It’s a well known fact that we love our pets (sometimes more than our partners), but how do we know that our pets feel the same way? Whilst some displays of affection may seem obvious, it can be easy to misread some canine cues. Keep reading to find out the top five ways in which your dog is telling you he loves you!
1.They’re excited to see you
We’ve all been there, getting home after a long day at work, multiple bags of shopping at tow and you reach the front door. As soon as you finish fumbling around with your keys and turn the handle, you’re greeted with a furry ball of slobber desperate for attention. Personally, this is my favourite time of day, for a second you forget about life’s problems whilst trying to keep your pooch from rooting through the newly acquired bags. He might jump up, lick your face, demand belly rubs and thrash his tail but it only means one thing, he has missed you!
2. Puppy eyes
You’re lying if you say it doesn’t tug on your heartstrings when your dog stares straight into your eyes. For dogs this is a huge deal! They only reserve eye contact for people they love and trust and if you look closely, you can actually see their pupils expand. It’s been scientifically proven that when a dog keeps eye contact with you, it releases oxytocin from the brain, the same hormone that makes mothers bond with their babies!
3. They share their toys
Ever been teased by your dog when they bring over their toy to play but in reality they don’t even want you to touch it? In doggy language, this is a true gesture of affection. They want to share their most prized possession with the person they care the most about, and to me that sounds like a whole lot of love!
4.They check on you
Watching TV, cooking and showering- your dog is there through it all… or at least they try to be! Your pooch might only pop his head round your bedroom door momentarily or might be constantly glued to your side but the motive remains the same; you are his safe space. No matter what he might have been through, he has you to hold his paw and whilst you may forget this, he certainly doesn’t. Cherish these moments, he might just be a pet but to him you’re his whole world.
5. Body Language
Ever been sat on the sofa with your dog and he stretches dramatically or sighs? No, this doesn’t mean you’re boring him, in fact it means the opposite! It’s a huge compliment when a dog will snuggle up next to you as it means he feels safe in your presence. Small vocalisations such as sighs or low groans are signs of contentment in dogs, meaning he can truly relax and have a snooze!
So the next time you notice your pooch displaying any of these signs, just remember it’s his way of showing affection and he truly means it!
