10 Sweet Signs Your Dog Feels Safe With You
Dog feeling happy and safe at home
When you become a dog owner for the first time, a learning curve comes with opening your life to a different species—one with whom you don't share a common language. You'll wonder why he plays with some toys and not others, and struggle to figure out what he's barking at outside. Then, there are questions about his basic needs: Is he eating, drinking and exercising enough, and does he feel safe with you?
The more time you log with your doggo, the more you'll be able to read him, especially when it comes to his hydration, food and exercise needs. It's harder, however, to recognize signs indicating he feels safe and secure around you. Veterinarian Dr. Marlena Lopez, BSc DVM shares more about this aspect of canine behavior, and she identifies 10 signs that your dog feels protected in your presence.
10 Sweet Signs Your Dog Feels Safe With You
1. Initiating Physical Contact
If you're wondering if your dog feels secure when he's with you, and he's resting his head on your lap while you read this, he feels safe and sound—it's that simple.
According to Dr. Lopez, "Dogs that actively seek physical contact by leaning against you, nudging you or placing a paw on your lap are expressing a desire for closeness and connection."
See? You must be doing something right.
Related: Doberman Being Tucked Into Bed for the Night Is Just Like a Human Baby
2. Playfulness and Excitement
While you may be annoyed by the incessant squeaking of that infernal rubber chicken toy you bought for Buster, if he's playing with it in your presence, it's a good thing.
"A dog that engages in playful behavior, such as bounding around, play-bowing, and bringing you toys, is demonstrating a sense of comfort and happiness in its owner's presence," Dr. Lopez explains.
3. Eating Comfortably
"Dogs that feel safe will eat their meals without hesitation or anxiety," she continues. "A relaxed mealtime indicates trust in the environment and assurance that their owners will provide for their needs."
So if doggo is chill at chowtime, you're on the right track!
4. Wags Its Tail Around You
We already mentioned that dogs and humans don't share a common language, but that doesn't mean dogs can't communicate with us. They can and do!
"Dogs communicate through body language, and a wagging tail is a clear indicator of joy and comfort," Dr. Lopez says. "It's essential to recognize the nuances in tail wagging, as the speed and height of the wag can convey different emotions. A very friendly dog may wag his tail more freely and even wiggle his hips at the same time. This joyful and relaxed tail wag signifies a positive association, indicating that your dog feels secure and happy in your presence."
5. The Sounds They Make
If you're a first-time dog owner, you're probably painfully aware of the loudest way a dog communicates, and you might already be trying to train yours to lower the volume a notch or ten.
"Dogs communicate through barking, and a lack of barking in your presence suggests a sense of ease and security," Dr. Lopez explains. "Happy dogs may have higher-pitched barks and bark for shorter durations than agitated dogs. Some dogs vocalize with a soft, contented whine when they feel safe. However, it’s important to note that this gentle vocalization is different from anxious or distressed whining."
In the end, Dr. Lopez emphasizes that it's not enough for us simply to listen to our dogs to assess whether they feel safe or not.
"It's crucial not to judge your dog solely by their vocalizations," she says. "Consider other signs, such as their overall body language, to accurately gauge their emotional state before assuming everything is well."
Related: Bernese Mountain Dog's Playful Refusal to Come Inside From the Snow Is Hysterical
6. Relaxed Posture, Ears and Eyes
Not sure what body language cues to look for when assessing how your dog is feeling?
"Relaxed ears that are neither pinned back nor overly alert, coupled with soft, squinty eyes, signify a content and secure dog," Dr. Lopez says. "Tension in these areas can indicate anxiety. A relaxed posture, including loose muscles and a calm demeanor, suggests that your dog is comfortable and not on edge. These are key indicators of a secure and content canine companion."
Related: The Real Reason Why Dogs Like To Sleep in Their Owners’ Beds
7. Licks You
You're in luck if your dog licks you too. That means your pooch is at peace with you.
"Dogs often lick as a gesture of affection and trust," Dr. Lopez says. "This behavior is rooted in their instincts, resembling the way pups interact with their mothers. When your dog licks you, it's a sign of bonding and comfort."
8. Makes Eye Contact with You
If you really want to know if your dog feels safe with you, look in its eyes. Go ahead and play Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" for dramatic effect—maybe while holding a boombox aloft Say Anything-style. Make this a moment for you and your doggo to remember forever.
"Direct eye contact is a powerful form of communication in the canine world," Dr. Lopez explains. "When your dog looks you in the eyes, it signals trust and a strong bond, as prolonged eye contact can be perceived as a challenge in dog language."
See? You're learning more about how dogs communicate all the time, aren't you?
"This shared gaze between humans and dogs has been associated with the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the 'love hormone,'" Dr. Lopez continues. "This hormonal response further strengthens the emotional connection, reinforcing the sense of security and affection your dog feels in your presence."
Related: 10 Sweet Signs Your Dog Thinks of You as Their Mom and Dad
9. Comfortable Sleeping Next to You or in Your Room
If you're reading this and your dog is passed out on the bed next to you or even at your feet, you must be doing something right.
"Choosing to sleep close to you signifies that your dog views you as a source of safety and protection," Dr. Lopez says. "Dogs are pack animals, and being close to their pack leader provides a sense of security."
10. Exposed Vulnerable Areas
If the sleeping dog next to you or at your feet is snoozing with its belly exposed, you may be a first-time dog owner, but you're a natural.
"When dogs sleep on their backs with their bellies exposed, this demonstrates a deep sense of trust," Dr. Lopez explains. "Anytime a dog exposes his belly, it indicates he feels safe and secure, as this is a delicate area vulnerable to attack in the wild. In addition to their bellies, dogs might expose other vulnerable areas like their throats, allowing you to pet or scratch them in these sensitive spots without showing signs of discomfort."
If you enjoyed Dr. Lopez's words, visit her website, buy Coaching Cards for New Cat Parents and/or Coaching Cards for New Dog Parents, and follow her on Instagram.
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