7 Clear Signs Your Dog Really Trusts You (And How to Build That Bond)

Have you ever looked at your furry best friend and wondered “Does my dog actually trust me?” Trust me you’re not alone in asking this question! As a dog owner myself, I’ve spent countless hours trying to decode those puppy eyes and tail wags.

Building trust with your four-legged companion isn’t just about giving treats and belly rubs (though they definitely help!). It’s about creating a deep bond where your dog feels safe, secure, and understood in your presence.

Let’s dive into the clearest signs that your dog truly trusts you backed by veterinarians and animal behavior experts. I’ve combined insights from multiple trusted sources to give you the most complete picture possible.

The Unmistakable Signs Your Dog Trusts You

1. Your Dog’s Body Language Speaks Volumes

One of the most reliable ways to know if your dog trusts you is through their body language. Dogs communicate primarily through physical cues, and learning to read these signals is crucial.

A dog who trusts you will display:

• Relaxed facial expressions with soft eyes
• A loose, wiggly body posture rather than stiff movements
• Calm breathing and a relaxed mouth (sometimes even looking like they’re smiling!)

As veterinarian Dr. Adam Christman points out, “The more you read their body language, the more they’re going to trust you.” When you understand and respect what your dog is telling you through their posture and expressions, you’re building a foundation of mutual trust.

2. They Make Meaningful Eye Contact

Ever caught your dog staring at you lovingly? That’s not just cute—it’s science! A fascinating study from the University of Japan discovered something amazing: when dogs and their owners gaze into each other’s eyes, both experience increased levels of oxytocin—the same “love hormone” that bonds mothers and babies.

“One of the ways dogs bond with you is through eye contact. It helps create trust,” explains Dr. Christman.

However, it’s important to note that prolonged direct eye contact can be intimidating for dogs who aren’t familiar with you yet. If your dog comfortably maintains eye contact, that’s a strong sign they feel secure in your presence.

3. They Follow (and Know) Your Routine

Dogs are creatures of habit, and when they learn and anticipate your daily routines, it shows they trust you’ll meet their needs consistently.

Does your pup get excited around dinner time? Do they wait by the door when it’s nearly time for a walk? This awareness of your schedule demonstrates they trust you to provide what they need when they need it.

“Once your routine is set, they’ll trust that you’ll hold up your end of the arrangement,” notes Dr. Christman. This predictability creates a sense of security for your dog.

4. They Steal Your Shoes (or Other Personal Items)

Finding your favorite shoes or socks mysteriously relocated? While this might seem annoying, it’s actually one of the sweetest signs your dog trusts you!

When dogs take your personal items, especially those with your scent, it’s often because they find comfort in having something that smells like you. Animal behaviorist Jessica Lockhart explains that your pooch could be comforted by having that connection to you, especially when you’re away.

So next time you find your slipper under your dog’s favorite napping spot, remember it’s a compliment—not a crime!

5. Care Tasks Are Stress-Free

From nail trims to teeth brushing, our dogs need various grooming and healthcare procedures that aren’t always comfortable. If your dog allows you to perform these tasks without a major struggle, that’s a significant sign of trust.

Think about it—allowing someone to clip your nails or brush your teeth requires immense trust! When your dog willingly (or at least calmly) accepts these necessary but sometimes awkward procedures, they’re showing you that they trust you won’t harm them.

6. They Sleep Near (or With) You

Where your dog chooses to sleep speaks volumes about their trust level. Dogs are vulnerable when sleeping, so they’ll only rest where they feel completely safe.

“Do they sleep in the room with you, or in the bed with you? Consider it a gift. They sleep where they feel safe and trusted,” says Dr. Christman.

Whether they curl up right against you or just prefer to be in the same room, their choice to sleep near you is one of the strongest signs of trust a dog can give.

7. You’re Their Safe Harbor in Scary Situations

When something startles or frightens your dog—whether it’s a thunderstorm, fireworks, or an unfamiliar person—where do they turn? If they come to you for comfort and protection, that’s a powerful indication of trust.

A dog who trusts their person will look to them for direction and reassurance during overwhelming situations. As one expert beautifully put it, “Thanks to the bond you’ve built, you’re the security blanket, escape hatch, and translator—all rolled into one.”

How to Build Deeper Trust With Your Dog

Now that we understand the signs, how can we strengthen that precious bond of trust? Here are some practical tips:

Don’t Force Interactions

Even though you might want everyone to meet your amazing dog, respect their boundaries. If your dog seems reluctant to approach new people or situations, don’t push them. Let them set the pace and show them you’ve got their back.

Learn to Speak “Dog”

Taking time to understand canine communication goes a long way. When you can recognize early signs of stress or discomfort, you can remove your dog from overwhelming situations before they escalate. This consistency shows your dog you’re reliable and attentive to their needs.

Keep Your Cool

We all get frustrated sometimes, but frequently yelling at your dog can seriously damage trust. If you find yourself often raising your voice, take a step back and consider why these situations keep occurring. Remember, most “dog problems” have a human component!

Give Choices When Possible

Since we control almost every aspect of our dogs’ lives—from food to bathroom breaks—allowing them some autonomy builds mutual respect. Let them choose which path to walk or how long to sniff that fascinating tree. These small freedoms strengthen your connection.

Use Positive Reinforcement Training

Modern, science-backed dog training focuses on rewards rather than punishment. This approach not only teaches your dog desired behaviors but also reinforces that good things happen when they’re with you. Use tasty treats during training sessions to keep them motivated and associate you with positive experiences.

When Trust Takes Time

It’s worth mentioning that building trust isn’t always instant, especially with rescue dogs or those who’ve experienced trauma. If you’ve recently adopted a dog, be patient and consistent. Trust may develop slowly, but with gentle persistence, even the most cautious dogs can learn to feel secure.

I adopted my own dog from a shelter three years ago, and it took nearly six months before she would fully relax around me. Now she’s the most trusting companion I could ask for, but that bond required time and patience.

Final Thoughts

Building trust with your dog isn’t just about making them happy—it enriches both your lives immeasurably. When your dog trusts you completely, you’ll experience one of the most pure and unconditional relationships possible.

So pay attention to these signs, invest time in understanding your dog’s unique communication style, and cherish the special bond you’re creating together. After all, earning your dog’s complete trust is one of the greatest compliments you could ever receive!

Remember, every dog is unique, and trust may look slightly different depending on your dog’s personality and past experiences. The most important thing is consistency, kindness, and respect for your furry friend’s individual needs and boundaries.

Have you noticed any of these trust signals in your dog? I’d love to hear about your experiences in building that special bond with your four-legged family member!

Your dog is likely bonded to you if they consistently follow you, seek your affection and eye contact, show relaxed body language in your presence, check in with you in new environments, and are excited to see you when you return home.

Signs a dog is guarding you include standing between you and a perceived threat, growling or barking at strangers, displaying stiff or tense body language like raised hackles or a stiff tail, following you constantly, or ignoring commands when they feel you are in danger. Other signs are focused, alert body language with intense eye contact with a perceived threat, overreacting to new people or situations, or even lunging, snapping, or biting in extreme cases.

There’s no single answer to how long it takes a dog to trust you, as it varies greatly depending on the dog’s individual history, temperament, and the quality of interactions with their human. For a well-adjusted puppy, trust can be built in minutes or days, while a rescue dog with a traumatic past might take weeks, months, or even years to fully trust their new family.