You know that your dog loves you, but does your dog trust you? There is a difference between trust and love, and knowing the difference can help you build a better relationship with your dog. Here are a few signs your dog trusts you:

Do Dogs Naturally Trust Humans?

Dogs don’t naturally trust all humans, but they can develop trust in their owners. Studies have shown that dogs have the capacity to trust humans in a similar way to the way they trust their own dog mother.

Over time, a dog will develop trust in their owner. Building trust through providing food, water, and comfortable shelter is important, but you can also build trust through spending time with your dog, as well as playtime, exercising, and simply being in one another’s company. These are also great ways to build a bond with your dog.

9 Signs Your Dog Trusts You

If you’re unsure that your dog trusts you, there are some signs you can look for. Here are some signs your dog trusts you:

1. They trust you during grooming and care.
2. They focus on you.
3. Their body language reflects trust.
4. They enjoy training with you.
5. They see you as their support system.
6. They love to snuggle with you.
7. They hold eye contact.
8. They roll onto their back.
9. They follow your lead.

1. They Trust You During Grooming and Care

Taking care of your dog requires doing some tasks that are not as fun as others, such as brushing their teeth or cutting your dog’s nails. Dogs require basic grooming, and if your dog allows you to do these tasks without much of a fuss, or at least with minimal fuss, they probably trust you.

This doesn’t mean these tasks are going to be a walk in the park, however. These tasks may still be a little bit awkward, and you may encounter a little bit of resistance. But if these tasks can be done with little to no fuss, this is a strong indicator that your dog has put their trust in you.

If your dog does fuss, there are ways to make these tasks more enjoyable for them. If bathtime is a struggle, there are a few dog bathing tips to make bathtime better. Just remember that when you approach these grooming tasks, taking your time, going slow, and moving gently is very important.

You don’t want to scare your dog, and you shouldn’t make any sudden movements. It might take a little time to build this trust, but with consistency, gentleness, and plenty of treats, your dog should eventually learn that this is not something you’re doing to hurt them.

2. They Focus On You

Have you ever had your dog out at a dog park or out in your yard and noticed that they frequently check in on you while they play? If they consistently check in with you in semi-frequent intervals, this is a way that they are indicating that they trust you and are making sure you’re still there.

If your dog is in the middle of intense playtime, it’s easy for them to be distracted. But if they take the time to find you, this means they expect you to be there and are happy to see you. They are also making sure that you’re watching them and seeing how much fun they’re having!

3. Their Body Language Reflects Trust

There are quite a few different types of dog body language, and that body language can indicate whether your dog trusts you or not. There’s a big difference between a dog who is constantly on alert and anxious compared to one that is at ease in their home.

A dog that trusts you will have soft and relaxed body language. This will communicate their comfort level to you. You’ll notice softer eyes, a relaxed and gentle face, and they may even wiggle their entire backend when they wag their tail. These are also some signs your dog is happy!

A dog who is wary of a person may exhibit body language such as a stiff body, and may flick their ears back or shy away from the person. Dogs may also raise their hackles and growl a bit. If that’s the case, they may need more basic training and ways to build trust with you.

4. They Enjoy Training With You

Dog training wasn’t always a fun task. However, modern dog training methods have focused more on the relationship between the dog and the owner. Dog training has evolved to make room for fun and creativity, making it much more enjoyable for everyone involved.

If working on training exercises is fun for your dog, this is a good sign that your dog trusts you. Dogs love spending time with their owners, and if you make training fun, they will trust you and are more likely to work harder to please you. Dogs who are unsure about people will hold back and be wary during training.

If you’re struggling a little bit during training, don’t be afraid to reach out to a dog trainer for advice. A valuable dog training tip is to use training treats! Plenty of positive reinforcement goes a long way in helping your dog trust you and want to learn.

5. They See You as Their Support System

If you notice that your dog is often looking at you when things are a little hairy or uncertain, this is a good sign that your dog trusts you and sees you as their support system. They know that you can fix almost any problem and can help restore order to their world.

This is why it’s important to build a bond with your dog. When a dog trusts you, they can feel relaxed and safe, making for a very happy and content dog.

6. They Love to Snuggle With You

Not every dog is going to be a big snuggle bug. However, a dog that trusts you will want to be close to you and hang out when it’s time to settle down. When a dog is asleep, they are at the most vulnerable, so being close by is a big sign of trust.

Typically, a dog’s ancestors slept in packs for safety and protection, much like your dog sleeping near you. While it might be tempting to share your bed with your dog, you may not get the best night’s rest.

Some dogs will want to curl right up on your lap or be on top of you, getting as close as possible. Other dogs may simply enjoy resting at your feet or next to you on the couch. No matter where they are, simply being close to you is a sign that they trust you and want to be near you.

7. They Hold Eye Contact

Another way you know that your dog trusts you is by eye contact. Scientific studies have shown that oxytocin, or the love hormone, is released in dogs through meaningful eye contact. Because dogs can’t speak, eye contact is an important form of communication for them. Sustained eye contact is also a sign your dog has imprinted on you. So if your dog often looks lovingly into your eyes, this is a big sign that your dog trusts you.

8. They Roll Onto Their Back

If a dog exposes their stomach to you, this means they trust you. Their belly protects their important organs, so if they feel comfortable enough to roll onto their back, they trust you.

Most times, dogs roll onto their back for some good belly scratches, which is another great way to show your dog that you love them. Not all dogs love belly rubs, but if you know yours does, make sure to reward them for their vulnerability.

9. They Follow Your Lead

When a dog sees you as their support system, they are much more likely to follow your lead in situations, especially unfamiliar ones. Dogs tend to look to their owners for emotional cues and follow their lead. So if you exhibit confidence, your dog will too.

This is important when introducing your dog to a new situation. Dogs use their humans to learn about new situations and surroundings. So, if your dog is a shadow in unfamiliar territory, it means they trust you to keep them safe and help them acclimate. Keeping a calm demeanor in uncertain situations can help your dog stay calm and feel reassured.

These are just a few signs your dog trusts you. If your dog exhibits these signs, great! If your dog seems a little unsure, you may need to put some work into building that trust between you and your dog. However, with plenty of consistency and love, your dog should begin to trust you!