Does your dog really trust you? Here’s how to tell!
If you found yourself looking at your dog thinking, “Does my dog love me?” you’re not alone! Dogs have their cute ways of showing affection, and even though they don’t have words to use, their actions speak louder than barking or tail wagging.
Think about little things, such as bringing their favorite toys or curling beside you on the couch. These are some of their ways to show love.
Do dogs really love their humans?
Absolutely! They form emotional connections with their owners, and unlike humans, they don’t have “I love you” to say. Their actions and body language can let you know how much you mean to them. Love is all about trust for dogs, and they feel it through companionship and feeling safe.
Their love goes way beyond the fact that we feed them and offer them cozy beds. Dogs see their owners as parts of their pack, and they trust them the most in the world. They are closeness seekers and often just want to be near you.
How do dogs form emotional bonds?
With dogs naturally being social creatures, they thrive on companionship and affection. Dogs and their ancestors used to form packs where their strong bonds were the key to survival, offering them support and protection. Your pup might not be roaming the wilderness, but the same instinct to connect and build a bond remains strong. This is how dogs create such meaningful attachments with their human families.
The bond you create with your dog is a two-way street. They give us emotional support, loyalty, and love, while we offer them affection, care, and protection. The bond is strengthening over time with comforting cuddles and belly rubs. It’s important to understand how dogs show their affection and how you can build a closer bond with your furry friends.
We know at this point that trust is the foundation of any strong relationship. When your dog trusts you, they feel safe, secure, and loved. Dogs might feel anxious and distant if they don’t trust you, but when trust is there, your bond flourishes.
These are the signs that your dog trusts you with his life:
1. Sleeping close to you
They are the most vulnerable when they sleep, so if your dog chooses to snooze near you, this is a big deal. They might curl up beside you on the couch at your feet or in the same room. This shows you that they feel safe and protected in your presence.
2. Relaxed
When a dog trusts you, they have a loose, comfortable posture. You should look for their wagging tail, soft eyes, and calm demeanor. They might not be tense or on edge, but it’s sure a sign they are secure and happy with you.
3. Your dog follows you around
If your dog seems like your shadow, it means they trust you to stick close, no matter if you are in the kitchen, working at your desk, or walking around the house. They have an active instinct to stay by your side and feel comforted and safe around you.
4. Showing their belly
When they roll over and you can see their belly, this is a huge display of trust. In the wild, this is an incredibly vulnerable position, so when they do it, they are saying, “I feel totally safe with you.”. Also, belly rubs are always welcome.
5. Joyful greetings
When they greet you with tail wags and jumps, or happy zoomies when you come home, this is their way of showing excitement and trust. This is a sign that you’re their favorite person and they can’t wait to reconnect with you after you’ve been away.
These little actions in their behavior can help you understand your dog better and even strengthen your bond. Trust grows over time, and with care, love, and patience, your relationship can only grow stronger.
Why is trust the foundation of a great dog-human bond?
Let’s see why trust is the heart of a strong relationship between you and your dog. When they trust you, they feel secure, confident, and ready to explore the world with you. Trusting dogs are calmer, eager to learn, and open to trying new experiences. It can be about meeting new people, learning new tricks, or embarking on exciting adventures.
It takes time to build trust, as well as it needs patience and love. One of the most rewarding parts of being a dog owner is the fact that with this bond, every moment with your dog feels truly special.
How do dogs show their love?
Let’s dive into the adorable ways they express their love. They don’t say I love you with words, but their actions are full of affection.
Ways they say “I love you”
1. They are bringing you their toys.
This is more than an invitation to play. It’s a gift, silly! Dogs share what they treasure most, a sign of love and trust. When they offer you their toys, this is their way of saying, “You are special to me, and I want to share my stuff with you. “
2 Leaning on you
When they press their body against you, this is one of the sweetest gestures. They might even rest their heads on your lap or lean into you during quiet moments. Through this closeness, they show love and comfort. When dogs lean to their humans, they feel safe and secure, or simply just want to be near the person they adore.
2. Eye contact
In dog language, when a dog makes eye contact with another dog, this is a sign of dominance. However, with humans, this is a sign of love and trust. When they are paired with a soft and relaxed expression, if your dog gazes into your eyes with affection, this is a moment when they bond with you on a deeper level.
It is believed that this mutual gaze boosts oxytocin levels, which is the “love hormone.”.
3. Following you everywhere around the house
If your dog is by your side no matter where you go, this is not just a sign of trust. This is also a sign of love, as dogs are pack animals at heart, and they enjoy your company, seeing you as their favorite pack leader.
4. Cuddling after meals
When your dog snuggles up to you after they have eaten, this is another way of saying, I feel safe and cared for. You fulfilled a basic need for them, and now they seek affection, a higher need associated with comfort and love. This is a simple act that reflects both trust and a strong emotional connection.
5. Wagging their tail energetically
This is one of the most recognizable signs of a happy dog, and the way they eat can actually mean different things. When they wag their tail energetically, with a loose and relaxed body, this is a clear sign of being joyful to be around you. You can see their excitement at being around you.
Dogs and emotional intelligence
They can create a special kind of connection due to their emotional intelligence. Their emotional sensitivity makes them great companions, and it deepens their bond with humans. Dogs genuinely love and care for their humans and their ability to connect with our emotions reminds us why they are often called “best friends”. If you’d like to learn more, give this book a try: Your Dog Is Your Mirror: The Emotional Capacity of Our Dogs and Ourselves.
Read next: The Best 8 Small Dogs for Seniors
