The greeting you get from your dog after a long day is one of the best feelings in the world but you may sometimes ask yourself “Does my dog love me?” because they can’t vocalise it like we do. Loving gazes, wiggly butts and their funny quirks have us all brimming with oxytocin, the “happy hormone” daily – but is the feeling mutual? ABSOLUTELY! The dog-human friendship is arguably the most successful in nature, dating back many thousands of years ago. A study by Therese Rehn et al (2014) investigated whether or not there is a link between how an owner feels about their relationship, and how the dog feels. Not an easy feat. Of course, it’s easy to find out how owners feel about their dogs: you ask them. However, it’s not quite so easy for pooch participants…
Originally developed for children, Rehn used a measure of attachment method that assessed differences in the dog’s behaviour with their owner and then a stranger. While all the dogs were very social to both owner and stranger, the results showed all the dogs played and explored the room more with their owner present, whilst still remaining close. Put simply, “a dog’s owner is a unique person from whom it seeks comfort, security and reassurance”.
Ever caught your furry friend staring at you with those big puppy eyes and wondered, “Does my puppy actually love me?” Well, I’ve got some pawsitively good news for you! Puppies might not be able to say “I love you” in words, but they definitely have their own unique language of love. As a dog parent myself, I’ve experienced these heartwarming gestures firsthand, and they never fail to make my day better!
The Science Behind Puppy Love
Before diving into the specifics let’s understand why puppies show affection. Puppies like their wolf ancestors, are pack animals. They naturally form strong bonds with their family members – which includes you! When your puppy shows affection, their brain releases oxytocin, often called the “love hormone” – the same chemical released in human brains during bonding moments.
20 Ways Puppies Express Their Love
1. The Full-Body Tail Wag
You know that moment when you walk through the door and your puppy’s entire back end starts wiggling? That’s not just happiness—it’s love! A loose, relaxed tail that’s wagging so hard it makes their whole body wiggle is one of the purest expressions of puppy love.
2. Becoming Your Shadow
Does your puppy follow you everywhere—even to the bathroom? While this might seem annoying (especially when you’re trying to have a private moment!), it’s actually their way of saying, “I feel safe with you, and I’d rather be with you than anywhere else in the world!”
3. Enthusiastic Greetings
That crazy jumping, spinning, and possibly excited peeing when you come home isn’t just excitement—it’s your puppy’s way of saying, “OMG, YOU’RE BACK! I THOUGHT YOU WERE GONE FOREVER!”
4. Puppy Kisses (Licking)
When your puppy licks your face or hands, they’re showing affection. In the wild, puppies lick their mother’s face as a sign of respect and love. When they lick you they’re treating you as part of their family!
5. Bringing You Their Favorite Toys
When your puppy drops their slobbery chewed-up favorite toy at your feet they’re actually giving you a gift! This is a major sign of affection—they’re sharing their most prized possession with you because they trust and love you.
6. Sleeping Near You
When your puppy chooses to sleep next to you (or on you!), they’re showing ultimate trust and affection. In the wild, dogs would only sleep near pack members they completely trusted, as sleep is when they’re most vulnerable.
7. Making Eye Contact
Have you ever caught your puppy gazing lovingly into your eyes? That’s not just a coincidence! Long, sustained eye contact between humans and dogs actually releases oxytocin in both brains. It’s literally a loving gaze!
8. Leaning Their Body Weight Against You
When your puppy leans their body weight against you, it’s basically a puppy hug! They’re saying, “I trust you completely and want to be as close to you as possible.”
9. The Happy Smile
Yes, puppies can smile! When your pup shows a relaxed mouth that looks like they’re smiling at you, they’re expressing contentment and happiness in your presence.
10. Excited When They Hear Your Name
If your puppy perks up when they hear someone mention your name, it means you’re one of their favorite people! They associate your name with good things and love.
11. The Belly Exposure
When your puppy rolls over and shows you their belly, they’re putting themselves in a vulnerable position. This is a huge sign of trust and affection! If they’re asking for a belly rub while doing this, they’re requesting affection while also showing it.
12. Nudging You With Their Nose
Does your puppy sometimes gently nudge you with their nose? That’s their way of asking for attention and showing affection. It’s their version of tapping you on the shoulder to say, “Hey, I’m here and I love you!”
13. Snuggling and Cuddling
When your puppy snuggles up to you on the couch or in bed, they’re seeking closeness and showing that they feel safe and loved with you.
14. The Face Rub
When your puppy rubs their face against you, they’re actually “marking” you with their scent. In dog language, this is claiming you as part of their pack and showing other dogs that you belong together.
15. Checking In During Walks
If your puppy frequently looks back at you during walks, they’re “checking in” to make sure you’re still there and to maintain the connection between you.
16. Sighing Contentedly
That big sigh your puppy makes when they settle down next to you isn’t frustration—it’s contentment! They’re expressing happiness and relaxation in your presence.
17. Bringing You Their Problems
When your puppy brings you a broken toy or something they can’t figure out, they’re showing they trust you to solve their problems. That’s love and respect!
18. Sensing Your Emotions
Have you noticed your puppy becomes extra attentive when you’re sad or sick? Puppies can sense changes in your mood and will often try to comfort you when you’re down—a true sign of love and empathy!
19. Showing Jealousy
If your puppy seems jealous when you pay attention to another pet or person, it’s actually a sign they value your attention and love! They want to keep you all to themselves.
20. Stealing Your Shoes and Socks
While this might be annoying, when puppies steal your smelliest items (shoes, socks, or even underwear!), they’re actually seeking out your scent because it comforts them. Your smell = safety and love to them!
How to Show Your Puppy You Love Them Back
Now that you know how your puppy shows love, here are some ways to return the affection:
- Physical touch – Gentle petting, scratching, and cuddling
- Quality time – Regular play sessions and training
- Verbal affirmation – Talk to your puppy in a happy, loving tone
- Treats and toys – Positive reinforcement shows love
- Consistent care – Regular feeding, walks, and healthcare
The Puppy Love Quiz
How many of these love signals does your puppy show? Count them up!
- 1-5 signs: Your puppy is still building trust with you, but they definitely like you!
- 6-10 signs: Your puppy has formed a strong bond with you and shows clear affection.
- 11-15 signs: Your puppy ADORES you and considers you their favorite person.
- 16-20 signs: Congratulations! Your puppy is head-over-paws in love with you!
Final Thoughts
Understanding how puppies express love helps strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. Each puppy has their own unique way of showing affection, so pay attention to your particular pup’s love language!
Remember, the love between a human and their puppy is one of the purest forms of affection out there. Cherish these moments—from the sloppy kisses to the tail wags—as they’re your puppy’s way of saying, “You’re my world!”
And honestly, is there anything better than puppy love? I think not!
What’s your favorite way your puppy shows you love? Drop a comment below and let us know! And if you found this article helpful, please share it with other puppy parents who might be wondering if their furball really loves them (spoiler alert: they do!).
So, how do dogs show love?
Dogs are known for their unconditional love and affection towards their owners. They are loyal, faithful, and often referred to as “man’s best friend”. There are many subtle ways in which dogs show their love, and as a dog owner, it’s important to be able to recognise and appreciate these gestures. So, do dogs love their owners and how do they show it?
They’re excited when you get home
Whether it’s been 5 hours or 5 minutes since they saw you, the certainty of their happy welcome is an indisputable sign of affection.
Why do dogs lick you you ask? Dogs use licking to show affection and love. They may lick your face, hands, or even feet as a sign of affection and to bond with you. Licking releases endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals in the brain, making the interaction pleasurable for both you and your dog. Sometimes when they lick their lips this can often be a sign of nerves or apprehension but if they’re licking you, you can be pretty sure they’re doing it to show love!
A wagging tail is a classic sign of a happy dog, and it’s often a sign of love. When a dog wags its tail, it means that it’s excited and happy to see you. The speed and direction of the tail wagging can also indicate different emotions. A slow wag can indicate uncertainty, while a fast wag with the tail held high can indicate excitement and happiness.
14 Signs Your Dog REALLY Loves You, Confirmed by Science
FAQ
How do puppies show they love you?
They will wag their tail and come to greet you when they see you for the first time in a while. They respond to your voice with wags and perked up ears. They choose to lie near you or next to you. They seek your pets and affection by nuzzling your hand or flopping onto their backs for belly rubs.
How do puppies pick their favorite person?
Dogs often choose their favorite person based on who provides the most attention and care.
How can you tell if a puppy has bonded with you?
- Seeking Proximity : If your puppy likes to stay close to you, follows you around the house, or wants to be near you during rest times, it’s a good sign of attachment.
- Eye Contact : Puppies that share soft, relaxed eye contact with you are likely feeling secure and bonded.
- Playfulness
- Affectionate Behavi
Can my puppy feel that I love him?