10 Signs You’re a Great Dog Owner!

We all want to be the best we can be for our dogs. Whether we're new to dog ownership or have had our furry friends by our side for years, our dogs are more than just companions; they are family members who bring joy, love, and loyalty into our lives.

In today's article, we're going to share 10 signs that you're a great dog owner. These signs will show that not only is your furry family member healthy, but they're also truly happy. So, let's dive in and see how many of these signs you recognize in your own dog.

1. Your Dog Steals Your Clothes

Have you ever come home to find your favorite shoes chewed up or a missing sock mysteriously reappearing in your dog's bed? Maybe you've caught your dog making off with a piece of your clothing, like your underwear.

While this can be frustrating, it's actually a sign of your dog's affection. Dogs experience the world largely through their sense of smell, and your scent is incredibly comforting to them. The more your clothing smells like you, the more your dog is drawn to it.

When they carry around your laundry or shoes, they're trying to feel closer to you, even when you're not there. If you leave your clothes in easy-to-reach places, your dog might think you've left them as a special gift.

So, the next time you find your socks under the couch or your shoes in your dog's bed, remember: it's their way of showing they love and miss you. It's a quirky but heartfelt indication that you're a great dog owner who has built a strong, loving bond with your furry friend.

2. Your Dog Cuddles with You After Eating

Does your dog come to cuddle with you after eating? Preparing your dog's meal is sure to get them racing to their dish, but it's what happens after they've finished eating that can be a subtle sign of their affection.

Food is a high priority for our canine friends and one of the most important things in their life, but once their meal is finished, they turn their attention to the next most important thing: you. With a full tummy, your dog wants to show their love by cuddling with you.

Even though your dog has plenty of places to snooze, they choose to snuggle next to you. Another subtle way dogs show love is by sleeping with their head or paw on your knee or foot. This close physical contact is their way of saying, "I feel safe and happy with you."

3. Your Dog Gets Excited When You Come Home

Have you ever wondered why your dog gets so excited when you come home? It's a common and adorable behavior seen in dogs worldwide. When your dog gets overly excited as soon as you walk through the door, it's a clear sign of their strong attachment to you.

This exuberant behavior, marked by enthusiastic tail wagging and joyful jumping, shows just how much they've missed you and how thrilled they are to have you back. This excitement isn't just about burning off energy; it's their way of expressing love and happiness.

If your dog shows this kind of joy when you return, it means you're doing a great job as a dog owner. Your dog's happiness is a reflection of the deep bond you share and the affection they feel for you.

On the other hand, dogs that don't have a strong bond with their owners might ignore them or not be as pleased to see them come home. So, when you see your dog's joyful reaction to your return, take it as a sign that you're a fantastic dog owner who provides love and care that makes your furry friend truly happy.

4. Your Dog Yawns When You Yawn

Have you ever noticed your dog yawning right after you do? This isn't just a coincidence. It's actually a sign of their deep bond with you.

Dogs often yawn to relieve stress or curb their excitement, but when they yawn in response to your yawns, it's a form of social bonding and empathy. Researchers have found that dogs are more likely to yawn contagiously when they feel a strong connection with their owner.

So, if your dog mirrors your yawns, it means they are attuned to your emotions and feel a close bond with you. This subtle yet touching behavior is another indication that you're a great dog owner, fostering a deep, empathetic connection with your furry friend.

5. Your Dog Leans Against You

When your dog leans against you, it can be for several reasons. They might feel anxious, want something, crave a cuddle, or seek extra comfort and security.

Regardless of the reason, leaning against you is a clear sign that your dog feels safe and secure with you. This behavior is your dog's way of showing love and trust. By leaning against you, your dog is expressing their affection and trust in a way that words cannot.

It's a clear indication that you're a great dog owner, providing the safety and love that make your dog feel cherished and secure.

6. Your Dog Holds Eye Contact

Have you ever noticed how your dog gazes into your eyes? This behavior is more than just a look—it's a powerful way they show their love and trust.

Dogs can't communicate verbally, so they use eye contact as a way to connect with us on a deeper level. Research has shown that when dogs and their owners look into each other's eyes, it increases levels of oxytocin—the love hormone—in both.

This hormone is the same one that helps strengthen the bond between parents and their babies. So, when your dog holds eye contact with you, it's their way of saying they feel a strong, affectionate bond with you.

7. They Wag Their Tail to the Right When You Are Around

Did you know that the direction your dog wags their tail can reveal a lot about their feelings?

Research from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing discovered that if your dog's tail wags to the right first, it means they're feeling settled and are with someone they recognize and trust.

Scientists observed that as dogs became more familiar with strangers, their tails wagged more to the right and less to the left. So, if your dog's tail wags to the right when they see you, it's a sign they're happy, comfortable, and recognize you as someone they trust and love.

8. Your Dog Wants to Sleep with You

When your dog chooses to sleep beside you, it's not just because your bed is comfortable or your blankets are cozy.

In the wild, dogs and their ancestors—wolves—sleep huddled together with their pack for warmth and protection. This natural instinct carries over to domesticated dogs as well.

When your dog chooses to sleep next to you, they're showing that they see you as a trusted pack member and want to stay close to you. This behavior is not just about seeking warmth; it's about feeling secure and content in your presence.

9. Your Dog Checks Up on You

Whether you're cooking, watching TV, or even making a quick trip to the bathroom, your dog is there—or at least they try to be. Your pup might pop into your bedroom just to say hi, or they might be your constant shadow, always wanting to be near you.

If this sounds familiar, it's because your furry security guard is making sure everything is okay before they can relax. This behavior stems from their ancestral instincts, where staying alert and checking on pack members was crucial for survival.

Your dog's tendency to check up on you is a sign of their loyalty and the strong bond you share. It also indicates that your dog feels responsible for your well-being and wants to ensure you're safe and secure.

10. Your Dog Recognizes Your Name

Dogs are incredibly perceptive and capable of recognizing their owner's name, which is another sign of their love and attachment to you. Through consistent repetition and positive associations, dogs learn to respond to words—including your name.

When your dog hears your name, they may perk up their ears, wag their tail, or even come running to greet you. This behavior shows that they've associated your name with positive experiences and rewards, such as treats or affection.

It's a clear indication that your dog not only knows and recognizes your name but also feels a deep connection with you.

This ability to recognize and react to your name is a testament to the bond and love your dog has for you. It highlights how much they value your presence and the relationship you share.