As a pet parent when someone new enters your life, it’s natural to wonder how to tell if your dog likes your partner. While dogs don’t speak our language, they have their own telltale ways of communicating and showing approval. They may wag their tail gently, bring over a favorite toy unprompted or simply settle nearby. These aren’t random gestures, but instead positive signs your dog likes your significant other. To help you know what to other clues you can look for, we rounded up 7 signs your dog loves your partner and approves of them, according to trainers.

After all, a dog’s body language and behaviors can reveal their true feelings, mood and comfort level as dogs are highly attuned to energy and emotions, so their reactions often go beyond mere curiosity. That’s why observing your dog’s behavior around your significant other is a reliable way to understand attachment, see if your dog feels emotionally secure, and gauge whether your partner fits seamlessly into your pet’s household.

Paying attention to these hints don’t just help you understand your dog better, but they also guide you towards building a harmonious relationship between everyone in your life. That way, you won’t be wondering, “Does my dog like my boyfriend/girlfriend?” Instead, you’ll be able to recognize the signs your dog truly likes your partner. According to trainers, there are seven clear signs that indicate your partner has your dog’s wholehearted approval. See what they are, below! You may even be surprised by some of them.

Related: 9 Ways Dogs Show You Matter to Them & They Love You, According to Trainers

7 Signs You Dog Approves of Your Significant Other

Curious if your pup gives your partner the “doggy stamp of approval”? No matter if you have a big dog or a small dog, watching your devoted pet’s little gestures is a sweet reminder that your partner has earned their trust and love.

They Have Relaxed Body Language

When it comes to dogs bonding with humans, each relationship is different. The first thing Caitlin Cruz, head dog trainer at Pupford, looks at to see if a dog is comfortable around someone is their body language. “Dogs communicate through subtle body language cues that can paint a pretty good picture of how your dog is feeling,” she explains.

She notes that signs of a relaxed dog include loose muscles, a neutral tail and soft eyes and mouth. On the other hand, a dog that’s nervous or uncomfortable may display a tucked tail, tight or tense mouth, wide eyes and rigid muscles, which can let you know if your pup feels safe and secure around your boyfriend or girlfriend.

They Choose to Be Near Them

If your dog chooses to lie or sit next to your significant other, especially when given the choice to lie with you instead, this is a clear sign your dog feels comfortable with your relationship. In fact, it’s a way to know if your dog trusts your partner. “When a dog chooses to sit near, lean against or relax around your partner on their own, it’s a strong sign of trust,” says Dion Studinski, founder of Ancillary K9 Dog Training. “Dogs tend to keep their distance from people they’re unsure about, so choosing closeness shows comfort and approval.”

They Solicit Attention

Dog behavior around new people can differ. In fact, if you notice that they are tolerating attention and soliciting attention, those are two different things, Cruz explains. “If your dog wants more pets after your significant other has stopped touching them or brings over their favorite toy to initiate play, this is a good sign your dog approves of your partner,” she says, noting that these actions are strong signs of positive association.

Related: These 6 Dog Breeds Are Built-In Companions, According to Vets

They Respond to Cues from Your Partner

When your dog listens to your partner’s voice, responds to simple cues or checks in with them during everyday moments, they’re showing important signs of acceptance. Seeing your pup follow cues or share little moments together is a sweet reminder that your partner has earned their trust and love. “This behavior indicates that the dog sees your partner as part of their social group rather than just a stranger,” Studinski describes.

They Cast Longing Looks

For dogs that are a bit shy or less confident, you may notice them communicating through subtle behaviors, like gazing at your partner. When a dog is watching someone carefully, it’s their way of checking them out and assessing safety. “Those longing looks can be your dog determining if your partner is safe,” says Nicole Kohanski, founder, head behavior consultant and trainer at Purrfew Paws University. “It’s common for a dog to start by watching someone they don’t know.”

A dog giving these attentive, curious looks is showing trust, emotional awareness, and careful consideration—all signs of a dog who is thoughtful about new relationships. “Gradually, your dog will increase closeness and graduate to interacting,” says Kohanski. When that happens and your dog shows affection to your partner, she explains it’s a sweet signal that your dog approves of them and feels safe letting them into their world.

They Keep Normal Routines When Your Partner is Around

One of the strongest signs your dog approves of your partner is when they maintain their normal routines. If your dog is eating, sleeping, playing and going the bathroom as usual, this is a great way to know that your partner isn’t causing stress or disruption in your dog’s life. “Dogs who aren’t sure generally will show changes in these everyday behaviors,” says Sian Lawley-Rudd, certified ethical dog trainer and trauma-informed coach.

When your dog’s body language is positive around your SO, it’s a subtle way your pup is saying, “I like your partner!” and basically a heartwarming sign your dog feels safe.

They Don’t Feel the Need to Monitor or Control Interactions

One clear sign your dog approves of your partner is when they don’t feel the need to guard, monitor, or control interactions. Dogs are natural protectors of their humans and their space, so behaviors like standing in the way, growling softly, or following your partner constantly can signal caution or uncertainty. “A dog who isn’t hovering, blocking movement or staying hyper-alert is showing they don’t see your partner as a threat or something to manage,” Lawley-Rudd says.

Therefore, when your dog shows calm, relaxed behavior around your significant other it’s a strong dog body language signal that they feel safe and trust your partner.

How to Help Your Dog Warm Up to Your Partner

While it certainly makes life easier when a dog quickly warms up to a new partner, Studinski says a dog’s immediate approval isn’t the most important goal. “What matters most is teaching your dog to be respectful regardless of who they’re meeting or spending time with,” he explains. “Trust, closeness and bonds tend to develop naturally over time.”

Patience is key here. Let your partner offer treats, toys or gentle pets to build positive associations. Short, low-pressure interactions are better than forcing prolonged contact. This helps give your dog a chance to choose the connection themselves. “It’s important for a new partner to avoid being overbearing or overly permissive towards a dog, as this tends to be a recipe for disaster down the road,” Studinski continues. “When a partner is overbearing, dogs often feel pressured, crowded or controlled by someone they don’t yet trust.”

Another tip that can help is to keep up consistency with regular walks, play sessions or even sitting together while you read or watch television. These actions can help your pup view your partner as a safe and enjoyable presence. Observe your dog’s comfort cues when they are around your SO and see if they seem tense or back away, give them their space.

Over time, these small, positive experiences build trust and a natural bond, helping your dog feel relaxed and confident enough to eventually welcome your partner as part of the pack.

Sources:

Caitlin Cruz, head dog trainer at Pupford

Dion Studinski, founder of Ancillary K9 Dog Training

Nicole Kohanski, founder, head behavior consultant and trainer at Purrfew Paws University

Sian Lawley-Rudd, certified ethical dog trainer and trauma-informed coach

This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Feb 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the Dogs section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.