prompter: How can I gain the trust of a dog?

assistant: Sure, to establish trust with an unfamiliar dog, first:

1. Make sure the owner is OK with you approaching their dog. Some dogs are just not sociable, and you should respect the owner's wishes as well as the dog's space, otherwise you will be in potential danger. 
2. Approach the dog calmly and at an angle. Do not make direct eye contact as it could be seen as a sign of aggression.
3. Hold out your hand to where the dog can see it and let the dog smell it first, so that it knows that you mean no harm.
4. If the dog does not display any signs of aggression, you can then try to pet it as it has established a basic level of trust with you.

prompter: What are the signs that a particular dog is not trustworthy?

assistant: There are a few signs that a dog may not be trustworthy, including:

   1. Growling or snarling: This is a clear indication that the dog is feeling threatened or aggressive.

   2. Barking excessively: If a dog barks at you excessively, it may be trying to warn you to stay away or it may be a sign of aggression.

   3. Raised hackles: When a dog's hackles (the fur along its back) are raised, it's usually a sign that the dog is feeling threatened or scared.

   4. Stiff body language: If a dog's body is stiff and its tail is straight or tucked under its body, it may be a sign that the dog is feeling uncomfortable or scared.

   5. Lunging or snapping: If a dog is lunging or snapping at you, it's definitely not trustworthy.

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to respect the dog's space and avoid approaching it. It's also important to note that even friendly dogs can display these behaviors if they feel threatened or scared, so it's always a good idea to ask the owner's permission before approaching any dog, and to approach the dog slowly and calmly to avoid triggering any negative behaviors.

assistant: There are several behaviors indicating a lack of trust. For example:

- They avoid eye contact. When dogs don't like you being around, they may deliberately ignore you by avoiding your gaze and backing away.

- They try to keep their distance. Besides ignoring you, they may also try to keep a distance usually by leaving the room whenever you enter it.

- They cower or hide. A dog scared of you may cower, crouch, pull back ears, tuck tail, hide, or tremble.

- They refuse treats from you. Dogs usually appreciate treats. So when they refuse one from you, they may feel uncomfortable in your presence or don't trust you.

- Their fur stands up. When a dog is alarmed or angry, hairs along the shoulders and spine will rise. This is a sign that the dog is scared or uncomfortable with you.

- They track your movements carefully. When dogs are worried about a person, they may stare at them or visually track their movement from a distance.

- They stiffen up. If dogs feel threatened, they may stiffen and stare at you.

- They bite or growl. This is an extreme case as dogs usually choose flight instead of fight when they don't like a person. When dogs bite or growl, they may feel threatened and pressured into self-preservation.

Note that these signs don't mean you will never establish trust with the dog. You may need to give them extra space and time, avoid sudden movements or chasing them, pay more attention to their body language, or try finding out behaviors that they prefer and dislike. Many dogs will still warm up to you even if the first impression is not that good.

assistant: If it looks you in the eye or Attempts to sit on you or above you it see it self as dominant. If it appears have poor balance it is clear sign of disease and should be avoided as is drooling or foaming of the mouth.

assistant: 1 Respect the dog's space: This is particularly important if you're approaching a dog that you're not familiar with. Dogs can be territorial and may feel threatened if someone enters their space uninvited. Respect their boundaries by giving them space, avoiding sudden movements, and allowing them to come to you at their own pace.

    2 Approach the dog calmly: When approaching a dog, it's important to do so calmly and with positive energy. Dogs are very good at picking up on human emotions and body language, so avoid appearing tense, anxious, or aggressive. Approach the dog slowly and confidently, and avoid making direct eye contact, which can be seen as a sign of aggression.

    3 Use treats: Treats can be a great way to win a dog's trust, but make sure to use them wisely. Start by offering the dog a small piece of food from a distance, and gradually move closer as the dog becomes more comfortable. Make sure to use healthy, dog-friendly treats, and avoid offering too many treats, which can lead to obesity and other health issues.

    4 Play with the dog: Dogs love to play, and spending time playing with them can be a great way to build trust and strengthen your bond. Use toys that the dog enjoys, and try to engage in activities that the dog finds fun and stimulating. This could be anything from throwing a ball to playing tug of war.

    5 Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for building trust with dogs. This involves rewarding the dog with treats, praise, and affection when they exhibit good behavior. For example, if the dog approaches you calmly and without aggression, offer them a treat and plenty of praise.

    6 Be patient and consistent: Building trust with a dog takes time and effort, so be patient and consistent in your approach. Spend time with the dog every day, and try to establish a routine that the dog can rely on. This will help the dog feel more comfortable and secure around you.

Remember, every dog is different, and it's important to approach each dog with an open mind and a willingness to adapt to their individual needs and personality. With patience, consistency, and a positive attitude, you can build a strong and trusting relationship with any dog.

prompter: Are there any species of dogs that likely should not be approached?