Understanding the Trust Between Yorkies and Their Owners: 15 Telltale Signs

Yorkshire Terriers, commonly known as Yorkies, are a popular breed of small dogs known for their playful nature, loyalty, and bold personality. However, like all dogs, they have unique ways of expressing trust towards their owners. Building trust with a Yorkie is a gradual process that results from consistent care, attention, and bonding. But how exactly do you know when your Yorkie fully trusts you? In this article, we’ll explore 15 clear signs that show your Yorkie trusts you, highlighting key behaviors and responses that reflect a strong bond.

1. Relaxed Body Posture

A Yorkie that feels safe and trusts its owner will have a relaxed body posture. Tense or stiff postures often indicate discomfort or fear. When your Yorkie is calm, their tail is likely wagging gently or resting low, and they’ll approach you with confidence.

Example of Relaxed Posture

• Their back is not arched, and they may even roll over to expose their belly, which is a sign of vulnerability and trust.
• They approach you without hesitation, with a gentle tail wag.

2. Following You Around

Yorkies are naturally curious, but when they follow you from room to room, it’s a clear sign they enjoy your presence and trust you. Dogs are pack animals by nature, and this behavior is a way of showing loyalty and affection.

Specific Example of Loyalty

Even when you’re not holding food or toys, your Yorkie will stick close to you, seeking companionship because they feel secure with you.

3. Seeking Physical Contact

If your Yorkie frequently initiates physical contact like snuggling, pawing at you, or laying their head on your lap, it’s a direct sign of trust. Dogs, especially small breeds like Yorkies, look to their owners for warmth and comfort.

Proposed Solution for Strengthening This Bond

Make sure you spend enough time petting or cuddling with your Yorkie. This strengthens the emotional bond and reinforces trust.

4. Eye Contact Without Anxiety

In the animal world, sustained eye contact can be a threat. However, with domesticated dogs like Yorkies, maintaining eye contact with their owner without showing signs of fear is a strong signal of trust.

Signs of Comfortable Eye Contact

• Your Yorkie looks into your eyes during moments of rest or affection.
• They blink slowly, showing they are not on high alert.

5. Happy Greeting When You Return

When you come home, if your Yorkie greets you enthusiastically with a wagging tail, jumping, or vocalizing (like barking or yipping), it shows they missed you and feel safe in your presence.

Tips for Enhancing the Greeting Behavior

Always acknowledge their greeting by petting or talking to them when you return. This reassures them that they are important to you and solidifies the bond.

6. Comfortable Sleeping Near or On You

Dogs are vulnerable when they sleep, so a Yorkie that chooses to rest near or on you is showing a deep level of trust. They feel safe enough in your presence to let their guard down.

Solution for Better Bonding During Sleep

Provide a cozy, safe space for them to sleep. If your Yorkie prefers sleeping next to you on the bed or sofa, this is a great sign of trust. Just ensure it’s comfortable and safe for them.

7. Playfulness Around You

Yorkies are naturally playful dogs, but when they engage in play, particularly bringing toys to you, it’s a sign of a strong bond. Play behavior indicates they see you as a trusted companion.

How to Strengthen Playtime

Engage in interactive play with toys like fetch or tug-of-war. This reinforces your Yorkie’s perception of you as a fun and trusted partner.

8. Not Guarding Their Food

Some dogs can be territorial around food, but a Yorkie that trusts you won’t display aggressive or possessive behavior when eating. If they allow you near their bowl or even take food from your hand without hesitation, this indicates trust.

Example of Food-Related Trust

Your Yorkie calmly eats while you’re nearby, and they might even leave food unfinished without worrying about you taking it away.

9. Allowing Grooming

Grooming can be stressful for dogs, especially if they don’t trust the person doing it. If your Yorkie allows you to brush them, clean their teeth, or trim their nails without resistance, it shows they trust you to care for them.

Proposed Solution to Build Grooming Trust

Start grooming sessions slowly and offer positive reinforcement like treats during and after the process. This ensures grooming becomes a pleasant experience for your Yorkie.

10. Not Panicking During Vet Visits

Vet visits can be anxiety-inducing for many dogs, but a Yorkie that feels secure with their owner will feel less stressed. If your dog looks to you for reassurance instead of panicking, it’s a strong sign of trust.

How to Ease Vet Anxiety

Stay calm and reassuring during vet visits. Your energy will influence your Yorkie’s behavior, and if they trust you, they’ll be less likely to panic.

11. Sharing Toys and Treats

Yorkies can be possessive of their toys and treats, but if they willingly share or bring them to you, this shows they trust you. Dogs that feel comfortable sharing their prized possessions see their owners as part of their “pack.”

Example of Sharing Behavior

Your Yorkie brings you their favorite toy and drops it at your feet, signaling they want to include you in their play.

12. No Destructive Behavior

When dogs are anxious or don’t trust their environment, they may resort to destructive behaviors like chewing furniture or shoes. A Yorkie that feels safe and trusts their owner is less likely to engage in such actions.

Solution for Preventing Destructive Behavior

Ensure your Yorkie gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which often leads to destructive habits. A trusting relationship also reduces anxiety-driven destruction.

13. Relaxing in New Environments

A Yorkie that trusts their owner will feel safe even in new or unfamiliar places. They rely on their owner’s cues and body language to assess situations, and if you remain calm, your Yorkie will, too.

Proposed Solution for New Environments

Take your Yorkie to new places gradually, starting with less crowded or noisy environments. Reassure them through touch and verbal cues to help them adapt comfortably.

14. Responding to Your Commands

A Yorkie that trusts their owner will respond positively to commands, understanding that following instructions results in rewards and affection. Obedience is a key sign of trust, as they feel secure knowing you’re in charge.

Example of Obedience-Based Trust

When you call your Yorkie’s name or tell them to sit, they immediately respond, knowing that you’re guiding them in a safe and positive way.

15. Leaning on You for Comfort

If your Yorkie leans against you during moments of stress or rests their head on your lap, it’s a sign they trust you to provide comfort and protection.

Strengthening Emotional Bonding

In stressful situations (e.g., thunderstorms or fireworks), stay close to your Yorkie and offer them reassurance through touch and a calm voice. Over time, they’ll associate you with safety during distressing times.

Limitations and Future Research

While these signs are common indicators of trust in Yorkies, it’s important to note that each dog is unique. Some Yorkies may display trust in different ways depending on their personality and background. Additionally, future research could explore how factors like early life experiences, breed traits, and owner behavior affect the development of trust in small dogs. Further studies might also consider how external environments (e.g., urban vs. rural settings) influence a Yorkie’s trust-building process with their owner.