A Pet Behavioral Scientist Reveals the Heartwarming Signs Your Dog Feels Safe With You
When dogs feel safe at home and around their family, they’re more likely to relax, show affection, and build strong, trusting relationships with the people they love. A dog who feels secure may also be better equipped to cope with everyday stress and settle comfortably into family life. But how can you tell if your dog trusts you? From relaxed body language to the way they seek comfort and companionship, there are several signs your dog feels safe around you that may reveal just how strong your bond really is. But since dogs communicate differently than people do, some pet owners may not notice them.
However, learning how dogs show trust and affection can help you better understand their behavior, recognize when they feel comfortable around you, and identify ways to strengthen the bond you share. After all, knowing how to tell if your dog feels emotionally secure can help you become an even more attentive and supportive pet parent.
To help you out so you know what to look for and how you can decode your dog’s behaviors and body language, we spoke with behavioral scientist Dr. Miles Bensky, PhD. He not only gives insight into what pet owners can do to help their dogs feel safe and secure, but he also explains the signs your dog trusts you and feels completely at ease in your presence, offering a closer look at the subtle clues that may show your dog sees you as a source of comfort, reassurance, and safety.
What Makes a Dog Feel Safe and Secure?
A dog relaxing on its owner’s lap.Getty Images Violeta Jovovic
According to Dr. Bensky, dogs tend to feel safest and most secure when life is predictable and their needs are consistently met. This can look like feeding them at the same times every day, walking them on a schedule, offering plenty of attention and playtime, and having clear and consistent household rules.
“Simple things like a regular routine, clear expectations, positive interactions, and plenty of opportunities for exercise and enrichment all contribute to a dog feeling more confident and relaxed,” he says. “During stressful situations, dogs are more likely to feel secure when they have an owner who has built a foundation of trust and dependability.”
3 Signs You Dog Feels Safe and Comfortable Around You
If you’re wondering whether your dog feels relaxed, pay attention to how they act around you for some clues. Dr. Bensky highlights some of the top signs that your dog feels safe with you.
1. They Want to Be Close to You
Dr. Bensky says one of the best signs that your dog likes you and isn’t uncomfortable is that they regularly choose to be near you and interact with you. One special display of this desire for closeness is when your dog leans their body against yours, trusting that you will support them and snuggle back. How sweet is that?
“Relaxed body language, looking at you with soft eyes, and a willingness to rest or sleep nearby all suggest they feel at ease in your presence,” he says.
2. Eating or Drinking Near You
Most animals feel vulnerable when they are eating or drinking as their eyes and attention are focused on their bowl rather than what’s happening in the world around them. Dr. Bensky explains that if your dog lets their guard down and eats near you, it’s a good indication that they have no worries when they are around you. To them, you are not a threat. Instead, you are part of their inner circle and someone they can rely on.
3. Showing Their Belly
Dr. Bensky says another sign that your dog is happy and comfortable can be seen in how they sleep. If they roll onto their side in a relaxed way and expose their belly, they are at peace. In the wild, a dog would not usually expose their belly, particularly if there were any threats around. A domestic dog retains the instinct to keep this valuable area protected, so showing it to you often means they feel very safe.
#1 Way to Build a Stronger Bond With Your Dog
As a dog mom or dad, you want to establish an emotional attachment to you dog and have them do the same. The best way to build a stronger bond with your dog is to create a home life that feels safe and predictable. This can include speaking to them kindly, handling them gently, training them with respect, and establishing a consistent daily routine so they know when to expect meals, exercise, and time with you.
“At the heart of feeling safe is knowing what to expect and having a trusted relationship with the people who care for them,” Dr. Bensky.
Sources:
Dr. Miles Bensky, PhD, Behavioral Scientist
AniMed Animal Hospital
This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Nov 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: Nature
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