ARTICLES

Dogs communicate through their ears, eyes, mouth, tail, posture, and movement. Learning to observe these signals together, while considering the surrounding situation and your dog’s normal behavior, can help you recognize comfort, excitement, uncertainty, and possible discomfort.

Dogs cannot explain trust in words, but their behavior can provide useful clues. Relaxing near you, choosing your company, sleeping nearby, making soft eye contact, seeking comfort, playing with you, and behaving naturally around you can all suggest that your dog feels safe and secure.