You’ve probably given your dog an ear rub, taken them for a walk, given them treats and rewards, and even curated a playlist specifically for them. But you still may some some impending questions.
Why does my dog lean on me? Is it that they trust me? Why does my dog lick me? Could it be that they are hungry? What does it mean when my dog stares at me? Do they hate me?
To understand this canine-human connection, you need to understand how your dog communicates and correctly interpret their intent.
Main Signs That Your Dog Trusts You
Does your dog trust you? Dogs show trust either through overt gestures or subtle cues. Here are 7 signs your dog trusts you:
Rolling Onto Their Back in Your Presence
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.
Keeping Eye Contact
Dogs’ stares are a sign of affection and trust. They indicate that they are paying attention to you and looking for advice and comfort. Interesting fact! Maintaining eye contact with your dog causes the release of oxytocin.
Sleeping With You in The Room
Does your dog prefer to nap when you're around? Whether your dog sleeps on the bed or in their own comfortable spot, having them share a room with you conveys a powerful sense of security. They can unwind fully because of the assurance and comfort you bring.
Looking Up at the Owner in Uneasy Situation
When your dog is feeling nervous or uncertain, do they come to you for comfort? It is evident when people look up to you for direction and confidence that they trust you. When things go tough, your dog looks to you asking for support and depends on you to be there for them.
Giving Stuff Back
Have you ever played catch with your dog just to have them return the toy to you? This seemingly simple gesture is crucial. Most dogs don't enjoy sharing their toys. Your dog's willingness to release the toy displays trust in you.
Responding When You Call Them
Does your dog run when you call out their name? A quick response to your voice demonstrates an intense connection and trust. It demonstrates that your dog loves your relationship and wants to be near you. If your dog trusts you, they will follow your instructions. They have a strong bond with you and believe you have their best interests at heart.
Wagging Tail a Certain Way
While tail wagging can express a variety of emotions, including happiness, trust, and even despair, a relaxed and rhythmic wag is frequently indicative of trust and contentment, according to PetMD. To comprehend what your dog is communicating, consider the context and accompanying body language. Tail wagging and an enthusiastic temperament are excellent indicators of trust. Some dogs may even develop a tail wag reserved especially for you!
How to Make Your Dog Trust You?
If you are struggling with how to get a dog to like you and earn your dog’s trust, well it's simple. You can improve the relationship by:
Positive reinforcement. According to Zoetis, rewarding your dog's positive behavior with snacks and treats can help them trust you.
Understand your dog's body language. A wagging tail and a calm face indicate that your dog is happy. However, indicators of a sad dog include avoidance of eye contact and a low-lying tail tucked under. Learning these indicators can help you determine whether your dog is unwell, anxious, or fearful.
Quality time. Spending quality time either by playing “fetch” or cuddling can reinforce trust. Zoetis recommends playtime as a trust-building activity. It allows your dog to overcome stress and release some dopamine.
Conclusion
When it comes to your beloved companion, trust is the leash you both share. Recognizing signs that your dog trusts you strengthens your friendship and relationship. Cherish those valuable times together; these are what make your relationship so pawsome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs miss their owners?
Yes, dogs miss their pet parents. They build strong emotional attachments with their human companions and like children, dogs may show signs of distress or separation anxiety if separated with their owners for an extended time.
Does my dog like me?
Very likely, yes! If your dog is wagging their tail, demanding your attention, and expressing excitement when you're present, they do like you.
FAQs
While dogs don't naturally trust all humans, they are capable of developing deep trust in their human owners.
How do you tell if your dog is bonded to you? ›
Signs of a Strong Bond
There's no mistaking a dog who feels a real emotional connection with you. There's a real light in their eyes; they smile, wag, rub into you, and makes great eye contact. When you come home, they brighten up, becomes animated, and may even vocalize their joy.
How long does it take a dog to trust you? ›
Some dogs may warm up to their new owners within a matter of days, while others may take weeks or even several months to fully trust and bond with their new family.
Do dogs trust you if they show their belly? ›
They're in Their Comfort Zone
In the wild, showing one's belly—the most vulnerable part of the body— is not something one does when on edge. So, when dogs expose their bellies to us, they say, “I trust you enough to show you my weakest spot.” Dogs seek out comfort and security.
Do dogs understand when you kiss them? ›
Many dog owners talk to their dogs in a cute or gentle manner when they are kissing them. The dog then learns to associate the kisses with a warmer tone, meaning they might respond accordingly. So while dogs do not understand what kisses really mean, they can eventually learn to realize they are positive messages.
How do I tell if my dog is attached to me? ›
A telltale sign that your dog is emotionally attached to you is if they want to join you for every part of your daily routine. Following you around: An emotionally attached dog will follow their human around the house from the moment they wake up, making sure that they are always within sight.
Does sleeping with your dog help you bond? ›
Dana Varble, the chief veterinary officer for the North American Veterinary Community. “In general, it is a very good thing for animals to sleep with their people.” Pets who share their human's bed tend to have a “higher trust level and a tighter bond with the humans that are in their lives.
Can a dog bond with two owners? ›
Can a dog bond with two owners? Experts agree that dogs can have healthy, strong bonds with multiple humans in the house, and, in fact, this is most common. “Dogs' [attitude is] very much 'love the one you're with,'” Nichols says. “They are often equally happy with any human they are familiar with.”
Do dogs have one favorite person? ›
It's okay when dogs choose a favorite person. In fact, it's natural! As social animals, dogs choose the person or people who give them plenty of love, attention, and positive experiences. Let your dog be a dog and enjoy hanging out with and being in that person's presence, whether it's you or someone else.
What is the 3 3 3 rule for dogs? ›
The 3-3-3 rule is a guideline for transitioning a rescue dog into its new home and helping it to settle in. It suggests that the first three days should be used for adjusting to its new surroundings, the next three weeks for training and bonding, and the first three months for continued socialization and training.
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.
Do dogs get sad when they change owners? ›
Sadness and Feelings of Loneliness
These are normal as the dog is not used to its new environment. Sometimes, it may cry or whine. Also, feelings of reluctance and shyness are not uncommon. A dog with a neglectful previous owner might also find it hard to adjust to you if you give it too much attention.
Should my dog sleep in my bed? ›
So, at the end of the day, it's really a matter of personal preference. “Some people find they feel more protected and comfortable with their dog sleeping in bed, while others may find them distracting,” Ellis concludes. “There's really no right answer — it's whatever best suits your lifestyle.”
Why do dogs lick you? ›
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
Does a dog trust you if they sleep on you? ›
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. "Sleeping with the owner in the same room helps minimize fear, anxiety and stress," said Christman.
Can my dog feel that I love him? ›
Yes, your dog knows how much you love him! Dogs and humans have a very special relationship, where dogs have hijacked the human oxytocin bonding pathway normally reserved for our babies. When you stare at your dog, both your oxytocin levels go up, the same as when you pet them and play with them.
Do dogs like it when you hug them? ›
You might believe your dog adores your hugs. After all, you do it all the time and your dog doesn't complain. But it's far more likely your dog is simply tolerating your behavior. Although the odd dog doesn't seem to mind, most dogs display stress signals when hugged, and their owners are oblivious.
Does my dog think I'm his mom? ›
“When your dog constantly checks on you and pops into rooms, it's a clear indication of the strong attachment they have with you as their parental figure,” Brorsen indicates. “This behavior stems from their instinct to seek guidance, assurance and a sense of security from their trusted caregiver.
How do you show a dog they can trust you? ›
Keep a bit of distance between you and the dog and ignore them until they come to you. Let your dog come to you. When your dog approaches, respond with a calm, happy voice and reward them with a food treat. Notice how your dog takes the treat.
How do you know if a dog is friendly with you? ›
A friendly dog comes up to you ears erect and pointed forward, smiling and looking a bit sheepish while it whips its body side to side its wagging its tail so hard, and when you talk to it it comes up and cuddles against your legs and leans into you.
When your pup snuggles beside you or wants to sleep in your room, it's a sign that they trust you and feel safe. They give you puppy eyes. Holding eye contact is a big move for dogs, and it's reserved for someone they love and trust. In the wild, dead-on eye contact is an aggressive move.
