Dog trainer shares 5 ways to know if your pet loves you or just tolerates you

Owning a pet is no walk in the park. The mere thought of expensive vet bills could give anyone pause, yet the affection a pet can offer is priceless.

For dog owners though, one question posed by a dog trainer has stirred up quite the debate: ‘Does your pet love or just tolerate you?’.

This is a matter of canine behaviour, as highlighted by well-known dog trainer Enric Rodríguez.

He has pinpointed specific behaviours that reveal whether your relationship with your furry friend is built on genuine trust or simply revolves around you being their meal ticket.

In a TikTok video, Enric says: “Trust is not earned with food alone but with safe and consistent experiences. Here are some clear signs that your dog trusts you. First, it looks for you when it doesn’t feel safe.

“If something scares it, it goes to you to feel safer. Second, it sleeps deeply near you.”

Enric points out, if your dog is at ease beside you, it shows genuine trust. Thirdly, if your pooch is happy being handled,.

“If it lets you touch its paws, ears, belly, it indicates that it feels comfortable with you. Does it pay attention to you even without food?”.

“That’s a sign you mean more than just treats. Fifth, does it follow you without being called?”.

Your pet’s attachment to you isn’t necessarily due to anxiety but because it cherishes your presence. These subtle behaviours often reflect a bond formed with respect, patience, and consistency.

The comment section saw individuals sharing their experiences with their pets. One user posted: “My puppy doesn’t like me he wants to bite me all day long.”

Another individual shared: “Everything except not letting you touch his paws or ears because!!!” while a third remarked: “Hello! I have a 1-year-and-2-month-old dog with serious separation anxiety issues. He cries when he’s alone, and even if I lock myself in a room, he’ll eat anything when he’s alone..”

Despite some sharing woes, others relayed more positive interactions. A commenter stated: “Mine is currently lying on the sofa at my feet, belly up, and the lady is snoring.”

Meanwhile, another person contributed: “My Chihuahua meets all the points mentioned in the video, so I deduce that he loves me. Of course, if he’s resting and I try to pick him up, he gets aggressive, and if he’s snuggled up with my mother, even more so.”