6 Signs Your Dog Completely Trusts You
Vet Reviewed by Dr. Jacob Klos, DVM
Dogs can't tell you how they feel about you. But they show you constantly, through body language, behavior, and the small moments that happen every day.
Trust is the foundation of your relationship. When a dog truly trusts their person, they feel safe, secure, and bonded. Here's how that trust shows up.
1. They Sleep Near You (or On You)
Sleep is a vulnerable state. In the wild, animals choose sleeping spots carefully because they're defenseless while unconscious.
When your dog chooses to sleep near you, in your bed, at your feet, or pressed against you on the couch, they're saying they feel safe in your presence. They trust that you'll keep watch while they're vulnerable.
Dogs who sleep with their belly exposed take this even further. The belly is a vulnerable area. Exposing it while sleeping signals complete comfort and security.
2. They Make Eye Contact
Sustained eye contact between dogs and their humans is actually quite remarkable. In the canine world, direct eye contact can be a challenge or threat. Between dogs who don't know each other, staring is often a precursor to conflict.
But with humans they trust, dogs engage in mutual gazing that releases oxytocin in both parties. Research published in Science found that this gaze-mediated bonding mirrors the attachment bond between human parents and infants.
If your dog looks into your eyes softly, without tension, they're expressing connection and trust.
3. They Show You Their Back
Dogs who turn their back to you are showing trust. It might not seem like it, but presenting their back means they don't feel the need to keep you in their line of sight.
Watch for this when your dog settles down near you. Do they face you, or do they face away? Both can be signs of comfort, but turning away specifically indicates they feel no threat from behind them because you're there.
4. They Check In During Exploration
When dogs are in new environments, watch how often they look back at you. A trusting dog will periodically "check in" with their human, making eye contact to confirm you're still there.
This behavior comes from the attachment bond. Dogs use their trusted human as a "secure base" from which to explore. Knowing you're nearby gives them confidence to investigate new things.
5. They Lean Into You
Physical leaning is a sign of trust and affection. When your dog presses their body against your legs or leans into you while you're sitting together, they're seeking comfort through contact.
This is different from attention-seeking behavior like pawing or jumping. Leaning is calm, sustained contact that says "I feel good being close to you."
6. They Bring You Things
When your dog brings you their toy, a sock, or that random thing they found in the yard, they're sharing something they value with someone they trust.
This behavior has roots in pack dynamics. Dogs share resources with their social group. By bringing you their "treasures," they're including you in their inner circle.
Building and Maintaining Trust
Trust isn't static. It's built through consistent, positive interactions over time. Dogs learn to trust humans who are predictable, gentle, and responsive to their needs.
If your dog shows these signs, you've earned something valuable. If they don't yet, patience and consistency will get you there. Trust grows when dogs feel safe, understood, and cared for.
