it becomes second nature!
Trust Points work similar to a bank account. You can deposit/gain Trust Points by listening to your dog and advocating for their needs in the moment. You can also withdraw/lose Trust Points by putting your dog in situations where they are not comfortable. The more Trust Points you lose, the closer you may be to a bite incident.
You have to have enough Trust (money) in the bank in order to facilitate positive relationships for your dog. Your dog counts on you to lead them through life. In order for that to be achieved you must begin to understand your dogs needs by reading their body language and considering the situation from their point of view.
Trust Point Examples
Taking bone or food bowl from them. (Trust Points with you)
GAIN Points - Trade for a higher value treat.
A stranger asks to pet your dog. (Trust Points with strangers)
GAIN Points - Noticing your dog is uncomfortable, instead of obliging the stranger when they go to pet your dog, ask them to toss your dog a treat or give them space.
Allowing children to have full access to your dog. (Trust Points with kids)
GAIN Points - Teaching your children to call your dog to them instead of going up to your dog while they are resting.
- Just like humans, dogs need their personal space respected, especially if they have something in their possession. If a dog is constantly having their space invaded without care for what their body language is showing, you run the risk of miscommunications.
GAIN Points - Trade for a higher value treat.
A stranger asks to pet your dog. (Trust Points with strangers)
- When dogs are happy to meet strangers, their entire body will wiggle! It will be VERY obvious they want to be touched. If they are anything other then full body wiggle happy, don’t allow strangers to touch your dog.
GAIN Points - Noticing your dog is uncomfortable, instead of obliging the stranger when they go to pet your dog, ask them to toss your dog a treat or give them space.
Allowing children to have full access to your dog. (Trust Points with kids)
- Teach your child to respect your dogs space to avoid your dog losing Trust Points with your children. Dogs do not want to be hugged, sat on, tugged on, poked, have toys thrown at them or bothered when they are resting or eating.
GAIN Points - Teaching your children to call your dog to them instead of going up to your dog while they are resting.
These are just a few examples of how Trust can be gained with different people in various scenarios. Understanding how Trust works with your dog can prevent behavior issues from starting up in the first place. If a behavior issue is already in happening, using this system will help alleviate pressure on your dog and in turn help them feel listened to. In the end, we ALL want what is best for our dog. Sometimes what we think is best, simply isn’t. Learn about your dog by reading their communication cues and not just assuming they are okay in a situation when they are clearly showing they are not.
Written by Jamie Ianello, IAABC-SBA
