Does your dog really trust you, or is it just looking for treats when it approaches?
Many dog owners believe that a couple of treats and some petting are enough to win their pet’s trust, but it’s not that simple.
Trust is the foundation of the relationship between you and your dog, and it’s vital for their emotional well-being and safety.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 clear signs that your dog not only loves you but also fully trusts you.
1. Follows You Everywhere
When your dog sticks to you, even during the most mundane tasks, it’s showing fundamental trust.
Dogs descend from wolves and still retain the pack behavior of their ancestors. In the wild, being close to the pack means safety and survival. And for your dog, you are that pack.
This instinct to follow you isn’t just a habit: it reflects their perception of you as their leader and protector. By keeping you always in sight, your dog seeks your safety and comfort, knowing their leader is nearby to guide and care for them.
This is particularly important in new environments or situations that might make them feel vulnerable or insecure. So, every time your dog follows you from one room to another, it’s demonstrating complete trust in your ability to lead and protect, just like a wolf would trust its pack leader.
And this need for closeness leads us to the next sign of trust.
2. Sleeps in Your Room or on Your Bed
When your dog chooses to sleep in your bed or room, it’s not just because they like your soft blankets or find it more comfortable. This behavior goes far beyond physical comfort. Dogs are vulnerable during sleep, and the fact that they prefer to sleep by your side is a clear sign of trust.
In the wild, dogs sleep in groups, very close to those they fully trust. By sleeping with you, your dog is telling you that it feels safe with you and trusts your ability to protect them.
Sleeping close to you is also a demonstration of loyalty and a desire to offer you protection. This strengthens the bond between you, making your relationship about more than just companionship.
And here’s another important sign of trust.
3. Shows You Its Belly
When your dog shows you its belly, it’s actually telling you much more than just “scratch me.” This action goes beyond seeking a simple caress. The belly is one of the most vulnerable parts of a dog. Normally, dogs keep this area protected because it contains their vital organs.
So, when your dog lies on its back and exposes its belly, it’s doing something very special: it’s demonstrating that it fully trusts you. In the canine world, exposing the belly is not just any gesture. It’s like saying “I’m completely safe with you and I know you won’t hurt me.”
When this happens, gently stroke their belly, helping them feel relaxed, safe, and loved. It’s an excellent way to show that you value and respect the trust they’re showing you.
4. Learns Your Routines
Have you noticed how your dog seems to know when it’s time to eat or go for a walk? Well, this isn’t a coincidence. Dogs are creatures of habit and rely on routines to feel secure and protected.
And by learning and following your daily routine, your dog is showing deep trust in you. Observing and adapting to your schedule is a demonstration that your dog trusts you to provide structure and security in their life.
This familiarity with your daily routine not only makes them feel more comfortable but also strengthens the bond between you.
5. Seeks You Out in Uncomfortable Situations
This sign is unmistakable: when your dog seeks you out in difficult moments, it’s choosing you as its safe haven. Imagine how you feel when something scares you or makes you uncomfortable. You probably seek out someone you trust for comfort. The same goes for your dog.
When faced with situations that make them feel nervous or anxious, like thunder or the presence of a stranger, their instinct is to seek your presence. This behavior is a strong proof of their trust in you.
By coming to you for safety, your dog is showing that it sees you as its protector and leader. This is a very special signal because it reveals that they not only consider you their family but also trust that you will care for and protect them in any circumstance.
When this happens, welcome them with open arms and provide the calm they need.
6. Follows Your Commands
Think about this situation: when someone you respect and trust asks you to do something, you’ll probably do it without hesitation because you know they have your best interests at heart, right? The same goes for your dog.
If it obeys you, whether it’s a simple “sit” or a more complex command like “stay,” it’s showing that it sees you as its leader and protector. This obedience isn’t achieved just with training. It’s proof of the trust and deep bond it has with you.
A dog that trusts its owner will follow their instructions because it believes they will care for and keep them safe. This willingness to obey your commands shows that your dog not only listens to you but also trusts your judgment.
So, if you want your dog to follow your commands without hesitation, you must earn their full trust. It’s an honor to have such a level of trust and affection from your dog, so make sure to continue strengthening that bond with them through positive and loving leadership.
7. Maintains Eye Contact
Did you know that when your dog holds your gaze, it’s doing something much more important than just looking at you? This simple act of maintaining eye contact is a powerful form of communication between you and your dog.
In fact, studies have shown that this visual exchange not only enhances communication but also releases oxytocin. This hormone is known as the “love hormone,” and it’s released in both you and your dog as you look intently at each other.
This phenomenon is unique in the relationship between humans and dogs. In the animal kingdom, prolonged eye contact can often be interpreted as a sign of aggression. However, with domesticated dogs, it’s the opposite: it’s a sign of affection and complete trust.
When your dog maintains eye contact with you, it’s not just observing you, it’s saying “I trust you” and “I feel safe with you.”
8. Steals Your Shoes
When your dog steals your socks or shoes, it’s not just a mischief, it’s also a sign of love. I know, it can be annoying sometimes, but wait until I tell you.
Dogs are attracted to objects that carry your scent because they remind them of you, providing a sense of security and comfort.
This act of taking your things isn’t just a simple game; it’s a sign that your dog considers you its family and deeply trusts you. By keeping your items close, especially those that smell like you, your dog keeps a part of you with them.
This intensifies when you’re not home, and your dog feels the need to comfort itself with something of yours. So, when you find your dog with one of your shoes in its paws, remember that it does it out of love and as a way to feel close to you, not out of mischief.
9. Stays Calm When You Leave
Many dogs experience anxiety when their owners leave, showing their fear through barking, howling, or destructive behaviors.
However, if your dog remains calm and waits patiently for your return, it’s a clear indicator of its trust that you will come back.
This calm behavior not only shows that it understands your routine but also feels secure and protected in the environment you’ve created for it.
It knows you won’t leave it alone permanently and that every goodbye is temporary. This security is a reflection of the deep bond you’ve formed with it.
10. Wags Its Tail in a Certain Way
Now I want to tell you something you might not know: when your dog wags its tail, it doesn’t always mean it’s just happy. In fact, tail wagging can communicate more than you might think.
Researchers have discovered that the direction in which your dog wags its tail reveals a lot about its internal emotions. It turns out that a rightward tail wag indicates positive emotions and is a clear signal that your dog is happy and secure with you.
This particular gesture, wagging its tail to the right when it sees you, means that it considers you one of its favorite things in the world. This is a way your dog shows its happiness and trust towards you.
So, the next time you come home, pay attention to which side your dog tends to wag its tail. This will let you know that it really loves and trusts you. I’m sure it will wag to the right!
Understanding the signs of trust your dog shows is crucial for building a strong, loving bond with them. Trust is not just about obedience; it’s about mutual respect, security, and affection.
Recognizing these behaviors and responding with love and care will deepen your relationship with your dog.
Remember, trust takes time to build but can be lost quickly, so always nurture this bond with patience and understanding. The stronger the trust, the happier and healthier your dog will be, both emotionally and physically.
