From Tail Wags to Eye Contact: 15 Signs Your Dog Feels Secure by Your Side

Understanding Dog Behaviour
By Liam Hartwell

Discover the subtle yet profound ways in which your dog communicates comfort and trust. From the joyful wag of a tail to the intimate gaze of eye contact, these behaviors signal that your furry friend feels safe by your side. Understanding these signs can strengthen your bond and ensure your dog thrives in your companionship.

Tail Wagging

© Chewy.com

A wagging tail is more than just a sign of happiness; it’s a window into your dog’s emotional world. When your dog wags its tail in a relaxed manner, it’s a positive sign of contentment and security. This behavior often accompanies a playful demeanor, where your dog might invite you to join in a game.

Different tail positions convey different messages, but a gentle, sweeping motion typically indicates your dog feels safe and happy. This sign of trust is a heartwarming reminder of the bond you share, a testament to their comfort in your presence.

Eye Contact

© Premier Pups

Eye contact between you and your dog is a powerful form of communication. When your dog gazes into your eyes, it’s a sign of affection and trust, akin to a human embrace. This connection releases oxytocin, the ‘love hormone,’ strengthening your bond.

A soft, steady gaze means your dog feels secure and at ease, enjoying the comfort of your companionship. Unlike a challenging stare, this gentle eye contact is an invitation to connect, a moment of mutual understanding and affection that speaks volumes without words.

Leaning on You

© Animalhotels.com

When a dog leans on you, it’s not just seeking physical support; it’s a gesture of trust and reassurance. This behavior shows your dog feels comfortable and protected by your presence. By leaning, your dog is expressing affection and seeking a closer connection.

It’s a silent conversation between you and your furry companion, where words aren’t needed to convey feelings of security and love. This simple act of leaning can turn any moment into a shared experience of warmth and comfort.

Relaxed Body Posture

© PetMD

A relaxed body posture, like lying with legs in the air, signals that your dog feels safe and at ease. This vulnerable position is a testament to the trust your dog places in you, as it indicates complete relaxation and comfort.

Your dog may stretch out fully or roll over, inviting you to give a belly rub. This behavior is a clear indication of feeling secure, showing that your dog trusts you with its most vulnerable side. It’s a delightful expression of confidence in the safety of its environment.

Playful Behavior

© Wag!

Playful behavior in dogs is a joyous expression of feeling secure and content. When your dog invites you to play, it indicates a strong bond and trust in your companionship. This behavior often includes play bows, excited barks, or chasing games.

Such playful antics show that your dog feels free to express its joyful energy, unburdened by fear or anxiety. This playful nature is a reflection of the comfort and safety your dog feels in your presence, a shared language of fun and affection.

Sleeping in Your Bed

© Dogster

When your dog chooses to sleep in your bed, it’s a sign of deep trust and affection. Sharing a sleeping space indicates that your dog feels secure and bonded with you, seeking closeness even in rest.

This behavior is a warm expression of companionship, where your dog finds comfort in your presence even in its most vulnerable state. The shared warmth and security of sleeping together is a testament to the trusting relationship you have built.

Bringing You Toys

© Kinship

When your dog brings you toys, it’s more than an invitation to play; it’s a gesture of trust and affection. This behavior shows that your dog feels secure and wants to share joy with you. Bringing you a toy is like offering a gift, a token of their appreciation and love.

This simple act demonstrates the bond you share, a playful yet meaningful way your dog expresses its trust and happiness in your companionship.

Following You Around

© Good Housekeeping

Following you around is a clear indication that your dog feels secure and connected to you. This behavior shows your dog values your presence and sees you as a source of comfort and guidance.

It’s a reflection of your dog’s trust and loyalty, wanting to be near you and part of your activities. This close companionship is a heartwarming sign of the bond you have nurtured, demonstrating your dog’s desire for your company and assurance.

Happy Barking

© The PetLab Co.

Happy barking is a vibrant sign of your dog’s excitement and security. Unlike anxious or alarmed barking, this joyful sound expresses your dog’s enthusiasm and contentment. It’s a celebration of your presence, a vocal expression of joy that accompanies wagging tails and playful antics.

This behavior signifies your dog’s comfort in its environment and with you, a lively testament to the happiness and trust it feels in your presence. Happy barking is music to the ears of any dog lover, a cheerful reminder of the bond you share.

Licking You

© Pine Street Animal Hospital

Licking is a classic sign of affection and trust from your dog. When your dog licks you, it’s expressing love and comfort, akin to giving a gentle kiss. This behavior is often a way for your dog to bond with you, showing that it feels safe and cherished.

The act of licking releases endorphins, creating a soothing experience for your dog and reinforcing its sense of security. It’s a tender gesture that encapsulates the warmth and affection central to your relationship.

Yawning When You Yawn

© National Geographic

Yawning when you yawn is a fascinating sign of your dog’s empathy and connection with you. This behavior, known as contagious yawning, shows your dog is attuned to your emotions and feels secure in your presence.

It’s a subtle yet profound way your dog mirrors your actions, a reflection of the bond and trust you share. This synchronized behavior illustrates the deep emotional connection and understanding between you and your dog, highlighting its comfort and security with you.

Waiting Patiently for You

© Rover.com

A dog that waits patiently for you is a testament to trust and security. This behavior shows your dog has faith in your return and values your presence. Whether waiting by the door or calmly observing your activities, your dog’s patience reflects its understanding of your bond.

This act of waiting is a quiet yet powerful expression of loyalty, demonstrating the deep connection and confidence your dog has in your companionship.

Gentle Nuzzling

© AskDoggy

Gentle nuzzling is a heartwarming sign of affection and trust from your dog. When your dog nuzzles against you, it’s expressing love and comfort, seeking closeness and reassurance. This intimate gesture shows that your dog feels secure and cherished around you.

Nuzzling is often accompanied by soft sighs or contented noises, further emphasizing the bond you share. It’s a simple yet profound way your dog communicates its happiness and trust in your companionship.

Relaxed Ears

© Ansede Animal Hospital

Relaxed ears in a dog are a subtle but significant sign of feeling secure and at ease. When your dog’s ears are in a natural, relaxed position, it’s an indication of comfort and confidence in its surroundings.

This calm demeanor shows that your dog is not on high alert, trusting in the safety of its environment and your presence. Relaxed ears are a visual cue of your dog’s well-being, reflecting the peace and trust it finds in your companionship.

Contented Sighing

© PetMD

Contented sighing from your dog is a gentle affirmation of happiness and security. When your dog sighs softly, it’s a sign of relaxation and trust, a moment of pure contentment. This behavior indicates that your dog feels safe and comfortable in its environment.

A contented sigh is a subtle expression of well-being, a soothing sound that reassures you of your dog’s happiness. It’s a serene reminder of the trust and affection your dog holds for you.