We often talk about our dogs giving us unconditional love, but building a bond and real trust with your pup takes some time.
Earning a dog’s complete trust isn’t as simple as giving out a few treats and belly rubs, especially if your pooch has had some negative experience with humans in the past.
In this video, you’ll learn 10 signs that shows your dog really trusts you and shares a strong bond with you.
Handing you their toy as a ‘present’
One of the cutest things that dogs do when they trust you is give you toys, bones, or any random thing as a gift.
You may have no interest in your pup's tattered tennis ball, but their willingness to share it with you is a sign of true affection.
This is because most dogs are possessive of their belongings. When your dog offers to share something with you, like a toy or bone, they’re signaling that they feel fully comfortable with you.
Plus, studies have shown that dogs are more likely to share food with other fourlegged friends rather than with strangers.
They sleep in your room
Typically, dogs sleep in a place where they feel comfortable. So sleeping in their owner’s room is certainly an indication of comfort. Wolves and wild dogs purposefully sleep in small, confined areas with pack members they trust to protect against predators.
Our dogs think that we are in their pack, and feel like they can count on us to protect them in the face of a danger.
So, if your dogs want to sleep with you, it means they see you as a trusted fellow pack member.
Their eyes say it all
If you and your dog can gaze lovingly into each other’s eyes, it’s a sign your dog trusts you and understands you.
Plus, scientists have shown that dogs develop strong emotional bonds with humans by staring into our eyes.
They Listen
Some people think training a dog is all about the dog, but it’s actually about the bond shared on both ends of the leash. If a dog doesn’t trust their owner, they are less likely to respond well to training.
Your dog doesn’t panic when you leave home
Dogs who freak out when they are left alone, may fear they are left alone forever, that their human is never coming back. This can manifest in your dog crying, whining, scratching at the door and misbehaving. Sometimes this means they want to join in on the fun they’re missing out on, but it could also mean they’re not completely confident that the people they love are coming back.
If your dog fully trusts you, they won’t doubt that you’ll eventually be back for belly rubs and playtime. They will wait patiently for you to finish up whatever business you have to do, and they will be at the door ready to greet you when you get home.
They are Confident and Relaxed Around You
Dogs that trust their owner will display a confident and relaxed body posture. They keep their mouths slightly open, blink their eyes often, and their tails are either wagging or perky and loose. This type of body language indicates your dog is confident around you and isn’t worried or scared. Your doggo trusts you to keep things under control and protect them if needed.
They follow your lead
The results of a 2013 study showed that dogs that have a strong bond with their owners behave similarly to that of human children with their parents. Dogs will look to their owners when they’re uncertain. They get distressed when they are put in an unfamiliar situation
Likewise, bonded dogs tend to have a strong recall response. They will make sure their human is close by in new, unfamiliar situations, and they are far less likely to run away.
They put their paw on you
If your dog puts his paw on you, it can be his way of saying “I love you.” We pet our pups to show our love and affection. By putting his paw on you whilst you are stroking him, he is further extending contact and reciprocating affection back
They check on you.
Watching TV, cooking, bathroom visits — your canine is there through it all — or at least they try to be. They’re not following you around the house because they think you may disappear, they do it because they love you and want to keep you safe. Checking up on you is just one way your dog shows affection.
They show you their belly
A dog’s belly is the most vulnerable part of their body. It’s instinctual for dogs to protect their vital organs. When they roll onto their backs or sleep on their side, they’re doing the exact opposite. Your dog showing you their belly is a sure sign they feel safe when you’re around. They are not worried that you’ll sink your jaws into their exposed abdomen, and they’re fairly confident you’ll protect them if something jumps out suddenly to attack them.