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7 Signs Your Dog Looks Up to You More Than You Realize

By Korin Miller Parade Pets

Updated June 14, 2026 7:22 AM

A dog who admires its owner checking on them while out walking. Getty Images Milamai

Being a pet parent is a big responsibility, but it can sometimes feel a little thankless. After all, when your pup breaks into the garbage for the zillionth time or chews up your favorite pair of shoes, it's fair to wonder if they respect you at all. While your pet can't use words to express how much they love you, dogs do drop subtle clues that they admire you, according to Amanda Farah, MSc, CPDT-K, national training and behavior coordinator at Best Friends Animal Society. However, because dogs communicate differently than people do, they can be easy to miss. To help you know what to look for, we gathered 7 signs your dog looks up to you more than you realize, according to trainers.

Of course, every dog is unique and has their own behaviors that they lean into. As a result, it's a stretch to say that each pooch will universally show that they are fond of their pet parent in the exact same way.

Still, there are certain gestures and body language that suggest that your dog values you and thinks you're the best person in the world. Whether you need some reassurance as a pet parent or are just curious about where things stand between you and your furry family member, trainers recommend being on the lookout for these heartwarming signs of love and affection. That way, you'll know that your human-dog bond is tighter than you thought.

7 Signs Your Dog Looks Up to You

Remember, dogs express how they feel and show signs of their affection in a ways that aren't always easy to recognize that often show up in quiet, everyday habits. Here are a few trainers say you can watch for.

They Give You a Soft Gaze

You may have heard warnings to never make eye contact with a dog, but this isn't universally seen as threatening by dogs. "Contrary to popular belief, dogs make eye contact for lots of reasons that have nothing to do with threat or warning," Farah says. "A dog who makes soft, relaxed eye contact with you is likely comfortable and thinks you're worthy of their attention."

In fact, gentle eye contact is a sign of trust and how dogs show affection. When they gaze into their owner's eyes, oxytocin, the same hormone that bonds mothers and infants, surges within dogs and humans.

They Check In With You On Walks

Your dog has its own thing going on-especially on walks- but a pooch will often check in on its pet parent when it looks up to you. "A dog who frequently ‘checks in' or looks over at you to see what you're doing is trying to make sure you stay close or looking to you to see what they should do next," Farah says. She calls these flattering signs that your dog thinks your attention is rewarding and they look up to you more an you know.

They Show Their Belly

One way you can tell if your dog loves you and values you is if they show you their belly. "This is a vulnerable gesture and a huge sign of trust," according to Alexandra Bassett, lead dog trainer at Dog Savvy. "A dog's belly protects their vital organs, so for them to lie there with their underside exposed is a sign they feel truly safe in your presence and see you as part of their family or ‘pack,'" she says. This is basically your dog's way of saying that they know you won't hurt them and directed towards people dogs literally adore.

They Use You As a Resting Post

Your dog isn't leaning against you because they're lazy, but rather its a sign of emotional reassurance. "A body lean is basically a dog hug," Farah says. "It says that they like you, they find you safe and comforting, or they trust that you'll scratch that itchy spot on their back for them."

So, if your pup leans on you, it's their way of communicating that they feel good about you and a sign of your dog's affection toward you.

They Morph Into a Bodyguard

Feel like you always have a small shadow following you around? That's a good thing when you're a pet parent, according to Shannon Walker, dog trainer and founder of Northwest Battle Buddies. She reveals that it means your pup is curious about what you're up to and also wants to make sure you're OK. By doing this, it shows how much they think about you and admire you.

They Listen to You

Training is important, of course, but a dog who looks up to you is often a better listener than one who doesn't respect their owner. "Reacting to a call from you" is a solid sign of loyalty and respect from a dog," Walker says. Of course, it's a stretch to say that your dog isn't devoted to you if they don't come when you call every single time-especially if you're someplace busy, like at the dog park. But dogs that are generally good listeners typically respect their pet parent.

They Have a Relaxed Posture

Body language is crucial with dogs, Bassett says. "A happy, relaxed dog will have loose, wiggly movements, while a nervous or uncertain dog may freeze, avert their gaze, or tuck their tail," she says. If your dog looks up to you, they're more likely to be able to relax in your presence and know that you've got their back.

Sources:

Amanda Farah, MSc, CPDT-K, national training and behavior coordinator at Best Friends Animal Society
Shannon Walker, dog trainer and founder of Northwest Battle Buddies
Alexandra Bassett, lead dog trainer at Dog Savvy

This story was originally published June 14, 2026 at 7:10 AM.