Why Do Dogs Trust Humans?

Trust comes easy for children and animals – in this case, dogs.  Respect, on the other hand, isn’t an automatic.  I believe it is earned.  Trust and respect work well together.  I don’t know if one can exist entirely without the other.

Respect can be falsely created through abuse, emotional or physical.  In this case, I don’t think it’s true respect but respect based on fear.  When we trust someone, we typically respect their decisions.

Why do dogs trust us?  I think that trust is a part of who we are – in dogs and humans alike. Until. . .until we learn otherwise.  Until something happens that causes us to question.  Unlike humans, I don’t think dogs are as quick to lose trust or to not trust again.

They trust us to provide and care for them and are usually tolerant of less than respectful treatment.  Not always – but usually.  Why?  I wish I could answer that; honestly I’m just glad they do.  It makes me a better human to have to care for them.  Trust and respect in return is a very fair trade.