We all want our beloved pups to feel happy and safe with us. But how do we know if they really do? Today, we’re discussing five signs your dog trusts you, plus ways to show your pooch they can rely on you.
What trust means to dogs
We’re sure you’re eager to find out how to tell if your dog trusts you! But first, it might be interesting to take a closer look at what trust actually means to our furry friends. Humans and canines have had a unique bond for literally thousands of years. Experts estimate that people first began domesticating dogs between 20,000 and 40,000 years ago.(1) And archaeologists have discovered evidence of dogs being buried alongside humans approximately 14,000 years ago.(2) This suggests that people considered pooches to be cherished pets as far back as the Palaeolithic era.
Our shared history means that pups have evolved to trust and rely on humans. In fact, research shows that puppies intuitively trust us in the same way they trust their mums.(3) What does that mean? They look to people for guidance and emotional cues on how to react when facing unknown or scary situations. We can provide them with a sense of safety and security, making them feel more confident and more likely to cooperate with us.
And that’s not all. Many of the signs that your dog trusts you relate to how they believe you will behave towards them. Trust means they have faith that you will care for and protect them. That their interactions with you will result in something positive, whether it’s food, affection, or fun.
While it often seems like our mutts will trust anyone, studies have found that this isn’t the case. For example, if you lie to or deceive your pooch, they’ll learn that you’re unreliable and stop believing you.(4) But before we explore ways to build trust with your pet, let’s discuss how to tell if a dog trusts you.
Five signs that your dog trusts you
Our pups might not be able to tell us whether they trust us in words, but their behaviour and body language often make their feelings clear. Some signs that your dog trusts you are obvious, while others are more subtle. Here are five clues that suggest your pooch has faith in you:
1. They focus on you
An unmistakable indication that you and your pup have a strong bond is they stay close to you. Not in the sense that they’re frightened to leave your side, but in that they enjoy your company. As an example, they might trail you from room to room at home – even to the bathroom! While this can imply boredom or curiosity, it’s also a signal that they love and trust you. Dogs are social animals. Following the people (and other pets) they feel safe and happy with is a natural behaviour that builds those bonds.
Along similar lines, if your pooch greets you excitedly when you return from work, that’s a definite sign they’re pleased to see you! And if they bring you toys, this indicates that they trust you enough to share something valuable with you. Meanwhile, when out on walks, you may notice that your mutt stops every now and again to check that you’re still following them. This could suggest they view you as a trusted part of their pack who they’re making sure hasn’t fallen behind. Similarly, if your pup turns their attention to you when they’re having fun, it shows they want to share that enjoyment with you. And without a doubt, that’s one of the signs your dog trusts you.
2. Their body language exudes trust
If you google ‘how to know if my dog trusts me’, you’ll see a lot of talk about body language. The sorts of postures that indicate comfort and trust are those that are soft, open, and relaxed. For example, gentle eye contact and a circular wagging tail (or helicopter tail!) are good signs your dog trusts you. Conversely, a pooch who doesn’t trust you might exhibit a stiff gait and posture, and move away when you try to stroke them. Interestingly, when you make soft eye contact with your pup, you both experience increased oxytocin levels.(5) This is a hormone that’s linked to feelings of trust and empathy, plus helps humans and canines form social bonds.
One of the most obvious signs your dog trusts you is when they expose their tummy around you. This is a vulnerable position for your pet to be in, so it shows that they feel safe with you. It’s also usually an invitation for belly rubs! Another signal to watch out for is contagious yawning. Research suggests that our pooches are more likely to yawn when someone familiar yawns than when a stranger does.(6) Don’t worry if they don’t yawn along with you though – that doesn’t mean they don’t trust you!
3. They sleep near you
Similar to exposing their tummy, sleeping puts animals in a vulnerable position. Their guard is down, and they’re unable to defend themselves. If you’re wondering how to tell if your dog trusts you, dozing on or near you is a clear indicator. As pack animals, pups feel safe sleeping with their trusted companions close by. Nodding off beside you means they feel secure in your company and consider you to be part of their pack. Although it’s not the case that the closer they snooze, the more they have faith in you. Some pooches enjoy being snuggled up right next to you, while others are happier in their own bed. But if they’re comfortable napping around you in any way, that’s one of the top signs your dog trusts you.
Don’t worry if your fur baby isn’t keen on cuddles though. Some pets find tight hugs restrictive, and the interaction could actually make them feel unsafe. After all, in the wild, this sort of contact is more likely to come from a predator than a friend! Keep an eye on your mutt’s body language when you snuggle them, and give them the freedom to leave if they want to. If they’re relaxed and lean into you, lick you, or rub against you, they’re probably happy to hug!
4. They look to you for support
We mentioned above that for dogs, trusting humans means seeing us as a source of safety and security. Because of this, one of the signs your dog trusts you is that they turn to you for support. This might be in situations that make them nervous or times when they’re faced with something new and possibly frightening. For instance, perhaps your pooch turns or runs to you when they hear a loud noise or meet a stranger. Or maybe they seek guidance and behavioural cues from you when they encounter something they haven’t seen before. Actions such as these suggest that you’re a trusted support system for your mutt.
Again, if your pet doesn’t behave like this, it doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t trust you. Some animals are naturally much braver than others, so might not need your support as often. However, on those rare occasions they do feel nervous, it’s a good sign if they rely on you for reassurance. You may also notice that your mutt changes their behaviour and attitude depending on your reaction to a situation. Pups are more likely to explore an unfamiliar room when they’re with someone they trust than with a stranger. And studies have found that dogs spend more time examining a new object if their owner reacts positively towards it.(7)
5. They’re a good boy or girl
The other aspect of canine trust we talked about is your pooch’s belief that you will always act in their best interests. And you can tell if your dog feels that way by watching how they react during activities they don’t like. For example, do they allow you to clip their claws or brush their teeth without too much fuss? These are both signs your dog trusts you to do those tasks without hurting them. They don’t have to love the activities, just tolerate them and not protest excessively!
The way your pooch responds to training is another good indication of their trust in you. If they are quick to respond when you call their name or issue a command, this shows respect and faith. Likewise, giving you an object when you ask for it suggests they trust you with it (and that you’ll return it). Training rooted in trust rather than fear is also more likely to be successful. Plus, it’s a great way to strengthen your bond with your pup. This is part of the reason why you should always use positive reinforcement, not punishment, with your pet.
Why it matters that your dog trusts you
Having covered how to tell if your dog trusts you, let’s explore why it’s important. A relationship built on trust is beneficial for both you and your furry friend in many ways. It makes it easier for you to train your pooch, plus handle tricky situations such as visits to the vet. And if your mutt trusts you, you won’t have to worry so much about them obeying you around dangers like busy roads.
You should also find that trusting pups are more self-assured and experience fewer behavioural issues like anxiety and aggression. Essentially, if your dog trusts you, they’ll be happier and the two of you will have a stronger bond. And isn’t that exactly what every pet parent wants?
How to build trust with your dog
By now, you should be confident about how to know your dog trusts you. So let’s move on to ways you can create and maintain a trusting relationship with your pooch.
The first thing to think about is making sure your pup associates you with positive feelings. Happily, this is easy to do! By feeding them, offering them treats and affection, and playing together, you show your pet you’re a source of positivity. It’s important that you don’t try to force this though – especially when it comes to cuddles. Just like with other humans, you need to respect your pet’s boundaries.
Another way to develop trust with your dog is to show them they can rely on you. Studies have found that our mutts are able to identify liars and learn not to believe them!(4) So be consistent with feeding times, walkies, and other aspects of your pup’s daily routine. This helps them to feel secure because they know what to expect. Likewise, provide your pooch with a safe and comfortable living space.
And, as we mentioned above, use positive reinforcement when training and disciplining your pet. Never punish them by shouting at or hitting them. This is not only an ineffective way to teach your pup, but it will also break their trust in you.
Gaining the trust of nervous dogs
If your dog is fearful – either naturally or because of past experiences – it may take longer for them to learn that they can rely on you. The best approach is to take it slow. Provide them with a loving home and a predictable routine, ensuring they have a quiet place to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed. And allow them to come to you for affection when they’re ready. In some cases, you might find that a supplement like ashwagandha powder or a pheromone diffuser helps soothe their nerves.(8) Be patient and kind with your pup, and it won’t be long before you spot signs your dog trusts you.
How do I know if my dog trusts me?
Building and maintaining a trusting relationship with your pet is priceless. Key signs your dog trusts you include showing relaxed body language, like making gentle eye contact and exposing their tummy. You should also see them behave in a way that indicates they can rely on you. That could be sleeping near you, turning to you for support in scary situations, or allowing you to brush their teeth without too much protest! Don’t worry if you’re not there yet though. You can earn your pup’s trust by being reliable and providing them with a safe home and positive experiences.
