Have you ever watched your dog flop onto their back with their belly exposed and wondered what’s going through their mind? Or noticed the way they follow you from room to room, even when you’re just grabbing a glass of water? These moments aren’t random. They’re part of a beautiful language your dog speaks to tell you something important: “I feel safe with you.”
Safety isn’t just a luxury for our dogs. It’s fundamental to their wellbeing and the foundation of the bond you share. When a dog feels genuinely secure, their entire demeanor changes, and they develop distinct behaviors that reveal the depth of their trust. Let’s explore the heartwarming ways your furry companion shows you they’ve found their safe haven in you.
That Vulnerable Belly Display
The belly is one of the most vulnerable parts of a dog’s body, so when a dog rolls onto their back in your presence, they’re showing profound trust. Think about it from a survival standpoint. In the wild, exposing the underbelly could be fatal.
An attack on the underbelly can be fatal in the wild, and so dogs only rolling onto their backs in your presence is their way of telling you they trust you. This isn’t just about wanting a belly rub, though that’s often part of it. It’s your dog making themselves completely defenseless because they know, without a doubt, that you would never harm them.
When your pup rolls over with a gently wagging tail and relaxed expression, they’re essentially saying they feel so comfortable that they’re willing to be at their most vulnerable. When dogs roll onto their backs, they often do so in the hope of a loving belly rub, which can be incredibly soothing and relaxing for dogs. These moments strengthen your connection even more.
Deep Sleep in Your Presence
Sleep is another incredibly vulnerable state for dogs. Historically, wolves and dogs used to sleep close together with other pack members to ensure trust and protection. When your dog chooses to sleep near you or in your room, they’re telling you something profound about how safe they feel.
Those adorable paw twitches or quiet yips are signs they’re in REM sleep, which means they feel secure enough to fully relax. Dogs won’t enter deep, restorative sleep cycles unless they truly believe their environment is safe. Dogs won’t fully switch off around someone they don’t trust, so if your dog is flopped on the floor, snoozing peacefully, it’s a clear sign that they trust you and feel secure in your company.
Some dogs take this even further by climbing into bed with you or curling up on your feet. A dog’s number one priority at bedtime is comfort and security, so if they’re choosing to sleep in the same space as you, it’s a big sign that they trust you.
The Soft, Lingering Gaze
Eye contact between species can be tricky business. In many animal contexts, direct staring signals aggression or challenge. Yet if your pup looks at you lovingly for longer than a few seconds, it’s likely that they are experiencing a release of oxytocin in the brain that is responsible for relationship-building and feelings of safety and trust.
When dogs and their owners stared into each other’s eyes during a 30-minute period, both of their oxytocin levels increased. Oxytocin is also known as the love hormone and the cuddle hormone. This chemical response creates a feedback loop of bonding between you and your dog, similar to what happens between parents and infants.
When your dog maintains relaxed eye contact with soft, squinty eyes rather than a hard stare, they’re communicating trust and affection. Eye contact in the animal world often signifies trust or acceptance. If your dog actively makes eye contact with you, it means they feel safe in your presence. It’s one of the most touching ways they say “I love you” without words.
Following You Like a Furry Shadow
Ever feel like you have a canine shadow that trails behind you everywhere, even to the bathroom? Some dogs may follow you from room to room like a little shadow because they feel secure and connected to you. While this can sometimes indicate separation anxiety, in most cases it’s a beautiful expression of attachment and trust.
Not only do dogs avoid people who have personally made them uncomfortable, but studies show that they also seek distance from people who have behaved negatively around their owner. On the flip side, dogs who do feel a strong connection with a human will seek proximity. Your dog wants to be near you because your presence makes them feel good and safe.
This behavior shows they view you as their anchor in the world. If your dog sticks to you like glue with a cheerful attitude, you can consider it a strong affiliative behavior. They’re not monitoring you out of worry but staying close because they genuinely enjoy your company and feel most comfortable when you’re nearby.
Relaxed, Loose Body Language
When a dog feels safe and content, their body appears loose and relaxed. Look for signs such as a wagging tail, a slightly open mouth (almost like a smile), or a soft gaze. This overall physical ease is like reading an open book of your dog’s emotional state.
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. Compare this to a tense, worried dog whose muscles are tight and movements are stiff. The difference is striking.
The signs that indicate a dog is relaxed include a soft, squinty gaze with the pupil not dilated, mouth and lips relaxed or slightly open, with the corners of their lips turned upward into a smile. When you see this soft, open expression on your dog’s face, you know they’re in their happy place. Everything about their posture broadcasts contentment and security in your presence.
Seeking You Out When Scared
Here’s the thing about true safety: it’s tested in moments of fear. The best way to know if your dog feels safe and comfortable around you is if they rely on you to provide safety and comfort. When startled or upset, do they look to you and move toward you, or do they retreat and seek distance?
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 or something catches them off guard, if you’re the person they turn to, your dog knows they can trust in you.
While dogs are naturally alert to potential threats, your calm presence reassures them that everything is alright. You are their safe base when they feel unsure. Think of yourself as your dog’s emotional anchor during storms, fireworks, or encounters with unfamiliar situations. If they run to you rather than away from you, that’s trust in its purest form.
Responding Eagerly to Your Voice and Cues
Dogs who see you as their hero are attentive to your cues and guidance. They respond to a gentle voice, a hand gesture, or even a shift in your posture. This shows they feel safe being guided by you. It’s not about perfect obedience; it’s about your dog wanting to engage with you.
Does your dog respond positively when you call them? Are they quick to look at you and listen when you talk to them? This is a sign that your dog is engaged with you and trusts that when you call, good things happen. Dogs who feel unsafe or distrustful tend to ignore their person’s voice or show reluctance to approach.
When your dog checks in with you during walks, looks to you for permission before exploring something new, or follows your lead even in distracting environments, they’re demonstrating they view you as a reliable guide. Does your dog frequently pause to check in with you? If so, you have a strong bond. This mutual communication forms the backbone of your relationship.
Bringing You Their Treasures
It might seem odd when your dog presents you with their favorite squeaky toy, a stick from the yard, or (let’s be honest) sometimes a dirty sock. Dogs are natural gatherers, and when your pup trusts you, they may bring you presents to show their affection. This behavior is rooted in their instinct to share resources with trusted pack members.
If your dog steals an item of clothing or another object with your scent, it’s a sign that they like having you around. It is truly a very sweet term of endearment. While it can be frustrating to find your belongings scattered around, your dog is actually complimenting you in their own way.
When they drop a toy at your feet or nudge your hand with their favorite ball, they’re inviting you into their world. They want to play with you, share joy with you, and include you in activities that make them happy. This invitation to play and share is a clear indicator they feel emotionally safe and connected to you.
Allowing You to Handle Them for Care
Allowing us to perform grooming and care tasks without a fuss is a clear indicator that your pup trusts you. Most of the handling required for care is awkward if not a little uncomfortable for dogs, so a dog who goes with the flow during unpleasant procedures shows how much they trust you.
Think about nail trims, ear cleaning, administering medication, or even vet visits. These aren’t fun experiences for most dogs, yet when they trust you, they tolerate these necessary procedures with remarkable patience. If your dog deeply trusts you, chances are they see you as that friend who can talk them into doing things they’d rather not do, like going to the vet, trimming their nails, getting into the bathtub, and taking their flea medication.
This willingness to be vulnerable during uncomfortable situations speaks volumes. Your dog understands that even when something isn’t pleasant, you have their best interests at heart. They’ve learned that you won’t hurt them and that their discomfort will be temporary. That level of trust takes time to build and is precious once established.
Conclusion: The Language of Safety
The behaviors we’ve explored are more than just cute quirks or endearing habits. They’re your dog’s way of communicating something fundamental: “With you, I can let my guard down. With you, I am safe.” Every belly offered for rubbing, every deep sleep in your presence, every soft gaze speaks volumes about the trust you’ve earned.
Building this kind of relationship doesn’t happen overnight. It requires consistency, patience, understanding, and genuine respect for your dog as a unique individual with their own feelings and needs. When you notice these nine behaviors in your furry companion, take a moment to appreciate the profound bond you’ve created together.
Remember that trust is something that must be nurtured continuously. Keep showing up for your dog, respecting their boundaries, and being their advocate in all situations. The reward? A relationship built on mutual love, respect, and an unshakeable sense of safety that enriches both your lives immeasurably.
What behaviors does your dog show when they feel safe with you? Have you noticed any of these signs in your own furry friend?
Gargi from India has a Masters in History, and a Bachelor of Education. An animal lover, she is keen on crafting stories and creating content while pursuing a career in education.
