Having a trusting relationship with a dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. It’s important to build trust between you and your canine companion, as this will create a bond between you two that will last a lifetime. But how do you know if a dog truly trusts you? Knowing the signs that your pup is showing you can help you determine if they trust you as their companion. This article will discuss the different ways that you can tell if a dog trusts you, and how you can build a trusting relationship with your four-legged friend.
What are the Signs of a Dog Trusting You?
Table of Contents
It’s no secret that having a loving and trusting relationship with your pup is one of the most rewarding experiences of being a pet owner. But how can you tell if your pup trusts you? While there are no hard-and-fast rules for determining if your pup trusts you, there are some signs that can indicate your pup is comfortable around you.
Body Language
One of the most obvious signs that a dog trusts a person is their body language. If your pup is relaxed around you, it usually means that they trust you. Relaxed pups will often have soft eyes, a loose body, and a tail that is wagging slowly. They will also exhibit friendly behaviors such as leaning into you when being petted, or even seeking out your attention. If your pup is exhibiting fearful or aggressive body language, it could mean that they are not comfortable around you or that they are feeling stressed.
Approachability
Another sign that your pup trusts you is if they approach you when you enter a room. If your pup is comfortable around you, they will usually come up to you and seek out your attention. They may also look to you for guidance when they are unsure. This is especially true if you have trained your pup to look to you for help when they are feeling overwhelmed or scared.
Initiating Play
When a pup trusts you, they will often initiate play with you. This could include fetching a toy or bringing it to you, nuzzling your hand, or pawing at you. If your pup is comfortable enough with you to initiate play, it generally means that they trust you and feel safe with you.
Sharing Sleeping Space
When a pup trusts you, they will often share their sleeping space with you. Whether it’s their bed or just a spot on the floor, if your pup is comfortable enough to sleep near you, it usually means that they trust you. If your pup is not comfortable around you, they will usually choose to sleep in a different area of the house.
Following You Around
If your pup follows you around the house, it usually means that they trust you and want to be near you. They may also try to stick close to you when you go outside or take them for walks. This is a sign that your pup is comfortable enough with you to stay close by and feel safe.
Licking
When a pup trusts you, they will often lick you. This is an instinctual behavior that helps them show their affection. If your pup is licking you, it could mean that they are trying to show you that they trust you and care about you.
Conclusion
While there is no sure-fire way to know if your pup trusts you, these signs can help you gauge how your pup is feeling around you. If your pup is exhibiting relaxed body language, approaching you, initiating play, sharing their sleeping space, following you around, and licking you, it usually means that they trust you and feel safe with you.
## Common Myths about Knowing if a Dog Trusts You
1. Myth: You can tell if a dog trusts you by how much it wags its tail.
Fact: While a wagging tail is often a sign of a dog being happy or excited, it is not necessarily a sign of trust. A dog may wag its tail when it is feeling nervous or scared, and this does not indicate trust.
2. Myth: You can tell if a dog trusts you by how excited it is to see you.
Fact: Dogs can become excited to see their owners for many reasons, and this excitement does not always indicate trust. Excitement can be a sign of anticipation for a treat or a walk, or simply the joy of being reunited with their owner.
3. Myth: You can tell if a dog trusts you if it follows you around the house.
Fact: Dogs often follow their owners around out of curiosity or a need for companionship. This behavior does not necessarily indicate trust or an expectation of reward.
4. Myth: You can tell if a dog trusts you by how often it licks you.
Fact: Dogs can lick their owners for many reasons, including affection, hunger, or stress. While licking can be a sign of trust, it is not necessarily indicative of trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: How do I know if my dog trusts me?
Answer: You will know if your dog trusts you when they display signs of comfort when you are near. If your dog enjoys being petted or cuddled, is relaxed when you approach them, and willingly follows commands, then it is likely that your dog trusts you.
Question 2: How do I build trust with my dog?
Answer: To build trust with your dog, start with small interactions such as gentle petting and speaking softly. You can also offer your dog treats for performing certain tasks or behaviors. Taking your dog for walks, playing fetch, and providing them with plenty of positive reinforcement are all great ways to build trust with your pet.
Conclusion
: Signs of a pup trusting a human include relaxed body language, approachability, initiating play, sharing sleeping space, following around and licking.
