12 Signs Your Dog Loves You: How You Show Love Back
They say that dogs are our man’s best friend and for good reason. Our furry companions have an uncanny ability to fill our lives with unconditional love, loyalty, and endless joy. If you’re a dog owner, you know the heartwarming feeling that washes over you when your four-legged friend greets you with a wagging tail and a slobbery kiss. But have you ever wondered if your dog truly loves you? Well, fear not, because, in this blog post, we’re going to delve into the 12 telltale signs that your beloved canine companion adores you.
Not only will we explore these signs of affection, but we’ll also discuss how you can reciprocate that love and strengthen the bond you share with your furry friend. After all, our dogs bring so much happiness into our lives, and it’s only fair that we show them the same level of love and care in return.
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12 Signs Your Dog Loves You
Dogs are known for their loyalty and affection toward their owners. While every dog is unique and may show love in different ways, here are 12 common signs that your dog loves you:
1. Tail wagging:
A happy and excited tail wag is a classic sign of affection and joy in dogs. The faster and more vigorous the wag, the more delighted they are to see you. I remember Wes used to get so excited when we came home his entire body would wag around. I’ve seen a lot of dogs wiggle their entire bodies, makes me wonder if their backs hurt! A fun snuggle puppy is also a fun way to give your dog something to love and cuddle with while you are away at work. Just click on the image below to find out more about the snuggle puppy!
2. Eye contact:
If your dog maintains eye contact with you and looks at you with soft, relaxed eyes, it’s a sign of trust and love. I’m writing this post as I am watching the most adorable dog from Rover. He just looks at me constantly and I know I am his person (at least for a while his person is gone). You might hear people say that their dogs give them “the puppy dog eyes”, which is so adorable and a sign of their love for you. Or they want a treat!
3. Leaning on you:
Dogs often lean against their owners or place their body weight against them to show trust and seek closeness. Some of us know what it’s like to have a lap dog! Or a dog that cuddles up to your leg when you get home from work and won’t leave your side.
4. The excitement when you come home:
If your dog greets you with a lot of enthusiasm, jumping, spinning around, or bringing toys, it’s a clear sign of love and happiness to see you. Wes always was overly excited for us to come home that he’d sometimes howl. This was our first sign that something was not right with him. My husband left for a 10-month deployment and when he came home, Wes was excited but almost struggled to be excited. My husband took him to the vet the next day to have a full workup since this was very out of character for him. Click on the picture below to check out a fun camera for dogs so you can keep an eye on them while you are away.
5. Following you around:
Dogs that constantly follow their owners from room to room demonstrate their desire to be near you and be a part of your activities. If you have a small dog, you might find yourself tripping over them often if they are constantly following you!
6. Cuddling and snuggling:
Dogs enjoy physical contact and will often snuggle up next to you, rest their head on your lap, or curl up beside you to show their affection. This sign is definitely my favorite thing about dogs. Nothing better than cuddling up on the couch and watching a movie together with your dog! Dogs appreciate close proximity to their person. This makes them feel safe and loved.
7. Licking your face or hands:
Licking is a natural behavior for dogs and is often associated with grooming and showing affection. If your dog licks your face or hands, it’s a way of expressing their love. I have to admit, I am not a fan of dog kisses but I will accept them. My aunt’s giant black lab used to just lick her death when she came home. It was kind of disgusting but also kind of cute.
8. Bringing you gifts:
Dogs may offer you their favorite toy, bones, or even random objects as gifts, indicating that they consider you a valuable member of their pack. Dogs are notorious for bringing you a toy when you get home from work. I used to think it was because they wanted to play with you, which could also be true. But it’s also a sign that they love you and are bringing you a gift.
9. Excitement for walks or playtime:
If your dog gets excited and happy when you mention going for a walk or playing together, it’s a sign that they love spending time with you and enjoy your company. Dogs know the word ‘walk’! Sometimes they even know the letters if you try to spell the word out vs say it. Dogs tend to go by their leash or constantly walk around you until you take them for their favorite pastime of going for a walk! Physical activities with your dog help with their training, obedience, and overall health. Be sure to grab a harness for those long walks with your dog. Click on the image below to see all the different ones you can get.
10. Protective behavior:
Dogs that show protective behavior by barking or growling when they perceive a threat are displaying their love and loyalty to you and their desire to keep you safe. We experienced this behavior this morning. Our dog that we are watching with Rover sleeps in your bed, obviously! Our son came into the room around 4 am and it was dark and the dog started to bark at him. Once we told him it was just our son and he came over, the dog calmed down. I was never fearful that the dog was going to do any harm to my son, he was just alerting us that someone was in the room. Sometimes a sign of aggression from your dog is their way of showing they love you out of protection. Always be sure as pet parents to read into this so all humans and dogs are happy around your dog!
11. Relaxing in your presence
Dogs feel most comfortable and secure when they are around someone they love. If your dog seems calm and at ease when you’re around, it’s a positive sign of their affection for you. If your dog plops themselves completely on the ground sprawled out, they are super comfortable and you have a relaxed dog for sure.
12. Responding to your emotions:
Dogs are sensitive to human emotions and can offer comfort and support when you’re feeling down. If your dog comes to you, licks your face, or nuzzles you when you’re sad or upset, it demonstrates their empathy and love. Wes always knew when I needed an extra cuddle if I was having a bad day.
Remember, these signs can vary from dog to dog, and it’s important to consider your dog’s overall behavior and personality when interpreting their actions as signs of love.
How dog owners can show their love back to their dogs
When it comes to the love and companionship our dogs provide us, it’s only natural that we want to show them how much we care in return. Building a strong bond with our furry friends goes beyond simply providing them with food and shelter. It involves actively expressing our love and appreciation for them in ways they understand. If you’re wondering how you can show your love back to your dog, here are some heartfelt and effective ways to do just that:
Quality Time Together
Dogs thrive on human companionship, so make sure to spend dedicated quality time with your dog each day. Engage in activities they enjoy, such as going for walks, playing fetch, or simply cuddling on the couch.
Physical Affection
Just as dogs use physical affection to express their love, we can do the same. Regularly petting, gentle touching, belly rubs, and genuine physical touch will give you a happy dog.
Play and Mental Stimulation
Dogs are playful creatures by nature, so engage them in stimulating activities. Play games like hide-and-seek, teach them new tricks or provide puzzle toys to challenge their minds. Your dog feels at ease when they are playing their favorite game with their favorite human.
Verbal Communication
Dogs are perceptive to our tone of voice, so use positive and loving words when you speak to them. Shower them with praise, encouragement, and kind words. They may not understand every word, but the affectionate tone will make them feel cherished and loved. Some dogs can even read your facial expressions to know your mood.
Provide a Safe and Comfortable Environment
Dogs are sensitive creatures who appreciate a secure and comfortable living space. Make sure they have a cozy bed, access to fresh water, and a safe environment free from hazards. You also want to make sure you feed them the best food and snacks possible! Check out the Sundays for Food Dog Food by clicking the image below to see if they have a recipe your dog would like!
Respect Their Boundaries
Dogs, like humans, have their own preferences and boundaries. Respect their personal space and don’t force them into situations that make them uncomfortable.
By implementing these practices into your daily routine, you’ll not only show your love back to your dog but also create a harmonious and fulfilling relationship.
Summary
In this blog post, we explored the 12 signs that your dog loves you and discovered how to reciprocate that love. From tail wagging and cuddling to protective behavior and excitement upon your return, our furry friends have unique ways of expressing their affection. Understanding these signs allows us to deepen our bond with our dogs and appreciate the unconditional love they bring into our lives. Dogs are naturally pack animals and as their owner, we are part of their pack. So by reciprocating your dog’s love back to them, you are being the best pet parent you can be while also ensuring you have a healthy dog who has good behaviors. Next time you notice any of the 12 signs that your dog is showing their love for you, be sure to show your love back with a new toy, or a fun treat, or take your dog to their favorite park or walking spot!
Comment below on how your dog shows love to you!
