You’re not alone if you’ve ever questioned whether your dog truly loves you or if it’s just because, you know, you feed them. Dog parents, have you ever wondered if your dog loves you half as much as you love them? Aside from the regular food and treats they receive, our dogs may not be able to verbally express their affection for us, but there are subtle signs that they do.
Just as a dog’s body language can reveal a lot about how they are feeling—tail wagging denotes happiness, baring teeth denotes threat—so can a dog’s behavior when they are around you.
You can rest easy at night (hopefully with your dog by your side) knowing your four-legged furry baby genuinely loves you if your dog exhibits any of these affectionate behaviors. Keep reading for 10 signs your dog loves you!.
Sleeping by or With You
This desire to be close to you (especially during a time as vulnerable as sleep) is a meaningful indicator of how much your dog loves you. Does your dog sleep close to you, in bed with you, or in the same bedroom as you? A dog will trust you to watch out for them if they feel at ease enough to sleep with or close to you.
Wanting to Play With You
Dogs, once again, don’t waste time with people they don’t want to be around. Call it what it is if your dog consistently displays an interest in spending time with you, whether it be by lying next to you, following you around, or even playing with you right now.
They sleep next to you
Canines, even when asleep, protect themselves from potential predators. In the wild, they typically sleep in what VCA Animal Hospitals calls a “defensive position.” Picture a dog with its nose out (to smell anything unusual) and an entire pack with their backs facing in, forming a little circle of safety. Sleep is vulnerable! If your dog chooses to sleep with you or next to your bed, this means they trust you. You’re basically a pack member.
Like cats, dogs enjoy giving gifts to people they love. In contrast to cats, who typically only give family members dead birds, dogs prefer toys. Of course, this is also a tactic for making requests. It might be a request for playtime (“Throw this please!”) or a cry for attention (“Look at me!”). This behavior is adorable because your dog is showing interest in you. They want you to pay attention to them. They want to play with you. In essence, your dog is texting you to hang out and they are just sharing their favorite things with you, like a kid at recess.
According to The Kennel Club of the U. K. “If your dog follows you around everywhere, they love and trust you, and they feel safe with you.” Because they are social creatures, dogs typically enjoy the company of other people (even dogs who are more reserved around other dogs tend to do so). Similar to this, it’s still a sign that your dog loves you if they follow you from room to room while dozing nearby but not necessarily right on your heels. There are some dogs who do experience separation anxiety, but that behavior is more frequently displayed when you aren’t around.
On the other hand, dogs that trust their owners don’t feel the need to constantly be on high alert. Your dog may not feel comfortable around you if she acts tense around you or keeps her distance while watching your movements. Dogs that are able to unwind, sleep, and even leave you alone while you go about your business probably feel connected to you and have faith that you won’t betray them or ambush them.
FAQ
How can I tell if my dog loves me?
- Your dog is happy to see you. …
- Your dog gives you presents. …
- Your dog puts you second only to food. …
- Your dog likes to sleep with you. …
- Your dog looks at you with loving eyes. …
- Your dog does not care about your appearance. …
- Your dog follows you everywhere.
Can a dog tell if he is loved?
Dogs and humans have a very special relationship where dogs have taken over the human oxytocin bonding pathway normally reserved for our babies, so yes, your dog knows how much you love him. Both your oxytocin levels rise when you gaze at your dog, just like when you pet and play with them.
Do dogs pick a favorite person?
Dogs are likely to select a favorite person based on a variety of factors, just like their human friends. The dog’s interactions with the person, their demeanor, and how well they are taken care of by the person are a few of these.
How do I know if Im my dogs favorite person?
- A dog that adores you will most likely know your name and display obvious excitement upon hearing it.
- Dogs who trust you will bring you things that need “fixing” ” .
- A dog may protect you while you eat to demonstrate their love for you.