Q&A for How to Gain the Trust of a Stray Dog

Make sure you stay calm when you approach the dog, or else it might get fearful or aggressive.

Just as the article says. You may want to be careful and just sit a few more feet away from what the article suggests. You will want to go through the steps above, for a time longer. Also, dogs can sense if your afraid, so don't be afraid. If you truly care about the dog, you won't have a problem.

If the dog seems to respond well you can. Over time he would relate that name to you treating him well.

Acting or looking scared is the last thing you want to do around dogs. Dogs are very intelligent and can pick up on emotions. Try gaining the dog's trust in baby steps and remain calm and confident. Sit down somewhere in the general area of the dog and try to get the dog to associate you with something he'll view as a reward. Be aware of the dog's body language throughout the process as it will communicate whether or not you're gaining his trust.

Try to get the dog to know you more. One thing you can do is by sitting down, putting your hand out and waiting. If that does not work, take food in your hand. If he/she comes, stroke it and say, "it is okay." Through time, the dog should gain your trust.

You should take it to a vet to scan for microchips, and to see if it is up to date on all of his or her vaccinations.

Try tempting them with great food. Hotdogs always do the trick for us. Throw a small piece near their nose so they know how yummy it is first. Keep throwing the pieces a bit further away until they are out from under the car. If this doesn't work you can try honking the car horn to scare it out.

Make sure not to look the dog in the eye or show any signs of weakness. Gain its trust by feeding the dog (not too much at first). The behavior can depend on its past life, it could've been abused, and lost trust in humans. If the dog won't approach you even for food, you can leave a bowl outside regularly, so the dog stays around your house knowing it will get food. All dogs have different personalities, so it depends how he/she has been treated before. If the dog looks ill/hurt take it to the vet/call animal control and you can adopt it afterwards if you like.

Don't force it. If a dog won't come near you, you can try to lure them with treats, but if they still won't move towards you, try something more tantalizing such as ham or turkey. If they get close enough, slowly attempt to slip a lead on the dog and take them to a local no-kill shelter. NEVER corner a stray, as this can lead to fear and aggression.

You can gain the trust of a pup by feeding it and taking good care of it. Once it feels more comfortable, lie down with it and it'll get more comfortable, yet.

Gently put the dog on a leash. If it growls or snaps at you, put the leash down and stand calmly. If the dog comes towards you, in a smooth action slip the collar around its neck. Also, feed it plenty of treats and give it a few blankets.

Start by setting out food and sitting far away from the dog as it eats. Try to stay on the dog's level -- sit down or stay on the ground. Each time try getting closer and just stay quiet.

It may take longer for a pregnant dog to start trusting you but make sure not to be too touchy and don't leave it alone too long either. Use a gentle voice and pet the dog gently and make sure not to scare or hurt her, since it may make her go into labor too early, which is not good! Make sure to get all the required items to care for the puppies if you need to know what those things check out a pet store website.