Signs your dog really trusts you

The bond between a dog and their person is nothing to underestimate. It’s based on mutual love, appreciation, and most of all, trust.

Your dogs can’t communicate using words to let you know how much they care about you, but they have a way of showing you their love and trust by displaying a few signs.

In this video, you’ll learn 11 signs that shows your dog really trusts you.

#11. Watching out for you
Whether you’re out on a walk or playing at the park, you and your pooch are a team.
You can tell your dog trusts you if they regularly check in to see what you’re doing. If they are walking on or off a leash, they might glance back in your direction to make sure you’re still there and approve of their behavior. If you’re at the dog park and your pup is busy playing with his four-legged friends, they’ll probably stop every now and then to scamper back to where you’re standing. Your dogs get their confidence from you, and they’re happy to keep you involved even if it’s in a small way.
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.

#10. They don’t panic when you leave
It is important to remember that love doesn’t always equate to trust. Dogs are incredibly loving animals and it won’t take them very long to love their owners. They will wag their tail when you are around, jump up out of excitement, and play with you all day long. But do they trust you? If your dog panics whenever you are out of sight, then odds are they don’t fully trust you yet.

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 might not be happy about you leaving for work every day, but for the most part, they will remain calm. They will wait patiently for you to finish up whatever mysterious human business you have to do, and they will be at the door ready to greet you when you get home.


#10. Eye contact
Dogs can’t talk with humans in a verbal fashion so they use many non-verbal ways of communicating.

One of the ways in which dogs show their love is gazing directly into your eyes.
According to a research published in the journal of Science, dogs develop strong emotional bonds with humans by staring into our eyes.
This non-verbal way of communication increases level of love hormone called oxytocin in both dogs and their owners. It’s the same hormone that creates attachments between couples.

Animal behaviorists believe that a dog’s ability to look into a human’s eyes in a non-aggressive way was one of the first steps toward canine domestication. They somehow learned that humans like eye contact, and by looking into a person’s eyes, they establish a meaningful relationship. If you and your dog can gaze lovingly into each other’s eyes, it’s a sign your dog trusts you and loves you.
Dogs also gaze into your eyes to show their devotion and anticipate your next move. In order to be by your side when you make it.


#8. They steal your shoes
You have probably noticed that your dog carries your laundry or shoes around the house.
Before getting upset, take a step back and understand why they do this.
Dogs see the world mainly through scent. So when they love you, they love your scent. And to hang on to that smell, they may steal your clothes. Your canine wants every piece of you as they can get, and playing with your items reminds them of you!
So next time you find your socks under the couch, know that your pooch is expressing their affection to you.

#7. They respond to your command
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. Some trainers may get results from fear-based lessons and punishment, but animal behaviorists agree that this kind of “Obedience” isn’t the same as a dog responding to cues based on trust and respect.
In fact, many people who bring home newly adopted rescue dogs struggle with training because of trust. Many rescue dogs have seen the worst of humanity through abuse, punishment, and abandonment, and trusting their new families doesn’t come naturally. While training right away is important, it may take a rescue dog a few months to realize their new family is permanent.