Ever had one of those days where you come home, full of love and treats, only to see your puppy dart under the table like you’re the Boogeyman? Yeah, it’s rough.
You start wondering if your pup secretly hates you or if you’re doing something horribly wrong.
You’re not alone in that feeling. So many dog parents go through this awkward and confusing phase, especially during the early weeks. One minute your puppy is napping on your foot, and the next, they’re treating you like you’re holding a vacuum cleaner instead of a tennis ball.
Puppies Are Still Figuring Stuff Out
Puppies are like toddlers with fur. Everything is new, loud, weird, and sometimes downright scary.
When they run away from you, it’s often because their little brains are trying to process a million things at once. Maybe you moved too fast, or maybe they just saw their reflection and got freaked out.
Some pups get overwhelmed easily. Loud voices, sudden hand movements, clunky boots, they can all feel like a bit too much. And sometimes, running away is just their default move when they’re unsure what’s happening.
Your Body Language Might Be Saying “Back Off”
We don’t always realize how much we tower over our dogs. Imagine a giant standing over you, arms reaching down, even if it’s out of love, it might feel like a threat. Puppies pick up on body language way more than we give them credit for.
If you often approach your pup head-on, or try to grab them quickly when they’re relaxing, they might associate your movement with something unpleasant.
A better bet? Sit on the floor and let them come to you. Keep your hands soft and your energy low.
Tone Of Voice Makes A Huge Difference
Ever scolded your puppy with that sharp “No” when they chewed your slipper or peed on your rug? Totally understandable. But if those moments pile up without enough gentle, fun interactions in between, your pup might get skittish around you.
They remember tone even more than the words. A raised voice, even if not meant in anger, can sound scary to a puppy.
Try swapping out commands for cheerful encouragement. You’d be surprised how far a chipper “Good job” goes in winning their trust.
Build Trust One Tiny Moment At A Time
Let’s be real. Trust doesn’t show up overnight, especially if your puppy came from a rough background or a busy shelter. If they’ve had negative experiences with people before, they may be hesitant to bond right away.
Small acts of consistency go a long way. Feed them at regular times. Let them sniff you before petting. Don’t force cuddles. Some pups are just naturally more independent and need their space before they feel comfy getting close.
One of my neighbors had a rescue puppy who used to bolt every time someone reached for her collar.
Instead of chasing her, they started tossing treats near them and letting her come when she was ready. Within a week, she started crawling into their lap unprompted. It wasn’t magic. It was patience.
Turn Recall Into A Game
If your puppy bolts the second you say their name, it might be time to make “come here” sound a little more exciting. Calling your dog should feel like an invitation to a party, not a trip to the naughty corner.
Try recall games in your hallway or garden. Use silly voices, run away from them instead of chasing, and reward with treats or toys.
Make them think you’re the most fun thing in the room. The more you practice in a relaxed setting, the better they’ll respond when it really counts.
Also, never call them just to scold. That’s the quickest way to make them ignore you next time.
Expect Some Puppy Drama
Some pups just go through a weird phase. Around four to six months, many puppies hit a sort of rebellious streak. They test boundaries, push buttons, and sometimes act like you’re invisible. Sound familiar?
Don’t sweat it too much. It’s all part of growing up. Stick with your routines, keep reinforcing positive behavior, and remind yourself that this stage doesn’t last forever.
They’ll outgrow the chaos, and you’ll both come out stronger on the other side.
Make Every Interaction Count
Try not to overthink every single moment, but do make them count. If your pup runs away when you reach for them, maybe try calling them over with a toy instead. If they hide when it’s time for the leash, turn it into a treat party.
Be the safe zone, not the source of pressure. Let them learn that being close to you means good things, belly rubs, tasty snacks, or a comfy blanket to nap on.
Avoid grabbing or cornering them when they’re scared. Chasing them down usually backfires and makes the next time harder.
Slow And Steady Wins The Pup
This isn’t about turning your dog into a robot who obeys every command. It’s about creating a bond where your puppy feels safe choosing you, even when they’re scared or unsure.
There’s no rush. Some days will feel like progress. Others will feel like a giant step backward. But that’s the journey, right? Learning each other’s quirks, building routines, and laughing at all the weird stuff in between.
Give yourself grace. Give your pup even more.
The truth is, running away doesn’t mean they don’t love you. It just means they’re still learning how to be part of your world.
And hey, isn’t that what we’re all trying to do, in some way?
So what’s the first small step you’ll take today to build a little more trust with your pup?