Dog trainer explains how to tell if your pet loves you or just tolerates you

THE EXPERT SHARED THE FIVE SIGNS THAT SHOW YOUR DOG 'LOVES YOU' - AND DOZENS OF PET OWNERS HAVE WEIGHED IN. 08:47, 02 Jun 2025 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. But dogs have long held the title of humankind's best friend, with the bond between them

and their owners truly remarkable. When a dog loves a human, it shows unwavering loyalty and affection. For 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 Rodriguez. 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, reports the Express. Article

continues below 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. In the comments

section, pet owners were keen to share their own tales. One user confessed: "My puppy doesn't like me he wants to bite me all day long." Another shared their unique

challenge: "Everything except not letting you touch his paws or ears because!!!" A third disclosed: "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.." Yet, amidst the struggles, some comments reflected happier

experiences. One person described a content scene: "Mine is currently lying on the sofa at my feet, belly up, and the lady is snoring." And another added a note of affection with a

hint of humour: "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." Article continues below According to the study, a dog’s heart rate increases by 46.2 percent when they hear the words "I

love you."