If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I actually doing this right?” — you’re not alone.
Most dog moms assume bonding looks obvious: tail wags, kisses, excitement at the door. And while those can be signs of affection, true bonding usually shows up much more quietly.
Especially with rescue dogs, trust doesn’t shout.
It whispers.
It whispers.
Here are five subtle signs your dog is bonding with you — and why noticing them matters more than you think.
1. Their eyes soften around you
This isn’t the wide, alert stare you see outside or around strangers.
It’s slower. Gentler. Almost melted.
It’s slower. Gentler. Almost melted.
Soft eyes are one of the clearest signs your dog feels safe in your presence. It means their nervous system isn’t on high alert — and that’s the foundation of trust.
2. They choose to be near you without demanding attention
Bonded dogs don’t always need to be on you.
Sometimes they just want to be with you.
Sometimes they just want to be with you.
Laying nearby. Sitting at your feet. Following you room to room without asking for anything. That quiet proximity is connection.
3. They mirror your energy (this is the one most people miss)
If you calm down and your dog settles…
If you feel anxious and your dog becomes restless…
If you feel anxious and your dog becomes restless…
That’s not coincidence. That’s co-regulation.
Dogs bond by syncing nervous systems. When your dog mirrors your emotional state, it means they trust you enough to take cues from you — not the environment.
Want to understand how your dog shows love and trust? I created a free Love Signals™ Quiz to help you identify your dog’s unique bonding language — so you can strengthen your connection without guessing or second-guessing yourself.
4. They check in with you during distractions
A quick glance on a walk.
A pause before reacting.
That “are we okay?” look.
A pause before reacting.
That “are we okay?” look.
These check-ins mean your dog sees you as their reference point. That’s attachment forming in real time.
5. They rest more deeply when you’re around
Loose limbs. Heavy sighs. Deep, relaxed sleep.
Dogs don’t fully rest unless they feel safe. If your dog sleeps better when you’re nearby, you’re doing more right than you realize.
A gentle reminder
Bonding isn’t about perfection.
It’s about presence.
It’s about presence.
If your dog shows even one of these signs, trust is already growing — even if things still feel messy some days.
May your days be filled with Wiggins tails, answered prayers and fun adventures!
And if you’d like encouragement, support, and faith-led guidance from other dog moms who get it…
💛 Join my free Facebook group:
Furever Dog Moms: Raising Rescue Pups Together
Furever Dog Moms: Raising Rescue Pups Together
You don’t have to do this alone.
Bringing a rescue dog home is often painted as a joyful, instant happily-ever-after.
But for many dog moms, the reality looks very different.
Your new dog won’t settle.
Won’t eat.
Won’t relax.
Won’t eat.
Won’t relax.
Behaviors you weren’t expecting begin to show up.
And quietly, you wonder: Am I doing something wrong?
If that’s you, take a deep breath.
You’re not failing — your rescue dog is decompressing.
You’re not failing — your rescue dog is decompressing.
What Decompression Really Means
Most rescue dogs come from environments filled with stress, unpredictability, and loss of control. Even if their past is unknown, their nervous system remembers instability.
When they arrive in your home, their body doesn’t immediately recognize safety. Instead, it releases cortisol — the stress hormone — to stay alert and prepared for survival.
This is where the commonly shared 3-3-3 rule can help you understand what’s happening.
The 3-3-3 Rule Explained
The First 3 Days:
Your dog may seem shut down, withdrawn, restless, or overly clingy. This is survival mode. Everything is new, and their brain is simply trying to cope.
Your dog may seem shut down, withdrawn, restless, or overly clingy. This is survival mode. Everything is new, and their brain is simply trying to cope.
The First 3 Weeks:
This is often the hardest stage. As cortisol begins to drop, emotions rise. Behaviors, fears, and sensitivities may appear or intensify. This is sometimes called a cortisol crash, and while it feels alarming, it’s actually a sign that your dog is starting to feel safe enough to express themselves.
This is often the hardest stage. As cortisol begins to drop, emotions rise. Behaviors, fears, and sensitivities may appear or intensify. This is sometimes called a cortisol crash, and while it feels alarming, it’s actually a sign that your dog is starting to feel safe enough to express themselves.
The First 3 Months:
Trust begins to form. Routines feel more predictable. Your dog slowly shows who they truly are beneath survival instincts.
Trust begins to form. Routines feel more predictable. Your dog slowly shows who they truly are beneath survival instincts.
Why It Can Feel Like Things Are Getting Worse
Here’s the truth most people don’t say:
Healing can look messy before it looks peaceful.
Healing can look messy before it looks peaceful.
Decompression is not linear. Progress isn’t measured by obedience or perfection — it’s measured by safety, consistency, and patience.
One helpful way to support your dog during this season is learning how they naturally communicate and receive love. Many rescue behaviors soften when we meet dogs emotionally, not just behaviorally.
That’s why I created the Love Signals™ Quiz — a quick, gentle tool to help you understand how your dog is trying to connect with you, especially during decompression.
A Faith-Filled Reminder
God did not place this dog in your life by accident.
Not the timing.
Not the challenges.
And not you.
Not the timing.
Not the challenges.
And not you.
You weren’t chosen because you’re perfect — you were chosen because you’re safe.
Slow is not wrong.
Quiet is not broken.
And healing takes time.
Quiet is not broken.
And healing takes time.
💛 Need support during this season?
You don’t have to walk this journey alone.
You don’t have to walk this journey alone.
You’re doing better than you think — and your dog is right where they need to be.
Join my free Facebook community
where we talk honestly about decompression, bonding, routines, nutrition,
& raising rescue dogs with confidence and grace.
There’s a quiet moment almost every rescue dog mom experiences.
It usually happens late at night.
The house is still.
Your dog is nearby — maybe curled up on a bed, maybe just close enough to feel safe.
The house is still.
Your dog is nearby — maybe curled up on a bed, maybe just close enough to feel safe.
And suddenly the questions creep in...
Why me?
Am I really the right person for this dog?
What if I mess this up?
Am I really the right person for this dog?
What if I mess this up?
If you’ve ever thought those things, you’re not alone.
Rescue Is Rarely Random
God doesn’t make accidental pairings.
Not the timing.
Not the circumstances.
And not you.
Not the circumstances.
And not you.
You may see a dog with a past — fear, habits, or behaviors you don’t yet understand.
But God sees a story still being written.
But God sees a story still being written.
Rescue dogs don’t arrive in perfect packages. They arrive with history. And the woman who adopts them often does too.
That’s not a mistake.
That’s alignment.
That’s alignment.
You Were Chosen for Willingness, Not Perfection
You weren’t chosen because you’d do everything right.
You were chosen because you’re willing.
Willing to slow down.
Willing to learn.
Willing to love a soul that’s already been disappointed by the world.
Willing to learn.
Willing to love a soul that’s already been disappointed by the world.
Rescue dogs don’t need flawless owners.
They need faithful ones.
They need faithful ones.
Owners who choose patience over panic.
Consistency over chaos.
Grace over guilt.
Consistency over chaos.
Grace over guilt.
Sometimes the Rescue Goes Both Ways
This is the part no one prepares you for.
Sometimes the rescue isn’t one-sided.
Dogs teach us presence.
They soften guarded hearts.
They invite us into routine, rest, and trust — often before we realize we need it.
They soften guarded hearts.
They invite us into routine, rest, and trust — often before we realize we need it.
That anxious pacing? It teaches you to slow down.
That need for routine? It brings peace back into your home.
That bond forming between you? That’s trust being rebuilt — on both ends of the leash.
That need for routine? It brings peace back into your home.
That bond forming between you? That’s trust being rebuilt — on both ends of the leash.
You’re Not Behind — You’re Right Where You’re Meant to Be
If you’re second-guessing yourself, pause for a moment.
Place a hand on your dog.
Say a quiet prayer.
And remember this truth:
Say a quiet prayer.
And remember this truth:
God knew exactly what He was doing when He gave you this dog.
You were entrusted with this life for such a time as this.
🤍 Want Support on This Journey?
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Join my free Facebook community:
Furever Dog Moms: Raising Rescue Pups Together
Furever Dog Moms: Raising Rescue Pups Together
It’s a safe, judgment-free space for rescue dog moms who want calm guidance, faith-aligned care, and real-life support.
Waffles, our sweet golden retriever, is turning two years old! 🐶💛
To celebrate, we’re heading to Dewey Beach for the Golden Jubilee—a big weekend party just for golden retrievers! There will be beach time, wagging tails, and so many new friends to meet. We can’t wait!
🍠 Waffles Needs Fuel to Play!
Big play days mean big energy needs. That’s why I made Waffles a special treat:
Sweet Potato & Greek Yogurt Refuel Bites.
Sweet Potato & Greek Yogurt Refuel Bites.
They are:
- Easy to make
- Full of healthy protein
- Great for pups on the go
This recipe comes from my new dog treat book, Furever Nourished: Superfood Dog Treat Recipes Your Dog Will Love. 🐾
✅ Try This Easy Dog Treat Recipe
Sweet Potato & Greek Yogurt Refuel Bites (from Furever Nourished in the "Energy & Endurance" section)
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup mashed sweet potato
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions:
- Mix both ingredients until smooth.
- Spoon or pipe onto freeze-dryer trays.
- Freeze-dry as your machine says.
Why it’s great: High in protein and complex carbs—perfect for active pups like Waffles
If I have enough time this week, I’m going to make extra treats to share with Waffles’ new friends at Dewey. If your pup gets one, I hope they love it!
This recipe is just one of the many in my new book. You’ll find treats made with:
- 9 superfoods like pumpkin, blueberries, and yogurt
- 5 easy methods (bake, no-bake, frozen, dehydrated, freeze-dried)
- 8 health goals, like calming treats, dental chews, and energy bites
🐶 Join the Pack!
If you love learning about healthy treats and want support in raising a happy pup, come join our
Facebook group: Furever Dog Moms
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful, eat yummy food, and spend time with the people and pets we love. But not all the food on your plate is safe for your dog.
Let’s talk about what foods are okay for dogs and what foods should stay far away from their bowl.
Foods That Are a Big No in Our House
Even though Waffles gives me that sweet look, there are some things I never let him have. These can be dangerous, even if it’s just a little bite.
- Turkey bones can break and hurt their throat or belly. Waffles doesn’t get any bones.
- Stuffing made with onions or garlic is not safe for dogs.
- Chocolate or sweet treats with fake sugar like xylitol can make dogs very sick.
- Grapes or raisins, sometimes in salads or desserts, can hurt their kidneys.
- Creamy foods, casseroles, and buttery dishes upset tummies and can be too rich.
- Alcohol is very harmful to dogs, even in small amounts.
What Waffles Is Allowed to Enjoy
Now for the good news. Some Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs, but only if they are served plain and in small bites. Here’s what I let Waffles enjoy:
- Plain turkey breast with no bones or skin. He only gets a few small bites.
- Steamed green beans with no salt. Crunchy and healthy.
- Mashed sweet potatoes with nothing added. No butter or sugar.
- A little plain canned pumpkin. It helps with digestion and Waffles loves it.
- Apple slices with no seeds. A sweet, crunchy treat.
I always make Waffles his own little Thanksgiving plate with safe foods just for him. It helps him feel like he’s part of the family because he is.
From Our Table to Yours
It feels good to share the holiday with your dog. Just remember, not all people food is dog food. A little care can keep your pup safe and happy all season long.
Want more tips like this? Join our Facebook group where we raise our rescue pups with love, structure, and grace — just like family. Click HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1223583448501457
