Although our unwavering love for our canine companions can be expressed through words, our pups can’t talk back to say they love us too. So, learning how to know if a dog loves you can help us humans understand that the feeling is reciprocated. Dogs show love to their humans every day, and in ways that you may not even realize! Therefore, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, prepare to feel the love as we explore the many heartwarming ways that our dogs show us their love!
How does a dog show us love?
How dogs show affection can be seen through the physical signs that they give their parents. Being in the presence of humans that they are bonded with releases oxytocin, which relates to the feelings of love and friendship. Our dogs then express these feelings of love through actions such as:
1. Physical contact
Dogs can show their love through actions such as physical contact. They enjoy being close to their favourite people, and you may see them express their affection by leaning in. This action is a pup’s version of a hug and is a sweet sign of how dogs show they love you.
Other affectionate actions from dogs can include:
- Nuzzling or nudging you with their nose
- Wanting to sit on you
- Simply wanting to be close—if they’re near, it’s a subtle sign of their love for you!
However, when showing this affection back to your dog, be aware that most dogs don’t enjoy the restriction of being held in a hug, even though it’s something as humans we love. Make sure your dog has the freedom to move away from these interactions, as giving them a choice can help them to feel more comfortable.
2. Tail wagging
A dog uses its tail to convey its feelings, so if you’re wondering how dogs show love to humans, look out for a cheery tail wag!
While a wag doesn’t always mean your dog is happy, when it’s combined with a relaxed body, it’s a sign they are pleased to be with you. A fast wag with their tail held high is an indication of excitement and happiness. Watch out to see if you’re greeted with a helicopter wag, as this is a sign of extreme joy and is your dog’s way of showing that they’re really pleased to see you!
3. Eye contact
Another way that dogs show they love us is through eye contact. Relaxed eye contact means that they trust you and feel safe, and a long gaze while maintaining your eye contact is a sign of love and friendship.
4. Following
Dogs are very social animals and like to be part of a group. So, when your pooch follows you around, this is how a dog shows love. If you find your dog following you around the house, it means you are part of their pack, and they feel safe when they are in your company.
For more independent dogs, they may not need to be with you all the time. All the same, during walks or during the day, you may notice that they come and check in with you to remind you of their affection.
5. Playing
Playtime is a great way to bond with your dog and an action that allows you and your pup to share your mutual love. If your dog wants to play and brings you their favourite toy, they’re showing their love for you. Sharing a prized possession is a sign of trust, so being given a slobbery toy is a bigger deal than you may think!
6. Positive greetings
If they’re excited to see you when you get home, this is another way dogs show they love you. Coming home to a happy face and a wagging tail is always a great feeling, and it’s even better to know that your pup does this to show their affection!
Your dog may also come and see you while you’re working at home to let you know that it’s time for a walk or a play, which highlights they are excited to spend time with you.
7. Facial expressions
It’s not just us humans that use facial expressions to show our emotions—our pooches do it too!
Dogs have been found to use specific expressions when they see their humans, such as lifting their eyebrow, particularly their left one. When a dog raises its eyebrow to someone, this indicates a strong attachment to the person and is a wonderful way our dogs show affection.
8. Carrying (or hiding!) your things
You may get frustrated with finding odd shoes and socks strewn across the house, but this is another way of knowing if a dog loves you. If your dog is carrying your items around the house, this is because they love your scent. Although carrying around socks seems like a quirky way to express love, it shows that they feel safe with your scent present.
9. Seeking you out
When your pup feels like they need some reassurance from their best friend, they will often seek you out. This is because they trust and love you, so finding you will help them to feel more comfortable.
Your dog may also seek you out when they can detect that you yourself are feeling unhappy, so they can come and cheer you up. Dogs are experts at reading our body language and help to make any bad day a little better!
10. Alerting you
To show that you are an important member of their family group, your dog might alert you when there is something happening that you should be aware of. Although this could just be a delivery or a cat in the garden, the fact that they are telling you is a sign of affection. They want to make sure you are alert as a way of keeping you safe.
How we can show our love back
When your dog shows affection, it’s important to interact to help strengthen your bond, enjoying every moment. There are ways that you can show you love them too, such as:
- Spending quality time together as part of your everyday routine. These can be things like walking, playing, grooming, or whatever you know your pooch enjoys doing.
- Learning about their body language so you can recognize when they’re happy.
- Understanding how you can help your dog feel more secure and relaxed every day. Using ADAPTIL Calm On-The-Go Collar can help your dog feel more comfortable at all times of the day.
- Rewarding them with praise is very effective and can be just as rewarding as a food treat, but treats are good too! You could even give them a love heart shaped treat to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
If you’d like to read more about how to know if a dog loves you, check out the rest of our blogs online! You can also stay up to date with all the latest news and product info by signing up for our newsletter.
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