Building a bond of trust with your canine companion is one of the most rewarding aspects of dog ownership. It can take time and patience, but the signs that your dog trusts you are clear if you know what to look for. As a caregiver, your role is to ensure that your dog feels safe and secure. Here are eight signs that your dog trusts you.
1. Your Dog Shows You Their Belly
When a dog exposes its belly to you, it’s a sure sign of trust. This is because the belly is a vulnerable area. By showing you their belly, your dog is communicating that they feel safe and secure in your presence.
| Dog Body Language | Trust Level |
|---|---|
| Exposing Belly | High |
| Tail Wagging | Medium |
| Relaxed Ears | Low |
2. Your Dog Maintains Eye Contact
Your dog maintaining eye contact with you is another sign of trust. Dogs are very much like humans in this regard – sustained eye contact is a sign of respect and attention. It shows that your dog is interested in what you’re doing and is comfortable with your presence.
3. Your Dog Sleeps Near You
If your dog chooses to sleep near you, it’s a strong sign of trust. By choosing to sleep near you, your dog is showing that they feel safe and secure. This is especially true if your dog is a rescue or has had a difficult past.
4. Your Dog Follows You Around
Does your dog follow you around the house? This is a clear sign that your dog trusts you. Dogs are pack animals, and they naturally want to be near their pack leader. If your dog follows you around, it means they see you as their leader and trust you to keep them safe.
5. Your Dog Comes to You When Scared
When frightened or anxious, a dog will naturally seek out the person they trust the most for comfort. If your dog comes to you when scared, it’s a strong sign that they trust you and rely on you for reassurance.
6. Your Dog Responds to Your Voice
Your dog responding to your voice, especially when you call their name, is a sign of trust. This shows that your dog recognizes you as their caregiver and looks to you for guidance and reassurance.
7. Your Dog Lets You Touch Their Food
If your dog allows you to touch their food while they’re eating, it’s a clear sign of trust. This behavior shows that your dog doesn’t feel the need to guard their resources from you, which is a strong indicator of trust.
8. Your Dog Relaxes Around You
A relaxed dog is a trusting dog. If your dog seems at ease around you, with a loose body and relaxed tail, it’s a good sign that they trust you.
FAQ
Q: How can I build trust with my dog?
A: Building trust with your dog involves consistent, positive interactions. Regular feeding, gentle touch, playtime, and training can all help build trust.
Q: How long does it take for a dog to trust a person?
A: The length of time it takes for a dog to trust a person can vary greatly. It depends on the dog’s past experiences, their personality, and the consistency of the person’s behavior.
Q: What if my dog doesn’t show these signs?
A: Not all dogs show trust in the same way. It’s important to pay attention to your dog’s unique body language and behavior.
Q: Does my dog trust me if they follow me around?
A: Generally, a dog following you around is a sign of trust. However, it can also be a sign of separation anxiety. Be sure to consider the context and your dog’s overall behavior.
Remember, every dog is an individual and may show their trust in different ways. The key is to remain patient, consistent, and loving in your interactions with your dog. This will help build a strong bond of trust that will benefit both you and your dog in the long run.
