Dogs are often seen as humankind’s best friend. But how can you tell if the feeling is mutual?

Since there’s no way (yet) to verbally communicate with your furry friend, you’ll need to pay close attention to their body language and behavior to understand how they truly feel — and whether they feel safe and secure around you.

It’s also important to note that a dog’s trust is not unwavering. It can easily be broken in situations of abuse, neglect and abandonment. So once you’ve earned it, it’s important to continue fostering it through love and respect.

Here are the top four ways dogs exhibit their trust, according to experts.

Follow you around the house

You can generally assume that the person a dog chooses to trail faithfully behind is their favorite. This behavior, according to the Dwight Veterinary Clinic in Illinois, shows not only curiosity but devotion.

Per the Veterinary Healthcare Associates, an animal hospital in Florida, some dogs show their love and admiration by wanting to be around their owners all of the time.

It can also be a sign of positive reinforcement. “Often dogs will follow their owners if their bond is paired over time with a great deal of reinforcement,” the Alliance of Therapy Dogs wrote in 2018. “If a dog learns that good things, such as food, pats, and fun activities come from a particular person, they may be more likely to follow that person.”

However, Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the American Kennel Club, warned that if a dog suddenly becomes very clingy, it could signal that they “may be suffering from a physical ailment and keeping you in reach for comfort. A checkup by the veterinarian is a good idea if this happens.”

Belly-up

Any animal’s belly is one of their most vulnerable spots. So if a dog is happily rolling around on its back begging for belly rubs or sleeping next to you on its back with its belly exposed, it can be seen as a major win.

“When a dog rolls over and sleeps on their back, exposing their belly, it can mean your dog feels very safe and comfortable,” Melissa Goodman, a certified dog trainer, said to ParadePets in 2024.

Kelly C. Ballantyne, DVM, DACVB, board-certified veterinary behaviorist and medical director of Insight Animal Behavior Services in Chicago, Illinois, stressed the importance of ensuring the dog is in a relaxed state when showing off its belly. Otherwise, if they are stiff or tense, it likely means they are uncomfortable, she told Chewy.

Soft eye contact

Much can be learned about a dog’s inner world through their eyes. Avoidant or intense eye contact can be a sign of anxiety, according to The Conversation’s Paul McGreevy, a Professor of Animal Behavior and Animal Welfare Science at the University of Sydney.

On the other hand, calm and gentle eye contact is a way dogs express their affection and trust.

“Soft eyes have relaxed lids and can sometimes look like the dog is squinting. They indicate the dog is calm or happy,” Stephanie Gibeault, who holds a Master of Science in Animal Behavior, wrote for the American Kennel Club in 2025.

Sharing their favorite toy

Dogs are notorious for offering their toys to any hand willing to throw or tug at them. Still, it is a meaningful display of respect if they are constantly bringing you their most prized possession.

“They can be possessive of their belongings, so trusting you with their treasures could be their way of expressing their faith in you to take care of their favorite toy for them,” according to a 2025 vet-reviewed article published by ElleVet Sciences.

Wailani Sung, a San Francisco veterinarian, noted in a 2025 piece for PetMD that dogs are social creatures, and for some, sharing or offering you their favorite toy is their way of showing they enjoy your company and want to interact.

“Some dogs may be protective of certain toys,” Sung added, “so when they bring you their favorite stuffed animal, it can be a signal that they feel safe and comfortable with you.”