Within the dairy industry, a practical on farm method of assessing the relationship between humans and animals to determine the herd’s welfare still needs to be developed. This study attempted to validate differ tests of dairy cows reaction to humans, as well as, the tests accuracy at defining the relationships. The first two tested were conducted within the cows’ pen and at the feed rack. How close a person could approach a standing cow, while hold their arm extended. The third test recorded number of cows that would approach a novel object. This study was carried out on 35 dairy farms that all use a loose housing system. In terms of on farm variables, the stockpersons attitude towards the cows, herd management, social interactions amongst the herd, and housing were all recorded. The number of friendly interactions with the handler and the intensity/quality of contact between the stockman and the cows were associated with the distance a person could approach a cow within their pen. Humans approaching a cow at the feed bunk or the number of cows willing to approach a novel object were not strongly related to the relationship between the stockpeople and the herd. Herd size, breed and age had little or no impact on the relationship between stockpeople and the herd. Cows that more readily approached a human were observed to preform more social licking. The authors concluded that a cow’s willingness to approach an unfamiliar human in the stable was the most accurate reflection of the relationship between the herd and the stockpeople, and would be useful in an on-farm assessment