Dogs are amazing creatures that form deep bonds with their humans. Understanding whether your furry friend truly trusts you can strengthen your relationship and help you spot any issues early. Watch for these telltale behaviors that reveal exactly where you stand with your canine companion.
This article provides general observations about dog behavior. For concerns about your dog’s wellbeing or behavioral issues, always consult a qualified veterinarian or certified animal behaviorist.
Let’s first look at the reassuring behaviors that show your dog trusts you and feels safe by your side.
1. Your Dog Sleeps Belly Up Around You
When your pup rolls over and dozes off with their belly fully exposed, that’s pure trust right there. Dogs instinctively protect their vulnerable stomach area, so flipping onto their back means they feel completely safe with you nearby.
This sleeping position leaves them defenseless, which they’d never do around someone they feared. It’s one of the strongest indicators that your bond is rock solid.
2. They Make Eye Contact Without Stiffening
Soft, lingering eye contact is basically a doggy hug. When your furry companion gazes into your eyes with a relaxed face and loose body, they’re showing affection and confidence in your relationship.
Research shows this mutual gazing releases oxytocin in both dogs and humans, the same bonding hormone between parents and babies. Stiff stares are different, but gentle looks? That’s love and trust combined beautifully.
3. Your Dog Brings You Their Toys
Ever notice your dog dropping their favourite squeaky toy right at your feet? That’s not just an invitation to play. They’re sharing their prized possessions with someone they trust completely, which is huge in the canine world.
Dogs guard valuable items from those they don’t trust. Bringing toys to you shows they see you as part of their pack and want to include you in activities they enjoy.
4. They Lean Into You For Comfort
Physical closeness speaks volumes in dog language. When your pup presses their body weight against your leg or side, they’re seeking security and showing they trust you to provide it.
This leaning behaviour is different from pushy dominance. It’s gentle, affectionate, and happens especially during stressful moments like thunderstorms or vet visits. Your dog knows you’re their safe harbour when life gets scary or uncertain.
5. Your Dog Checks In During Walks
A trusting dog regularly glances back at you during walks, making sure you’re still there and checking for guidance. This behaviour shows they view you as their leader and protector in unfamiliar territory.
Dogs who trust their humans don’t just bolt ahead ignoring everything. They maintain connection, seeking approval before investigating new things. These check ins prove they value your presence and judgment in their adventures together.
Now, let’s turn to the signs that trust may be shaky so you can spot concerns early and rebuild the bond with patience.
6. They Avoid Eye Contact Completely
Constant gaze avoidance signals discomfort or fear. While brief look aways are normal politeness in dog communication, persistently refusing to meet your eyes suggests your pup doesn’t feel secure around you.
Dogs who trust their humans willingly make brief, soft eye contact. Those who always turn their heads away or show the whites of their eyes might be experiencing anxiety or uncertainty about your relationship and need patience to rebuild confidence.
7. Your Dog Hides When You Approach
If your furry friend consistently retreats under furniture or into corners when you come near, something’s definitely wrong. Hiding behavior indicates fear rather than trust, and it’s a serious red flag needing immediate attention.
Trusted humans are approached, not avoided. Dogs who hide are protecting themselves from perceived threats. This pattern requires gentle patience, positive reinforcement, and possibly professional help to repair the damaged bond between you.
8. They Guard Food Aggressively From You
Resource guarding around you reveals deep insecurity. Dogs who trust their humans don’t feel threatened during mealtimes or worry that you’ll steal their food.
Growling, snapping, or hovering protectively over bowls when you’re nearby shows your dog doesn’t believe you’re a safe, reliable provider. This behaviour often stems from past experiences and requires careful, professional intervention to address properly and safely for everyone involved.
9. Your Dog Shows Excessive Submissive Behaviour
Extreme submission like cowering, submissive urination, or rolling over fearfully isn’t the same as trust. While some submission is normal, excessive displays suggest your dog is actually afraid rather than respectfully bonded with you.
Healthy trust looks confident and relaxed, not terrified. Dogs showing extreme submissive behaviors need reassurance, consistency, and gentle handling to build genuine confidence in your relationship rather than fear based compliance with your presence.
10. They Freeze Or Stiffen When You Touch Them
Freezing under your hand is a warning sign many people miss. When dogs stiffen or go completely still during petting, they’re tolerating touch rather than enjoying it, which indicates shaky trust at best.
Trusted humans receive wiggly, happy responses to affection. Stillness suggests your dog feels trapped or uncomfortable but hasn’t escalated to more obvious warnings yet. Respect these signals and work on building positive associations with gentle handling gradually over time.
