Valentine’s Day might only be for 24 hours, but we’re celebrating love all month long! We’ve already discussed some of the ways you can say, “I love you” in a way your dog will understand. But have you ever wondered how dogs show they love you? In fact, do they even love at all?
Gregory Berns, a neuroscientist at Emory University, conducted aresearch experiment that challenged the assumption that dogs only pretend to love humans in an attempt to gain access to food. 15 dogs were put in MRI machines and given both praise and hot dogs. Their brains were compared with each stimulus given to see how the dogs responded to them. What did the research tell us about dogs and their ability to love?
Interestingly, 13 out of 15 of the dogs were as much or more excited to receive praise and human interaction as they were to receive food. Would it surprise you to learn that your dog loves you more than they love treats? Well, the next time someone tries to tell you that dogs aren’t capable of love, you can tell them they are and you have the science to back it up!
Have you ever stared at your furry bestie and wondered, “Does my pup actually love me back or am I just the person who fills the food bowl?” I totally get it! As a dog parent myself, I’ve spent countless hours trying to decode those adorable head tilts and happy zoomies. The good news? Your dog is probably head over paws for you, and today I’m gonna share all the tell-tail signs that prove your doggo’s undying affection.
Dogs might not be able to say “I love you” in human words, but they’ve developed plenty of ways to show us how much they care And unlike people who might fake a smile or tell white lies, dogs are refreshingly honest with their emotions. Their love is pure and genuine – which is why we’re so obsessed with them!
So let’s dive into the heartwarming signs that your four-legged friend truly loves you back.
The Science Behind Your Dog’s Love
Before we jump into the signs, it’s worth understanding a bit about what’s happening in your dog’s brain when they’re around you.
When your dog interacts with you, their brain releases a chemical cocktail similar to what happens in human brains during loving interactions. Studies show that both humans and dogs experience an increase in oxytocin levels (the “love hormone”) after quality time together.
“The bond between dogs and their owners is very similar to the bond between parents and children,” explains Dr. Michelle Dulake. Dogs share much of the same neurological structures as humans and use the same parts of the brain when feeling love and affection.
However, it’s important to remember that while dogs definitely feel deep emotional connections with us, they don’t express love exactly like humans do. Their love language is unique to their species, which makes recognizing it all the more special!
14 Signs Your Dog Really Loves You
1. The Full-Body Wiggle of Joy
When you walk through the door and your dog’s entire body goes into wiggle overdrive, that’s pure love! Unlike a tense or stiff posture that might indicate fear or stress, a happy, lovestruck pup is loose and wiggly and simply can’t contain their excitement at seeing you. This full-body wiggle is one of the most obvious signs that your dog is thrilled to be in your presence.
2. They Can’t Stop Wagging Their Tail
Tail wagging is a classic sign of a happy dog but the way they wag can tell you even more. A slightly upright, moderately wagging tail indicates happiness, but a “helicopter tail” (when the wagging is so intense that the tail whips around in circles) is the doggy equivalent of jumping for joy. This enthusiastic wagging is reserved for the people they love most!
3. They Follow You Everywhere (Even to the Bathroom)
If your dog follows you from room to room like your own furry shadow, congratulations – you’ve got yourself a devoted companion! Dogs are pack animals, and you’re their favorite pack member. As The Kennel Club puts it, “If your dog follows you everywhere, it’s a sign that they trust and love you and that you make them feel safe.”
My dog literally follows me to the bathroom and stares at me through the shower curtain. Weird? Yes. Adorable proof of love? Also yes.
4. They Make Meaningful Eye Contact
When your dog looks into your eyes with a soft gaze, they’re essentially saying “I love you” in dog language. Studies have shown that mutual gazing between dogs and their humans actually increases oxytocin levels in both parties – the same hormone released during bonding between human parents and their babies!
Be aware that prolonged, intense staring can be a different story (potentially threatening), but that soft, loving gaze? Pure affection.
5. They Greet You Like You’ve Been Gone Forever
Even if you’ve only been away for five minutes, does your dog act like you’ve returned from a years-long expedition? That enthusiastic greeting – complete with jumping, barking, spinning or even happy crying – is a definite sign your dog has missed you terribly and is overjoyed at your return.
This behavior shows that your presence is the highlight of their day, every single day!
6. They Bring You Their Favorite Toys
When your dog brings you their most treasured possessions, they’re showing incredible trust. This behavior is particularly meaningful because they’re sharing something they value with someone they love. It’s both an invitation to play and a doggy version of gift-giving.
“Dogs use play to express friendship and love,” says Philip Tedeschi, Director Emeritus of the Institute for Human-Animal Connection. “If a person responds by starting to play, a dog gets the message that they are important, worth the time—playing together is an investment in one another.”
7. They Lean or Cuddle Against You
Physical contact is a huge indicator of trust and affection in the dog world. When your dog chooses to lean against you, sleep pressed up against you, or cuddle on the couch, they’re showing that they feel safe and content in your presence.
Remember, sleep is a vulnerable time for any animal, but your dog doesn’t feel that way when curled up next to you. Studies indicate that dogs who have a secure relationship with their humans sleep better when they’re close.
8. They Sniff You Enthusiastically
It might seem weird to us, but when your dog takes a good long sniff of you, they’re actually showing affection! Dogs explore and interpret their world through scent, and breathing in your unique smell actually triggers pleasure centers in their brains.
Researchers from Emory University discovered that nothing made dogs’ brains light up more than the smell of a human they knew well. So when your dog sniffs you, it’s their way of connecting with you on a deep level.
9. They Lick Your Face or Hands
Those wet, slobbery dog kisses might seem gross to some people, but they’re actually a sweet sign of affection. Puppies lick to maintain relationships with their mother and littermates, and your dog continues this behavior with you because they consider you family.
My dog always gives me little licks on my hand when we’re relaxing together – it’s her way of saying “I love you, thanks for being my human!”
10. They Check On You Regularly
Does your dog periodically come find you around the house, seemingly just to make sure you’re still there? This checking-in behavior is a sign that you’re important to them and they want to keep tabs on your whereabouts.
11. Their Ears Perk Up at Your Name
If you notice your dog’s ears perking up when someone mentions your name, that’s a sign of deep connection. Whether you’re physically present or simply spoken of in passing, your dog is all ears when it comes to you!
12. They Raise Their Eyebrows When They See You
Dogs have evolved to be expressive beings to better connect with humans. Studies show that dogs make more facial expressions when humans are looking at them. When dogs raise their inner eyebrows, their eyes appear larger and more puppy-like – scientists believe this expression is a deliberate attempt to trigger a nurturing response in humans.
So if your dog gives you those raised-eyebrow puppy eyes, they’re actively trying to strengthen their bond with you!
13. They’re Relaxed Around You
A relaxed dog is a dog who feels safe and loved. Dr. Gabre Denton says, “If your dog is relaxed around you, it’s safe to say they’re very much experiencing love.” Look for soft eyes, relaxed ears, and a generally calm demeanor when they’re in your presence.
14. They Show You Their Belly
When your dog rolls over and exposes their vulnerable belly to you, they’re displaying enormous trust. “If your dog is rolling over to show their belly, it’s a sign they trust and love you!” says Dr. Dulake. The belly exposure puts dogs in a very vulnerable position – they’re basically exposing their vital organs, knowing you won’t harm them.
How to Strengthen Your Bond With Your Dog
Now that you know your dog probably loves you like crazy, you might be wondering how to deepen that bond even more. Here are some effective ways to strengthen your relationship:
- Spend quality time together: Put away your phone and be fully present during walks, playtime, and cuddle sessions.
- Establish consistent routines: Dogs love structure, so regular feeding times, walks, and play sessions build trust.
- Use positive reinforcement: Reward good behavior with treats, praise, and affection.
- Train together: Teaching new tricks and commands builds communication and trust.
- Respect their boundaries: Pay attention to when your dog needs space, and honor those needs.
- Provide proper nutrition: Quality food and appropriate treats show you care about their wellbeing.
- Acknowledge them: Simply saying “Good morning, Buddy” when they enter the room shows them you see them.
The Three-Three-Three Rule for New Dogs
If you’ve recently adopted a dog and aren’t seeing all these signs yet, don’t worry! Building trust takes time. Many dog experts recommend following the three-three-three rule:
- Three days to decompress from the shelter or previous environment
- Three weeks to learn your routine
- Three months to feel at home and truly begin to show their personality
Give your new furry friend time to adjust, and soon enough, they’ll be showing you all the signs of doggy love described above!
Final Thoughts: Your Dog Probably Adores You
At the end of the day, if your dog seeks out your company, gets excited when you come home, and generally seems happy to be around you, they definitely love you. Dogs are social creatures who form deep bonds with their humans, and chances are your pup thinks you’re the absolute best thing in the world.
So next time your dog stares at you with those soulful eyes or brings you their favorite chewed-up tennis ball, remember – that’s their way of saying “I love you to the moon and back!” And honestly, is there anything better than that?
Do you have any special ways your dog shows you love? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
Sleeping near you
Dogs are descended from wolves. While they’ve been domesticated for thousands of years, some things haven’t changed. One of those things is their predisposition to sleep in packs for protection. If your dog feels the need to sleep in your bed, or at least in your room, it’s because they see you as a member of the pack, a family member.
Making a big sigh
Has your dog ever let out a big SIGH after they got really cozy next to you? Soft vocalizations, like sighs, groans, and the like are signs of contentment in dogs. When you hear your furry buddy do that, it means they’re happy!
14 Signs Your Dog REALLY Loves You, Confirmed by Science
FAQ
How to tell if your dog actually loves you?
How do dogs apologize?
Dogs don’t understand the word “sorry,” but they show remorse through submissive body language, such as tucking their tail, lowering their head, avoiding eye contact, and hunching their back to appear smaller, to restore harmony within their human “pack”. They may also lick your hands, bring you a favorite toy, or offer their belly as a submissive gesture. These actions are instinctive behaviors to de-escalate tension and seek forgiveness from their owner.
What is the 3-3-3 rule with dogs?
The “3-3-3 Rule” for dogs is a general guideline for the adoption and adjustment period of a new rescue dog, suggesting it takes 3 days for a dog to decompress and feel somewhat safe, 3 weeks to learn and settle into the new routine, and 3 months to fully feel comfortable, bonded, and at home. This framework helps set realistic expectations for new owners, emphasizing patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement to help the dog build trust and confidence in its new environment.
How do dogs say “I love you”?