Dog Trainers Explain How You Can Find Out If Your Dog Trusts You
Dogs can’t tell us in words when they feel safe, but their behavior says plenty. When a dog trusts its person, that bond usually shows up in small, easy-to-miss moments that reveal a lot about the relationship.
That is the focus here, as the founders of Smart Bitch Modern Dog Training break down the signs that a dog feels secure with its human. The New Orleans-based company, led by Taylor Barconey and Jiovaney "Jio" Alcaide, has built its reputation around rewards-based training and behavior work.
Some of the clues are obvious, and some are surprisingly subtle. By the end, the picture gets a lot clearer.
The company's mission "is to popularize rewards-based methods in America and beyond, and [it] prides itself on tackling all areas of dog training, including advanced behavioral issues such as aggression, and proving to their community that no matter the problem, the Smart Bitches can help."
Barconey and Alcaide emphasized that these signs are just some of the ways that dogs express their trust. Every dog is different. Don't add yourself to the "bad dog parent" club just because your dog doesn't check all of these boxes.
To build that lasting bond, check out how patience helped dog owners with sweet everyday connection tips, in Pet Lovers Open Up About The Sweet Ways Dog Owners Can Build Lasting Bonds.
1. They come to you for help and guidance
Does your pooch engage with you? Do they look at you or turn their head away? Alcaide mentioned that these are important things to consider.
2. They want to experience new things.
"Humans often take for granted how much we have in life to prepare for the rest of our lives," Alcaide said.
The world can seem like a big and scary place to a dog. However, if they trust you and know you have their back, they will be more willing to embark on new adventures.
3. The dog's body language does not express hesitation or avoidance.
Alcaide notes that most people don’t notice when their dogs avoid affection. This behavior often indicates that they don’t trust the person's intentions.
4. They will listen to you in stressful or exciting environments.
"I think vet visits are inherently stressful, and many dogs who do well at the vet can be directly correlated to the relationship with their owner and how much guidance they can receive from their owner," Alcaide says.
5. They want to be near you
Alcaide stated that even stoic dogs can show their trust by allowing you to connect with them in ways that others cannot. Classic examples include receiving affection or having you put a leash on them.
6. Your dog seeks comfort from you when it is scared or uncomfortable.
"Those fireworks and thunderstorms are tough for your dog, but if they're coming to you for guidance, that's a good sign they trust you," Alcaide said.
7. They always try to communicate with you (and, yes, it can sometimes be annoying).
"They trust that you're going to listen and understand them, and that you're going to attempt to meet their needs," Alcaide said.
These charming ladies also mentioned that you need to remember that trust is a spectrum and is difficult to mend if broken.
They’ll never face away from you unless they trust you completely, according to dog owners.
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