Signs of a Dog Not Trusting Its Owner
Trusting someone completely is no easy feat, and the same can be said for dogs. While our furry companions often display their affection and obedience, this doesn't necessarily equate to full trust. Some dogs, for instance, prefer to curl up in a corner or under the bed. This behavior, to some extent, reflects their lack of security, even during rest. The corners or beneath the bed offer a sense of shelter and concealment, ensuring they feel safe from potential threats while they sleep. Their cautious actions in protecting themselves indicate that they haven't quite placed their full trust in us. A truly trusted dog will feel comfortable enough to snooze in any corner of the home, sprawled out without a worry in the world, undeterred by thunder or anything else.
There are also dogs that are constantly at their owner's heels. This behavior isn't always a sign of affection; a closer look might reveal that the dog is hypervigilant, fixated on the owner's every move. If the owner shifts their attention elsewhere, the dog will follow closely, never losing sight. Such dogs often suffer from extreme insecurity, either due to a lack of trust or an overdependence on their owner. In such cases, any action that upsets the dog can lead to a growing sense of mistrust.
For dogs that were once stray animals, hoarding food is a common behavior. In the wild, these dogs wouldn't consume their food immediately but would save it for their young or hide it away for later. Even after being adopted, they might continue this behavior, as they're still not fully trusting of their new environment and lifestyle. This is another sign of their insecurity, even when they're regularly fed by their owners, they might still fear running out of food.
Dogs without a sense of security are particularly sensitive to food, treating everything they see as their own, fiercely guarding it from others or other dogs. This often leads to possessive eating behaviors. If the owner gets too close while the dog is eating, the dog might growl or even bare its teeth. Some dogs also mistrust their home environment, becoming anxious and on edge at the slightest movement, with high alertness and a quick temper. These dogs are often on edge, even when their owners are with them.
Even if a dog doesn't fully trust its owner, it doesn't mean it's okay to share the owner with other pets. Some dogs can be incredibly jealous, becoming aggressive or possessive when the owner shows affection to another pet. It's important for owners to soothe their dog's feelings during these moments, ensuring they feel loved and secure. This helps the dog to gradually trust the owner more. Should you have any further questions, don't hesitate to consult an online vet for more information.
