PETS

How To Tell If Your Dog Trusts You

The bond between a dog and his person is not inferior. It is based on mutual love, appreciation, and most of all, trust. Contrary to popular belief, gaining a dog’s complete trust is not as simple as giving a few treats and a belly rub.

★- Your Dog Has Confident Body Posture

In the presence of an owner that a dog does not trust, that dog will display body language indicating fear, such as cowering or tucking his tail between his legs. If your dog is relaxed and maintains a body posture in your presence, he finds you trustworthy. However, if your dog is skittish or cowers when you become angry, it is likely that your dog does not find you fully trustworthy.

★- Your Dog Shows His Belly

A dog’s belly is a very vulnerable area on his body. While it is true that fearful dogs show signs of submission by rolling over, a dog that truly trusts his owner will roll over on command or flop down on his back for a nice belly rub.

★- He Responds Well to Your Training

Most people think that dog training is all about the dog, but it’s actually about the common bonds on both ends of the leash. If a dog does not trust his handler, he is unlikely to respond well to training. Some trainers get results from punishment and lessons based on fear, but most behaviorists agree that this type of “obedience” is not the same as a dog responding to cues based on trust and respect.

★- He Looks to You for Reassurance and Direction

Whether you’re out for a walk or playing in the park, you and your dog are a team. You may not always agree on which tree is worth sniffing and when it’s time to go home, but your pup is happy to be adventurous with his favorite human being. For fearful and shy dogs, being outside in a new environment can be especially intimidating. They find comfort in knowing there is a trusted person for moral support.

★- He Comes to you For a Cuddle




It’s easy to take a doggy hug for granted when your pup is turning on the blankets and consuming most of the bed. He might kick you in his sleep or dangerously fart near your face, but the fact that he’s sleeping with you in the first place is a good sign that you have his complete confidence.

Dogs are most at risk when they are asleep. Wolves and wild dogs sleep deliberately in small confined areas with members of the pack that they trust to protect from predators. For your pampered dog, curled up on your bed is the safest place for you. Cuddling and volunteering are some of the dog’s favorite ways to show their love for people. They know you won’t hurt them in their sleep, and if an unwanted visitor gets knocked over, he knows he’ll be near you instead of far.