Our dogs are members of our family and we love them so much! We show it by giving them proper food and care, taking them to the vet and buying them toys. We also forgive them no matter how much trouble they get themselves into. But how do you know if your dog loves you? If your dog does any of these ten things, consider it their way of saying, “I love you!”
- Wagging tail
A tail wag in a back and forth motion means that the dog is happy. If your dog wags their tail like this when you’re around, it’s a sure sign of affection.
- Playing
When dogs play with other dogs, they wrestle and roughhouse with each other, jump on each other’s backs, pin their playmate and prod with their nose or push with their paws. This is normal play activity for dogs and it shows trust in each other. When your dog wants to play this way with you, it’s a great compliment and a sure sign of love and trust.
- Sleeping
Dogs need to be part of a pack. The pack mentality is something that is bred into your dog from birth. Part of being in a pack is sleeping together in a huddle; sharing body heat and making them feel safety in numbers. Since you probably don’t have ten or so dogs to form a pack, your dog looks at you like part of one, which includes wanting to sleep near you.
- Direct gaze
Even though they can’t speak, dogs communicate with us in other ways. One of the most meaningful ways is by looking directly into our eyes. If your dog looks you straight in the eye, he’s communicating love and affection to you.
- Yawning
Just like in humans, dogs are more likely to yawn back when you yawn. This reaction is more common in dogs and people who are empathetic, so definitely a sign that your dog loves you and feels close to you.
- Following
Your dog may follow at your heels wherever you go, which is a sign that he or she wants to be with you. People do the same thing to those they love; they want to be in their company. Same goes for your dog.
- Leaning
When your dog sits down next to you and leans against you, he’s showing affection for you a weird but wonderful way. Try to not to lose your balance, your dog is just telling you how much he loves you and he knows you love him too.
- Leaving peacefully
A dog who is distressed or anxious will make a big fuss when you leave. When your dog loves you and is calm, he or she will most likely be peaceful or indifferent if they know you have to leave without them.
- Excited welcomes
Your dog can’t contain his joy that you’re home and wants to celebrate! It doesn’t matter if you’ve been gone five minutes or five days, your dog will excitedly welcome you, which is definitely their way of saying, “I love you.”
- Raised eyebrows
This may be one of the most subtle ways that your dog expresses his happiness and love for you. Dogs who are happy tend to raise their brows, especially the left brow. Keep an eye out for this sign of affection from your dog.
Every dog is different, and some may show these signs of love and affection and some may show others still. How do you think your dog shows you that he loves you?
