YoThe concept of receiving unconditional love and trust from our dogs is commonly discussed, but it takes time to form a genuine bond and a deep level of trust with your puppy. Simply giving treats and affectionate gestures will not necessarily earn your dog’s complete trust, especially if they have experienced negative interactions with humans previously. The Yorkie Times wants to provide insight into 10 signs your dog trusts you. These signs let you know your dog has developed a true sense of trust and a strong bond with you.
9 Signs Your Dog Trusts You
1. Your Dog Gives You Presents
When dogs trust someone, they may give them gifts such as toys, phones or random objects. Though the person may not have any interest in those items, the gesture shows the dog’s true affection since dogs can be very possessive of their belongings. Some dogs even growl or snap at people who try to take their special things. Sharing a toy or bone is a signal that the dog feels comfortable with the person and trusts them enough to let them have a nibble at their bone. Dogs are more likely to share food with their four-legged friends than with strangers, and if a dog brings gifts to a person, it means they hold a special place in their heart.
2. Your Yorkie Sleeps with You
Normally, dogs seek out a comfortable sleeping spot, and choosing the owner’s room as a slumber spot certainly suggests ease and comfort. Wild dogs and wolves tend to sleep in tightly enclosed spaces with trusted pack members for protection against predators. Our furry companions regard us as part of their pack and rely on us to shield them from danger. Therefore if your dog wants to bunk down with you, this indicates that they consider you a trusted pack member.
3. Your Dog Makes Eye Contact
While humans find it common to make eye contact, it holds greater significance in the canine community. Dogs may exchange a quick glance when discovering a new acquaintance, but sustained eye contact is a means for establishing superiority, akin to a glaring contest. Typically, dogs avoid securing gazes with others to minimize conflict. Therefore, when your dog meets your eyes directly, it implies that they do not view you as a danger or anticipate that you will behave violently towards them.
Experts in animal behavior suggest that a dog’s ability to make eye contact in a friendly way with humans was one of the initial stages in the process of domesticating canines. By making eye contact, they seem to have learned that humans appreciate it, and this establishes a significant connection. If your Yorkie or other small dog and you can look into each other’s eyes with affection, this indicates that your dog trusts and comprehends you. Additionally, scientists have demonstrated that dogs cultivate intense emotional associations with humans by gazing into our eyes. This silent form of communication elevates the levels of a bonding hormone known as oxytocin in both dogs and their owners. This rise in oxytocin enhances the bond between pet and owner and offers an opportunity to foster trust.
4. Your Dog is a Good Listener
There are individuals who believe that dog training solely concerns the dog, but it is, in reality, a two-way street where a bond is established between both ends of the leash. If the dog does not have faith in their owner, they will be less inclined to respond positively to training. Some trainers may achieve results through lessons rooted in fear and punishment, but experts in animal behaviorism maintain that this obedience is not equivalent to a dog obeying commands founded on trust and respect. Many new adopters of rescue dogs struggle with their training efforts because of trust issues. Rescue dogs have often been subjected to brutality, abuse, and abandonment from humans thus developing a natural reluctance in trusting their new owners. While early training is crucial, it might take a few months for a rescue dog to realize that their new home is a permanent and loving one.
5. Your Dog is Comfortable Even When You Aren’t Home
Canines that become anxious when they are left alone may be afraid that they are abandoned forever, and that their owners will never return. This can result in crying, scratching at doors, acting out, and incessant whining. The behavior may indicate a desire to join in on the activities they are missing, but it can also reflect their lack of complete trust in their caretakers. Dogs that have absolute confidence in their owners will not question their loyalty and will anticipate a return for playtime and affection. While they may not be thrilled about their humans leaving for work every day, they will remain composed, and will eagerly anticipate their return at the end of the day.
6. Your Dog is Confident and Relaxed
If a dog has trust in their owner, it will exhibit a calm and assured physical demeanour. This can be characterized by a slightly parted mouth, frequent blinking, and a relaxed, elevated tail. Such body language serves as an indicator that your dog is at ease in your presence and lacks anxiety or fear. Your dog’s trust in you stems from their belief that you are capable of maintaining a safe and secure environment for them. This air of confidence can be observed during outdoor walks, household tasks, and casual time spent together.
7. Your Dog Looks to You For Leadership
In 2013, a study’s findings revealed that dogs who have a strong attachment to their owners display behaviors that are similar to how human children interact with their parents. During uncertain times, dogs seek their owners for guidance and may exhibit signs of distress when exposed to unfamiliar environments. As you and your furry companion engage in activities such as walking or playing in the park, the two of you function as a unit. Dogs that trust their owners often check in with them, even when not tethered by a leash, to confirm their presence and receive approval for their actions. When enjoying playtime with other dogs at a dog park, a dog may periodically return to their owner’s side for reassurance.
Your pet can take cues from you in terms of self-assuredness, and they are content to include you even in small ways. Similarly, dogs that have formed close relationships with their owners have a heightened ability to return on command. They will keep their human nearby in scary or unexplored surroundings and are much less prone to run off. Number three, they put their Paw on you. If your dog puts his Paw on you, it can be his way of saying, I love you. We pet our pups to show our love and affection. By putting his Paw on you whilst you are stroking him, he is further extending contact and reciprocating affection back.
8. Your Dog Checks Up on You
Whether you’re tuning into your favorite show, whipping up a meal, or taking a trip to the restroom, your furry friend is always by your side and trying their best to stay close. They’re not following you around because they fear losing you, but rather because they adore you and have a desire to protect you. Checking in on you is just one of the many ways that your faithful companion expresses their affection. As part of the family, your pup is simply ensuring your well-being.
9. Your Dog is Submissive
The belly of a dog is its most delicate portion. Dogs have a natural inclination to safeguard their vital organs. When they roll over or slumber on their side, they are doing the opposite. If your dog displays its belly to you, it is an indication that they feel secure when you are present. They are not concerned about you gnawing at their exposed abdomen, and they believe that you will protect them if something unexpected happens.
Similarly, when your dog turns its back to you, it is revealing that they are amicable and rely on you. In the animal world, exposing one’s back to someone makes the animal vulnerable. Your dog believes that you will not assault them from the rear. When their back is facing you, their teeth are farthest from you, making it difficult for them to defend themselves.
Experiencing the surety that your canine companion trusts you entirely is an amazing feeling. It indicates that you are successful in raising and bonding with your dog. However, it is essential to bear in mind that gaining your dog’s trust also means that you are accountable for their well-being. When they feel down or distressed, they will seek solace in you, and during times of joy, you will be the first one they want to play with. Hence, it is vital not to overlook the significance of this bond.
Looking for more amazing Yorkie facts that will open your heart to these wonderful little dogs? Stay tuned with us for more informative and fun posts on all things Yorkie related.
If you are looking for a journal to track your life with your Yorkie, we have you covered with The Yorkie Times Dog Journal! We also have a wonderful Facebook community that you can join as well!
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