15 Signs Your Dog Loves You
Have you ever looked into your furry buddy’s eyes and wondered if they love you as much as you love them? Understanding the language of love in dogs can be both fascinating and heartwarming. As dog owners, we build amazing bonds with our canine pals, but sometimes, their ways of showing affection are a bit more subtle than ours. Here are 15 signs your dog loves you.
They Give Slobbery Kisses
We call it “giving kisses,” but since dogs can’t really pucker up and smooch as we humans do, their version of a kiss involves licking the faces and hands of those they adore. Licking is probably one of the most obvious ways dogs express their affection. That being said, some dogs just aren’t fans of it. Don’t take it to heart if your dog isn’t much of a kisser.
They Bring You Toys
Does your dog always bring you toys? Offering you their favorite possessions is a big sign of affection! They might be presenting you with gifts because they see you as the head of the household. Or, if the toy is damaged, they may view you as a smart being who can fix it for them—a sign that they trust you with this important task.
They Cozy Up and Lean
If you’ve ever felt your dog lean their entire weight against your legs, they were showing you a clear sign of total trust. You wouldn’t lean against someone you didn’t feel safe and secure with, nor would your dog. This means your pup sees you as a protector. They might do this for comfort when they’re feeling scared, but when they lean against you during those quiet moments at home, it’s like a full-body hug.
They Give Soulful Stares
If someone makes you feel uneasy, the last thing you want to do is lock eyes with them! Staring into someone’s eyes is something we reserve for those we feel comfortable with. The same goes for dogs. In fact, making eye contact with your dog helps strengthen your bond. When your pup looks at you, their brain releases oxytocin. It is the same hormone that a mother’s brain releases when she bonds with her puppies.
They Wiggle Their Happy Tails
A wagging tail is more than just a sign of a happy dog; it’s a definite sign of affection. Dogs wag their tails in different ways—a slow wag means they’re relaxed around you, while a more active wag could show pure joy at seeing you. Keep an eye on those wagging tails as they communicate a language of love.
They Give You Puppy Dog Eyes
When your dog looks into your eyes with those puppy doe eyes, they’re not just being cute—they’re showing deep trust and love. This kind of eye contact is a big way to connect with their favorite humans. It’s a silent yet powerful expression of their love, creating a bond boosted by the release of oxytocin (the love hormone) in both your brain and your dog’s.
They Share Their Favorite Things
When your pup brings you their most favorite toy, it’s not just an invitation to play—it’s a big sign that they see you as part of their pack. This act of sharing is a big gesture in the dog’s world and shows trust and affection toward you. But don’t be shocked if your dog shows up with some odd gifts like a mouse or a frog!
They Show Protective Instincts
Many dogs show their love by being protective of their owners. Whether it’s barking at strangers or staying right by your side in new places, these actions show they’re committed to keeping you safe. Dogs are naturally super protective of their humans, but if your pup goes the extra mile to look after you, know that you’re loved.
They Give You an Excited Welcome Home
One of the most obvious signs of love is the super enthusiastic greeting dogs give when you come home. That excitement shows just how much they’ve missed you. It clearly shows that their love is unconditional. Don’t they behave like they can’t control themselves? All that excitement is heartwarming to see how happy they are whenever we come back from literally anywhere.
They Follow You Like Your Little Shadow
You go to one room, and your dog follows you. You head to another, and he’s right next to you. Dogs follow their humans almost everywhere. This kind of behavior shows how much they love you and how they can’t stop being separated from you. Have you ever noticed how they start to cry if we keep them in different rooms?
They’re Obsessed with Your Scent
Is your dog really into—or maybe even obsessed with—your scent? Beyond the awkward sniffing of your private parts, does he or she seem to go crazy for your laundry, shoes, workout gear, and anything else that carries your smell (the stinkier, the better, right?)? That’s a surefire sign that they truly love you!
They Make Awkward Bathroom Eye Contact
Does your dog lock eyes with you in an awkward stare while doing its business? This isn’t a sign of shame; it’s actually a sign of trust. Your pup is counting on you to have its back during this vulnerable moment and is watching you for any signs of danger. So, if you pretend to be interested in anything but the bowel movement happening next to you, that’s exactly what your dog hopes you’ll do!
They Love Playtime Wrestling
If your dog loves to get physical during playtime by wrestling or roughhousing, it’s another throwback to pack behaviors that shows they’re on your team and want to be close to you, even while having fun! Just be extra careful not to let them see you wrestling with other dogs; things could get messy.
They Yawn Together with You
Yawning when you see someone else yawn is a sign of empathy. It’s called a contagious yawn, and about half of all people experience it. Now, researchers have found that dogs do it, too. This reflects the emotional bond between humans and dogs. Whether you’re bored or sleepy, your pup is right there with you. He feels what you feel.
They Want To Sleep Near You
Dogs want to be part of a pack. It’s a throwback to their wolf ancestors who traveled, hunted, and crashed together in a tight-knit crew. If your dog wants to snuggle up in your bed or at least curl up in a dog bed in your room, it means you’re part of his pack, and he doesn’t want to be away from you.
