- Get the timing right. …
- Use a soft and soothing tone of voice. …
- If you hurt your dog don’t immediately hug them. …
- Give them lots of attention and play. …
- Consider not using treats to say sorry to a dog.
It can be difficult to express your regret to a dog who cannot understand human language, but there are ways to let them know that you’re sorry.
Step 3: Don’t use treats
Treats are given as a form of positive reinforcement and as a reward for good behavior. They should be used as training tools only.
Although you might be tempted to give your dog a treat as an expression of your regret, doing so sends them conflicting and confusing signals.
You are not commending your dog for anything when you apologize. Instead, you are appeasing them in order to avoid properly addressing the problem. We do not recommend giving your dog any kind of treats while you are saying your sorry.
Step 2: Use a soothing and calming voice
Speaking in an combative or harsh tone of voice instantly makes a stressful situation worse. Dogs are reactive creatures and will react with the same intensity of emotion that you are directing at them.
No matter how anxious you are, never yell at your dog. This will only worsen the situation and make your dog even more anxious.
There is a good chance that yelling at your dog will make them act out and may have a negative impact on their behavior in the future.
When you observe that they are in pain, you should attempt to speak in a very composed manner. Dogs cannot understand your exact words, but they can tell when you’re being serious.
This means that it’s crucial to get the tone right in addition to the words. This should be your primary focus. Use a tone that is similar to the one you use when rewarding good behavior.
Speak softly and quietly to them, using a happy tone. Make sure you get on their level by slightly lowering your voice’s register.
We advise speaking slowly because it has a calming effect. Just like with people, it will take some time for you to regain your dog’s trust.
Do not talk too much. For your dog, this could be just as stressful as talking out loud. After speaking to your dog in a calm manner for a short while, be quiet and observe how they react.
As you apologize, calm the situation by giving your dog a gentle stroke. Dogs are very tactile creatures, which will help to highlight the calm environment you are attempting to create.
#7: Let them lick you
Most of you are on the fence about this.
It also likely depends on how rotten your dog’s breath is.
But dogs have an instinct to lick.
Their momma dog licks to clean and comfort them.
And when two dogs first meet, you may have seen puppies licking the older ones.
According to Blue Cross, this means that they’re seeking your attention. They do it because they want to interact with you.
So licking in this situation is positive.
But there’s a problem if your pooch keeps licking.
They can do it on:
Your dog may have canine OCD if they lick themselves excessively or repeatedly.
This typically occurs when they experience periods of extreme stress, such as:
The licking becomes a self-soothing behavior. It causes the release of happy hormones that your dog might become dependent on.
Lesions or reddened areas can appear on their skin. Some even experience hair loss because of the constant licking.
Warning: Visit your veterinarian if your dog exhibits excessive behavior. Anxiety and stress is the most likely cause.
Your vet might prescribe:
These will lessen your dog’s tension and anxiety. And with time, the need to lick will disappear.
FAQ
Do dogs understand when we apologize?
Dogs are incredibly intelligent animals that can tell when someone is being sincere. A look of guilt on your face or an apology said in a way that shows you’re sorry for what happened will be enough to convince them that you’re sorry, even if they don’t understand exactly what you’re saying to them.
How do dogs accept apologies?
According to studies, dogs make apologetic gestures in response to your reaction. For instance, when you yell, your dog understands that it has acted improperly. Therefore, it connects it to its prior behaviors when you exhibit that behavior again.
How do I gain my dog’s trust back?
- Slow Down. One of the biggest errors that many people commit is moving too quickly.
- Avert Your Eyes. In many human cultures, it’s polite to meet someone’s eyes.
- Offer Your Side. …
- Talk Less. …
- Observe Closely. …
- Let the Dog Approach You. …
- Play the Plate Game. …
- Play Treat and Retreat.