How close are you really to your furry best friend?
Let’s be honest: You probably love your dog more than you love some humans. You spend most of your spare time exercising or cuddling with him. You talk to her just like you’d talk to your human best friend—freely without fear of being judged. The level of love and trust you feel toward your pet is no different than what you feel toward any other family member. But is the feeling mutual? Read on to learn how to tell if your dog trusts you, then check out these 13 simple ways to tell if your dog is smart.
Trust is perceived differently for humans and animals, says Vicki Stevens, senior marketing communications manager for companion animals at the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Pets rely on routines to feel normalcy and have comfortable, happy lives. So the best way to build a relationship with your dog is to make these routines positive interactions.
If you feed him every day at 8 a.m. or take him for a walk as soon as you get home from work, he becomes conditioned to expect those things at those designated times. Once a routine is set, he’ll be on time to get that food or that walk, and he’ll trust you’ll hold up your end of the arrangement. In your morning routine, you may want to brush your dog’s teeth; this is why they have bad breath.
These famous shelter dogs will warm your hearts.
A recent study from the University of Japan found that when dogs and their owners stared into each other’s eyes during a 30-minute period, both of their oxytocin levels increased. Oxytocin has also been called the love hormone and the cuddle hormone (see where we’re going with this?). It’s used to help mothers bond with their babies and it spikes when we’re around someone we love and trust. Lead scientist Takefumi Kikusui believes that this result could mean that the dogs were trying to form bonds with their owners—definitely a sign of trust.
Kenny Lamberti, acting vice president of companion animals at the HSUS, cautions that since dogs are individuals like humans, staring doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing every time it happens. Body language and environment should be taken into consideration, too. Look out for these signs that your healthy dog is actually sick.
“Typically, dogs sleep in a place that they are comfortable,” Lamberti writes, “so sleeping in an owner’s room could certainly be an indication of comfort.” He also noted that environment can affect whether your pooch settles down in your room or on your bed. However, you may want to carefully weigh your pros and cons before you invite him into your bed.
She doesn’t see you angry often
It’s normal to get frustrated at your dog, but a study from Brigham Young University suggested that she can read your emotions, and she’s less likely to trust you when you’re in a bad mood. Researchers tracked how dogs reacted when they saw humans point to a hidden reward silently, and then using positive or negative facial and vocal expressions. When dogs saw the negative behaviors (frowning, a furrowed brow, and a harsh voice), they were less willing to search for the treat. Here are more secrets your dog knows about you.
It may be annoying when your dog takes your favorite pair of shoes or scarf, but he may be doing so for an endearing reason. While this behavior may not solely be based on trust (your dog may just know that you pay attention to him when he takes certain objects), Jessica Lockhart, animal behavior director for the ASPCA Adoption Center, says your pooch could be comforted by having some connection to you, especially while you’re away. What better connection than something that smells just like you? It’s always important to keep track of your dog and its behaviors–these are signs your dog might have cancer.
Some dogs are naturally more relaxed around their owners, while others are more enthusiastic and jumpy. It varies depending on the dog, but if that behavior changes, that’s when you know something is wrong. “If you want a dog to trust you, it’s important to learn about dog body language so that you can read when your dog wants physical interaction and when he does not,” Lockhart says. She recommends practicing “consent petting.” Only pet a dog if he doesn’t move away when you approach him. If he approaches you, pet him for three second, then look at his reaction. If he leans in or bops your hand, keep on petting. If he licks his lips quickly, turns his head away, or yawns, she’s had enough. “The more you listen to what your dog is telling you with their body,” Lockhart says, “the more trust you will build with your dog.” Learn about more unbelievable facts you never knew about your pooch.
He Responds Well To Your Training
Most people think training a dog is all about the dog, but it’s actually about the bond shared on both ends of the leash. If the dog doesn’t trust his handler, he’s far less likely to respond well to the training. Some trainers get results from punishment and fear-based lessons, but most behaviorists agree this kind of “obedience” isn’t the same as a dog responding to cues based on trust and respect.
Many people who bring home newly adopted rescue dogs struggle with training because of trust. Rescue dogs see the worst of humanity through abuse and abandonment, and trusting their new families doesn’t come naturally. While training right away is important, it might take a rescue a few days, weeks, or months to realize his new family is permanent. Once he feels comfortable enough to let his guard down, he can start building trust and training goes much smoother. If your dog seems eager and attentive during training, it’s a sign he both respects and trusts you.
10 Signs Your Dog REALLY Trusts You
Dog owners, especially those who have taken care of rescue dogs or adopted a senior dog for the first time often ask: “how can I tell if my dog trusts me?”.
If you are one of them, it is totally understandable for you to have this question because your pet did not grow up with you.
They might have been mistreated or neglected by their previous owners, so you don’t know if their behavior means they love you or they are getting annoyed by your presence.
You are pretty much clueless if they love being cuddled or they enjoy their freedom and space. So, to get to know your dog better, here are 6 ways to know if your dog trusts you.
Dogs can’t talk, so they express their feelings in different ways. You would know that your dog has bonded with you and trusts you when they do the following when you are around: