10 Signs Your Dog Loves You

Have you ever wondered how your dogs feel about you?

We know we love them a lot. We even buy them the best toys, food, and the snuggliest dog harnesses. But, as sentimental beings, we often need to know if they reciprocate our affection. If only they could talk, right? Sigh.

But, even if our dogs couldn't utter the words "I love you” and “thank you", they still have their unique way of making us, their hooman, feel loved and appreciated. So, here are 10 signs you should look out for to know if your dog loves you, although we're already sure they do.

1. Wagging tail

One of the immediate signs your dogs love you is excessive tail-wagging. They do it when they see food or their favourite toys, so if they start wagging their tails in your presence, that strongly suggests they like having you around!

2. Enthusiastic greeting

Even after years of being with them, dogs often make us feel like it's the first time they've seen us in so long. With their tails wagging back and forth, eyes beaming with glee, and feet jumping around, people wouldn't have guessed that you've only been gone for a minute.

Waking up and coming home to this could make any fur parent feel loved and appreciated.

3. Clinginess

Can’t have some privacy at home?

Don't take this against your fur buddies. Remember, dogs are pack animals by nature. Hence, if they follow you like a shadow, that just means they care about you and consider you as one of them.

But if their clinginess gets too much, it might mean they have so much pent-up energy and now requires a walk. If so, have time to take them outside and always remember to bring a sturdy dog harness.

4. Gift offerings

As fur parents, we like giving our dogs gifts, like toys, clothes, collars, and dog harnesses. Dogs feel the same too. So, if they ever bring you their favourite toys or a win from their hunt, it's just to show how much they want to share their joy with you.

5. Eyelocking while pooping

You might think your dog’s just ashamed when it’s pooping while staring at you. But, in reality, it’s a display of trust and care. Those stares are their way of telling you that they know you got their back in this moment of vulnerability, and you could also count on them in case any danger arises—even if they're doing their business!

6. Licking!

Dogs were often licked by their mothers when they were young for hygiene and comfort. Hence, they also do it to their hoomans to show love and affection. It’s like their version of kisses and hugs in one.

7. Raising eyebrows

Researchers have compared how dogs react when they see their owners versus strangers. And they found out that dogs tend to raise their eyebrows in the presence of their owners. So, if your dogs raise their brows when you’re around, it means they acknowledge you as their hooman.

8. Nudging and leaning

It’s quite confusing what it means when your dog starts nudging and leaning against you. After all, drinks and food start spilling during these times. But don’t worry about it since they’re just trying to bond with you.

9. Obsession with your scent

Dogs love sniffing around to satiate their curiosity. But, if you look closely, you’ll see that they like things you’ve worn or used the best! Sometimes they even steal your used socks or shirts from the humper, which can be frustrating.

We’re not telling you to encourage this behaviour but understand that they only do it to feel closer to you. Hence, you’ll have to gently redirect their attention to some toys instead of harshly telling them off.

You could also practice control over this behaviour with the help of a leash and a dog harness that could gently deter their movement.

10. Wanting to sleep or cuddle with you

Lastly, dogs like to sleep where they feel most safe, comfortable, and relaxed. And if it’s by your side or your bedroom, that simply means they love and trust you enough to doze off while being defenseless. If that ain't love, I don’t know what is.

Final Thoughts

Don't worry if your dog doesn't show any of these signs (hard to believe). It doesn't necessarily mean they don't love you. After all, they're just like humans, too—quirky. Maybe they have different ways to manifest their affection, or they're still warming up to you. But whichever is the case, it doesn't change the fact that we love our dogs dearly, right?

Instead of wondering whether they love you, why not show them how much you love them? Give your fur babies showers of kisses and cuddles, and take them to parks where they can flaunt their flashy outfits and dog harnesses. They'll love it!