How To Tell If Your Dog Trusts You [10 Tips]
Are you wondering if your furry friend trusts you?
As a dog owner, it’s essential to know that your pup feels safe and secure with you. But how can you tell if your dog trusts you?
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the signs that indicate your dog loves and respects you.
From body language to behavior, we’ll help you understand what your dog is trying to tell you.
How To Tell If Your Dog Trusts You
There are a number of behaviors and body language cues that suggest a dog trusts you, including:
1. Your dog shows vulnerability around you
Dogs are sensitive creatures that only feel safe displaying this side to people they trust.
Your dog trusts you and feels safe in your presence if it displays symptoms of weakness, such as trembling or hiding and seeks comfort from you.
This behavior shows that your dog looks to you for comfort and security.
2. Your dog leans on you
A dog leans toward its owner as a display of love and trust.
Your dog may lean toward you if it feels secure and at ease around you and wants to be near you.
Some dogs may also lean their heads against your leg or breast to calm themselves or express affection.
3. Your dog lets you handle its food and toys
Dogs can be aggressively territorial and guard their food and toys.
It’s a sign of trust and respect when your dog lets you handle its belongings without growling or acting aggressively.
This conduct shows that your dog has faith in you to uphold its boundaries and property.
4. Your dog shows excitement when you return
Your dog’s reaction when you return home after being away might tell you a lot about how much it loves and trusts you.
The obvious indication of trust and love in a dog is when it wags its tail, jumps up to greet you, and displays eagerness.
5. Your dog responds to your commands
A dog will follow instructions and react to cues when it trusts its owner.
This behavior shows that your dog regards you as its leader and relies on you to give it instructions and guidance.
If your dog responds well to orders like “sit,” “stay,” or “come,” you and your furry buddy have a close bond.
6. Your dog is playful with you
Playfulness is a sign that your dog enjoys being with you and trusts you.
Dogs may bring you toys, start fetch or tug-of-war matches, or nip at your hands or feet in jest.
All of these behaviors show that your dog finds satisfaction and fun in you.
7. Your dog is relaxed around you
A happy dog is a relaxed dog. An indication that your dog trusts you and feels secure in your presence is when they are relaxed and content around you.
Lying down, turning onto its back, or panting while sticking out its tongue are examples of relaxed actions.
8. Your dog follows you around
Because they are pack animals, dogs have a natural tendency to follow the pack leader.
Your dog trusts you and regards you as its leader if it follows you around the house.
In order to stay close to you, your dog might also follow you into the kitchen, bathroom, or other rooms of the house.
9. Your dog maintains eye contact
Making eye contact is an essential component of dog-human communication.
Your dog is clearly content and trusts you if it looks right into your eyes and wags its tail.
Oxytocin, a hormone that fosters bonding and feelings of trust and affection, is also released when you and your dog make eye contact.
10. Your dog seeks physical contact
Dogs like physical contact with their owners since they are sociable creatures.
A dog will seek out a physical touch when it trusts you, such as cuddling up to you on the couch or sleeping down next to you.
Dogs may also lick your hands or face, give you a nose poke, or put their heads on your lap.
These behaviors show that your dog is confident in you and at ease with you.
Learn more about how to make your dog feel safe.
How to make your dog trust you
Although it takes time and works to develop trust with your dog, there are a number of things you can do to promote a close relationship.
Here are some tips:
- Be patient and consistent: Building trust with your dog takes time and patience. Be consistent in your interactions, and avoid punishing or scolding your dog.
- Provide a safe and comfortable environment: Your dog needs a safe and comfortable space to call their own. Make sure they have a comfortable bed, plenty of fresh water, and access to toys and treats.
- Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog for good behavior with treats, praise, and affection. This will help reinforce positive behavior and build trust and confidence.
- Spend time with your dog: Spending time with your dog is essential for building trust and strengthening your bond. Play with your dog, take them for walks, and engage in other activities that they enjoy.
- Pay attention to body language: Learn to read your dog’s body language to better understand their behavior and feelings. This will help you respond appropriately and build trust.
Keep in mind that earning your dog’s trust takes time. Your relationship with your four-legged friend will deepen over time if you are persistent, patient, and upbeat.
Learn more about how to make your dog like you.
Things that make your dog distrust you
There are several things that can make your dog dislike or even hate you.
Here are some common behaviors that dogs may find unpleasant or uncomfortable:
- Yelling or shouting: Dogs can be sensitive to loud noises, including shouting, so raising your voice or yelling at your dog can make them feel scared or anxious.
- Ignoring your dog: Dogs thrive on attention and affection, so failing to give them enough attention, playtime, or affection can make them feel neglected or unimportant.
- Not respecting their personal space: Dogs need space to feel comfortable and safe, so getting in their face or ignoring their signals to back off can make them feel threatened or scared.
- Inconsistent or harsh discipline: Dogs respond well to positive reinforcement, but harsh or inconsistent discipline can make them feel confused, anxious, or even afraid.
- Not providing enough exercise or mental stimulation: Dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Failing to provide enough of either can lead to boredom and frustration.
Remember that dogs are social animals that crave attention and affection.
Treat your dog with respect, patience, and love, and they will likely respond with loyalty, affection, and trust in return.
Learn more about how to make your dog happy.
Conclusion
Developing trust with your dog is an essential part of your connection, to sum up.
You can determine whether or not someone trusts you by observing their behavior and body language.
To develop a closer bond with them, keep in mind to give them room when needed, approach them quietly from the side, and go on walks with them.
By ensuring they receive the attention they deserve throughout their lives, you can uphold their trust and show them that you appreciate them.
Your relationship with your dog can be deep and enduring if you socialize with them and respect their boundaries.
