Picture this: you’re having a rough day, and suddenly, your furry companion comes over and gently rests their head on your lap. Without saying a word, they seem to understand exactly what you need. That moment? It’s pure trust in action. Dogs have been our faithful companions for thousands of years, developing an incredible ability to read our emotions and share their deepest feelings with us. But how do we know when our four-legged friends truly trust us with their whole hearts? The signs are everywhere, once you know what to look for.
They Sleep Peacefully Next to You
Dogs are most vulnerable when asleep, so choosing to sleep near you or in your presence is a significant indicator of trust. It means they feel entirely secure with you guarding them, allowing them to relax fully. This behavior shows they see you as a protector and a source of comfort. Think about it from their perspective – in the wild, sleeping meant being defenseless against predators.
Dogs sleep in a place that they are comfortable, so sleeping in an owner’s room could certainly be an indication of comfort. It doesn’t matter if your pup chooses to curl up on the bed or floor – they’re both signs your dog trusts you. Whether they sprawl out beside you or curl up at the foot of your bed, they’re saying “I feel safe here with you.”
They Make Deep, Loving Eye Contact
Many scientific studies have found that one way oxytocin (the ‘love hormone’) is released in dogs is through deep and meaningful eye contact. For this reason, eye contact is one of the most telling signs your dog trusts you. When your dog gazes into your eyes, it’s not just cute – it’s chemistry in action.
Dogs’ stares are a sign of affection and trust. They indicate that they are paying attention to you and looking for advice and comfort. Those long, adoring looks aren’t coincidental. Your dog is actively choosing to connect with you on an emotional level, something they wouldn’t do with someone they didn’t completely trust.
They Expose Their Belly to You
One of the most vulnerable parts of a dog’s body is the belly. So, when a dog feels comfortable enough to roll onto their back in your presence, it’s more than likely they trust you enough to voluntarily roll into this exposing position.
Dogs are at their most vulnerable when they are rolled on their back. If your pup is rolling on their back with their belly exposed, it isn’t just an exercise, it actually signals their profound level of trust in you. If you are wondering why dogs don’t like to show their bellies to just anyone, it is because an attack on the underbelly can be fatal in the wild. And so, naturally, the dogs only rolling onto their backs in your presence is their way of telling you they trust you.
They Look to You for Guidance in New Situations
When your dog is afraid, caught by surprise or unsure, do they look to you for guidance? This is a sign that you’re a safe person that your dog trusts to look after them, especially when they don’t feel confident. When a loud noise surprises them, a dog they’re unsure about comes near or something catches them off guard – if you’re the person they turn to, your dog knows they can trust in you.
When a dog finds itself in an unfamiliar situation, it’s likely that it will look up at its owner for comfort and trust that they are there to provide moral support. This is particularly evident in new environments – remember that dogs look to humans to learn about their surroundings, so if a dog sticks near and looks to you for reassurance, as well as following your lead, you can rest assured they feel trust in your presence.
They Have a Relaxed, Happy Body Language Around You
A dog’s body language can tell much about their feelings towards you. A relaxed posture, open mouth, and wagging tail in your presence are all indicators of trust. These signs show your dog is at ease around you, fully confident in your care and companionship, with no fear or apprehension.
Your trusting dog will present with body language that shows their comfort level with you. You’ll likely see a relaxed face, soft eyes, and a wag that wiggles the entire hind end. When your dog’s whole body seems to smile at the sight of you, that’s trust speaking volumes.
They Allow You to Handle Their Paws and Face
We all have to tolerate or do things we don’t like sometimes, that’s just real life sadly! If your dog doesn’t particularly like having their nails trimmed, ear drops administered or having their eyes cleaned for example, but they allow you to do it without losing the plot… this is trust in action!
Most dogs are naturally protective of their extremities – their paws, ears, and face are sensitive areas they’d rather keep to themselves. But a trusting dog will let you examine their paws, clean their ears, or even brush their teeth. They might not love it, but they trust that you’re not going to hurt them.
They Bring You Their Favorite Toys
When your dog brings you their cherished item, like a favourite toy, they’re demonstrating that they value your presence and want to share something special. This shows they feel comfortable and emotionally open with you. It’s like a child showing you their most prized possession – they’re sharing something important.
Think about it: your dog could play with that squeaky ball alone, but instead, they drop it at your feet. They’re saying “I want to include you in my fun” and “this thing I love, I want to share with you.” That’s a beautiful display of trust and affection.
They Stay Close to You During Walks
Ever notice your dog naturally stays close to you on a walk, even when off the leash? This suggests they consider you their safe point in the world and choose to remain near you out of trust and affection. Some dogs might wander and explore, but they’ll keep checking back with you.
If you’re the person your dog chooses to be around, that’s a pretty strong sign that they trust you and enjoy being with you. Even if your recall isn’t perfect and your dog’s focus isn’t 100% on you, if your dog chooses to check in with you and orients towards you even in the presence of others, they trust you.
They Greet You Enthusiastically When You Return
Whether you step away for five minutes or five hours, your dog’s enthusiastic greeting when you return is a tell-tale sign of their love and trust. That wiggling, jumping, tail-wagging welcome isn’t just excitement – it’s relief and joy that their trusted person has come back.
Have you ever noticed how your dog acts like you’ve been gone for years, even if you just took the trash out? That over-the-top greeting is their way of saying “I missed you and I’m so happy you’re back safely.” It’s trust mixed with pure, unconditional love.
They Steal Your Clothes or Personal Items
It may seem like weird canine behavior when your pup takes your scarf or favorite pair of shoes, but it’s one of the clear signs your dog trusts you. While this behavior may not solely be based on trust (your dog may just know you pay attention to him when he swipes your stuff), animal behaviorist Jessica Lockhart says your pooch could be comforted by having that connection to you, especially while you’re away. What better connection than something that smells just like you?
Sure, it’s annoying when you find your favorite socks under their bed, but try to see it as a compliment. Your dog finds comfort in your scent, and when you’re not around, having something that smells like you helps them feel secure.
They Show Their Playful Side Around You
A truly trusting dog will let their guard down and be silly around you. They’ll do play bows, bring you toys, or even engage in that adorable “zoomies” behavior where they run around like crazy. If they want to play, they might lower the front half of their body while raising their bottom in the air – this is called a ‘play bow’. Sometimes this might be accompanied by a playful bark or growl that sounds high-pitched and full of excitement!
When dogs feel safe and trusted, they let their personalities shine. They might roll around, be goofy, or show you their favorite tricks. This playful behavior is them saying “I feel comfortable enough around you to just be myself.”
They Follow Your Lead During Training
A big part of ensuring successful training is when there is mutual trust between an owner and their dog. When dogs receive positive reinforcement, trust is enhanced, and a dog is far more likely to respect their owner’s guidance. Training isn’t just about commands – it’s about communication and respect.
A trusting dog will work with you during training sessions, even when they’re confused or frustrated. They might not understand what you’re asking immediately, but they trust that you’re not trying to trick them or harm them. They keep trying because they trust that you’ll help them succeed.
Conclusion
Trust between you and your dog isn’t built overnight – it’s cultivated through countless small moments of understanding, patience, and love. This trust does not develop overnight but is cultivated through consistent, positive interactions and mutual respect. Every time you respond to your dog’s needs with kindness, every moment you show them they’re safe with you, you’re making deposits into that trust account.
The beautiful thing about dogs is their incredible capacity to love and trust unconditionally. They don’t hold grudges, they forgive quickly, and they’re always ready to give their whole hearts to the humans who treat them well. When you recognize these signs of trust in your own furry companion, take a moment to appreciate the incredible bond you’ve built together. After all, isn’t it amazing that these wonderful creatures choose to share their lives with us so completely? What other relationship in your life offers such pure, unwavering devotion?
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
