Understanding your dog’s behavior can sometimes feel like deciphering a complex puzzle.
Trust between you and your canine companion isn’t always expressed with a wagging tail or a lick on the face.
Sometimes, it’s the subtle signals and surprising behaviors that truly show your dog trusts you, even if it doesn’t seem like it on the surface.
In this article, we’ll uncover nine unexpected signs that your furry friend trusts you more than you might think.
1) Eye contact
In the world of dogs, trust isn’t always measured in tail wags or playful jumps.
Sometimes, it’s found in the silent moments where your dog locks eyes with you.
Eye contact, in dog language, is a powerful sign of trust.
Dogs naturally avoid direct eye contact as it can be perceived as threatening among their kind.
So, when your furry friend maintains relaxed and prolonged eye contact with you, it’s their way of saying, “I trust you.”
But remember, this doesn’t apply to all situations.
If your dog is showing signs of stress or discomfort along with continuous eye contact, it might mean something else entirely.
2) Leaning on you
This one took me by surprise, but it’s a heartwarming sign of trust from our canine companions.
There was this one time when I was sitting on my porch, engrossed in a book.
My furry buddy, Max, came over and just leaned into me.
At first, I thought he was being his usual clingy self.
But as he stayed there, calmly resting against me, I realized it was more than just seeking attention.
Turns out, dogs leaning on their humans is a sign of trust and affection.
It’s their way of saying, “I feel safe with you.”
They are literally putting their weight on you, trusting that you will support them.
So if your dog does this to you, it’s a surefire sign they trust you implicitly.
Trust me, nothing beats the feeling of your dog leaning on you out of trust and love.
3) Showing their belly
When dogs expose their belly, they’re displaying a high level of trust and submission towards you.
It’s their most vulnerable area and by showing it, they’re essentially saying, “I trust you with my life.”
In the wild, wolves and wild dogs will never show their bellies to other canines they don’t trust.
It’s a submissive position that leaves them open to attack.
So when your domesticated pet does this, it’s a throwback to their wild ancestry and a clear sign of their trust in you.
If your dog frequently rolls over and grants you access to their belly, they’re not just looking for a belly rub.
They’re demonstrating their absolute trust in you.
4) Following you around
Have you ever noticed your dog following you from room to room?
It might seem like they’re just being nosy, but there’s more to it than meets the eye.
Dogs are pack animals, and in the wild, they follow their leader everywhere.
So when your dog follows you around the house, they’re not just looking for extra treats or attention.
They’re treating you as their leader and showing that they trust your guidance.
This behavior is based in trust and respect, not fear.
If your dog seems anxious or fearful when you leave their sight, it could be a sign of separation anxiety or other issues.
But if they simply seem content to be near you, quietly keeping you company as you move about, it’s a sure sign of trust.
5) Bringing you their favorite toy
One day, your dog might come over and drop their favorite chew toy at your feet.
While it’s easy to think they just want to play, there’s actually more to it.
By offering you their prized possession, they’re showing a tremendous amount of trust.
It’s their way of saying, “Here’s my favorite thing in the whole world. I trust you enough to share it with you.”
This behavior is akin to a person entrusting their most valued treasure to another.
It’s a clear display of trust and a demonstration of the deep bond your dog has with you.
6) Sleeping in your presence
There’s something incredibly touching about a dog choosing to sleep near their human.
It’s in these quiet moments of repose that their trust really shines through.
In the wild, dogs are at their most vulnerable when they’re asleep.
They could be attacked or their territory could be invaded.
That’s why, when your dog chooses to snooze near you, it’s a huge sign of trust.
Your dog is saying, “I feel safe with you. Safe enough to let my guard down and rest.”
This is one of the purest demonstrations of trust a dog can give.
7) Relaxed around you during storms or fireworks
I remember one New Year’s Eve, the fireworks were going off and my dog, Bella, was visibly scared.
She was shaking, tail tucked in, eyes wide with fear.
I sat down next to her, gently stroked her fur and spoke soothingly to her.
Slowly, she began to relax.
She nestled into me, her shaking subsided, and she even managed to doze off amidst the loud noises outside.
It was then I realized that Bella trusted me enough to feel safe during something that was clearly terrifying for her.
Dogs, with their heightened senses, are often scared of loud noises like thunder or fireworks.
But if they can relax around you during these times of stress, it’s a significant sign that they trust you deeply.
Your ability to provide comfort and safety for them in frightening situations reinforces their trust and strengthens your bond.
8) They yawn when you yawn
Yawning is contagious, that’s not just a human thing. Dogs can catch yawns too, especially from their trusted humans.
Dogs were more likely to yawn after their owner did, compared to when a stranger yawned.
This suggests that contagious yawning in dogs is emotionally connected and a sign of empathy and bonding.
So next time you yawn, watch your dog.
If they yawn back, it’s not because they’re bored. Rather, they’re showing empathy and trust towards you.
It’s their way of saying, “I feel what you feel.”
9) They check in with you
Whether it’s during a walk or a playdate in the park, if your dog frequently looks back to check on you, it’s a clear sign of trust.
This behavior shows that they consider you their safety net and base of operations.
They’re keeping tabs on you, making sure you’re safe and nearby.
It’s not about being scared or anxious; it’s about knowing where their trusted human is.
It’s their way of saying, “I trust you to be there for me.”
In essence: It’s all about love
At the heart of every sign of trust from your dog lies an instinctual and profound bond – a bond that is as ancient as the relationship between humans and dogs themselves.
Consider this – dogs have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years.
They’ve been our companions, protectors, and friends throughout history.
This unique relationship has shaped their behavior, leading to the surprising signs of trust we’ve explored in this article.
Whether it’s leaning on you, gazing into your eyes, or showing their belly, each gesture is an expression of trust and love from your dog.
These small yet meaningful signs are their way of saying, “I trust you. I feel safe with you.”
So next time you notice these subtle signs from your dog, take a moment to appreciate the depth of trust they’re showing you.
After all, in their eyes, you’re not just their owner.
You’re their trusted companion, security blanket, and source of love.
