We may not understand everything that our dogs do, but when it comes to ways dogs show love and affection, they make it pretty darn clear.
In fact, for some of you, a dog’s love may not be obvious, but once you know what you are looking for, you’ll see just how much they care. Here are some of the ways our little hairy bundles of joy show us how they feel.
Tail Wagging
A dog’s tail can convey a variety of emotions, such as joy, fear, stress, or hostility. Generally speaking, the more comfortable a dog is, the looser his or her tail is.
When your dog feels joyful, its tail will wag so vigorously that it will appear as though its entire back end is wagging. This demonstrates your dog’s love and trust for you.
Jumping Up To You
Given most dog owners teach their dogs not to jump on people, the act of dogs jumping up on people is widely regarded as undesirable.
However, since most of us know that jumping up is a gesture of affection, we frequently confuse our dogs when they jump up on us to welcome us with excitement.
Because puppies are taught to lick their mother’s face and eyes, your dog is trying to jump on you. He or she recognizes you as their parent and attempts to lick your face.
Toy Sharing
Your dog will frequently bring you their favorite toy if they truly love you. They do it to show how much they care for you and to share their possessions with you.
Face Lickers
Dogs may lick people’s faces for various reasons, but most of the time, it’s just out of pure love. Puppies will instinctively kiss their mothers’ faces to let them know they are hungry and want to eat. Dogs retain the impulse to lick even after they stop needing to be fed by their moms.
Following You
Dogs need to feel secure, especially young puppies. You may tell your dog is comfortable with you when he or she follows you around. Your dog feels safe and secure because you symbolize security to them.
This develops into a sense of love and devotion as your dog ages. Your dog doesn’t think it would be desirable to be apart from you. You are the source of his or her well-being.
Toy Fixer
Dogs demonstrate their trust in their owners by bringing their owners the dog toys they want to be fixed. They express their confidence in your ability to help them by trusting you. It’s one of the clearest ways dogs show love toward their owners.
Safe Eating
Even when there is no real threat, dogs are naturally protective animals. Some dogs will protect you as they eat or unwind to show their love. An indication that your dog feels a part of your pack is guarding.
That Sweet Smile
Dogs do, in fact, smile! You were probably right if you’ve ever believed your dog was grinning. Dogs will often imitate human facial expressions; a dog’s smile can convey affection and love just like a person’s smile does.
In reality, studies have revealed that dogs exhibit a wide range of facial expressions similar to those we do, responding differently to other individuals depending on their familiarity with them as well as to both desirable and unfavorable objects.
Rubbing Your Face
It’s usual to express affection by rubbing faces with one another. They are tagging you as their own by rubbing their face against yours.
Nurse Duty
Just like wolves depend on the care of their family, dogs have the urge to look out for their pack mates. They love you and want to protect you just like they would a member of their pack in the wild, as evidenced by their need to look after you.
Deep Gaze
Prolonged eye contact is an effort to become close to you. Some dogs seem compelled to look you in the eye, which may signify attachment. It’s one of the cutest ways dogs show love. Try and avoid!
Angry If You Lay Down
Some dogs may become upset if they believe their owner is asleep or unresponsive. They might lick your face and head, desperately trying to bring you “back to life”. If your dog exhibits this tendency, you may need to ensure that he or she sleeps in a different room.
Herding You Up
If herding breeds believe you are straying out on your own, they may occasionally attempt to herd you. It’s a method for them to express their love for their pack.
Breeds like border collies and Australian shepherds, which were created to control cattle in the first place, frequently exhibit more herding behavior, and it’s one of the less visible ways dogs show love.
Learning Your Name
Dogs can learn their names, but you might be surprised to hear that they can also remember yours. Your dog not only recognizes your name but also becomes pleased when they hear it.
If people get excited when they hear your name, it suggests they anticipate seeing you.
The Embarrassing Sniff
Ah, the crotch sniff, one of the quirkiest ways dogs show love. We know how awkward and infuriating this can be, yet a dog sees it as friendly behavior. Your dog is giving you a warm greeting in a manner akin to how people shake hands.
It’s a physical “get-to-know-you” gesture used to learn more about you by scent and just saying hello.
Lean On Me
A dog trying to lean on you might be bothersome, especially if you’re busy and they are stepping on things. This can become more of an issue the bigger your dog gets. But in your dog’s eyes, it’s an expression of love.
It’s a method for me to adore you and ask for your attention at the same time. When this occurs, spend some time sitting down and petting your dog to show them both how much you care.
Are You Now Familiar With The Ways Dogs Show Love?
These are just some of the sweet and instinctive ways that our dogs show us just how much care, love, and affection they have for us. Does your dog do any of these?
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