Dogs don’t just stay close to you – they trust you with their whole hearts.
A strong bond between you and your companion is built on mutual trust. While dogs cannot tell you if they rely on you, they show it with their behaviour.
Curious if your pup fully trusts you? Take a look at these 13 signs to find out.
1. Sleeping Near You
There’s no time dogs are more vulnerable than when they’re asleep. When fully relaxed, they can’t sense danger or protect themselves.
When your dog sleeps tightly around you, it shows it can fully trust you and knows it can rely on you.
Almost as if you were its personal bodyguard!
2. Easy Grooming
Grooming isn’t usually a dog’s favorite activity. But you both know that it has to be done.
If your companion lets you groom it without making a fuss, this means it actually enjoys this time of bonding.
A calm and relaxed dog shows that it trusts you to take care of it.
3. Relaxed Eating
No matter how used to humans, dogs are still animals which rely on their instincts. When it comes to food, not many can remain calm and relaxed.
A dog’s trust is clear in the way it eats its food. If it enjoys the meal without worrying about its surroundings, it shows just how comfortable it is around you.
4. Belly Rubs
A dog’s belly is actually a very sensitive area, which isn’t often exposed. But when it comes to belly rubs, it’s hard for it to resist!
It takes a certain amount of trust for a dog to roll on its back and ask for belly rubs. This indicates just how trustful your pup is by exposing its vulnerable side to you.
5. Follows You Around
Have you noticed that your dog loves to follow you around?
No matter where you go, or what to do, your dog is next to you.
This not only shows trust, but also that it truly enjoys your company. What did we do to earn such devoted and loving companions?
6. Lets You Pick It Up
Not all dogs enjoy being picked up, but when it comes to someone they trust, they will let them do it without refusing.
Dogs that don’t react know they are in safe hands and that there’s no reason to be stressed.
Unless you forget their favorite treat afterwards!
7. Follows Your Lead
Daily walks are an essential part of a dog’s life. Many owners experience their dogs pulling the leash and misbehaving.
If you notice your companion walking calmly next to you, this shows that it trusts your guidance.
When a dog follows your lead, it’s confident you’ll keep it safe and lead it in the right direction, secretly hoping it’s the park!
8. Tail Wagging
While tail wagging is a common sign of excitement, it can actually indicate different emotions.
Fast wagging means excitement and joy, while a more light wag may indicate trust and relaxation.
Reading your dogs’ body language can help you understand its emotions.
9. Sharing Toys
Dogs aren’t stingy creatures, but sharing their toys is a privilege not many get to experience.
If a dog brings you its favorite plushie, it’s showing trust by offering something it values.
Be warned! Don’t dare to keep it for too long!
10. Being Playful
It’s in dogs’ nature to be cautious and on guard. They start being playful when they trust you enough to relax, without having to worry about potential danger.
This shows that the dog relies on you, and enjoys the comfortable environment you created.
Even if it means getting carried away and chasing some squirrels!
11. Being Calm When Alone
Many dogs experience stress and anxiety while being separated from their owners.
A dog who trusts that you will return, knows it has no reason to worry. This shows it feels secure in your routines and can relax while being alone.
12. Touching Their Paws
A particularly sensitive spot on their body are their paws. They are dogs’ most necessary assets for moving around and feeling the ground underneath.
Dog owners sometimes need to touch their paws in order to groom or trim their nails.
Although it may not be comfortable, a dog that lets you take care of its paws fully trusts you.
13. Relaxed Ears
A very important part of them keeping everyone safe is their hearing. Dogs rely on listening to their surroundings, always being ready for any potential dangers.
If a dog feels safe, it will relax its ears. This way it focuses on enjoying the time with you rather than just on guarding you.