Does your dog truly love you, or do they just love all the food and toys you provide? I think we’ve all wondered just how much our dogs really love us, and whether they share the same deep bond with us that we have with them. And luckily for us there are a few ways to know for sure.
From greeting you at the door to stealing your clothes, here’s 10 signs your dog loves you.
They Like to Sleep Near You
In the wild dogs can are quite defensive when sleeping — they have to be alert to any potential dangers that may be lurking about. So if your dog chooses to sleep near you it means they see you as part of their family and feel 100% safe and comfortable around you.
Your Dog Steals Your Clothes
A dog’s sense of smell is much stronger than ours, so if you catch your dog stealing some of your clothes it means they want to be closer to your scent. Maybe it’s when you’re in the shower, or maybe it’s when you’re on a work call, but you catch your dog stealing your clothes it just means they want that comforting scent of yours nearby.
They Follow You Everywhere
If your dog follows you everywhere chances are you’ve got a velcro dog. And contrary to popular belief it’s not necessarily an anxious behavior, a lot of dogs just really love being close to their favorite human. If your dog follows you from room to room you can rest assured that your dog shares a deep bond with you.
Your Dog Licks You
Licking is a sign of affection in dogs, so if your dog has a tendency to lick you it means they’re giving you kisses in their own special way. Now it might be a bit annoying if they do it all the time, but keep in mind it’s meant as a way to show love, so just redirect them gently towards doing something else if it bothers you.
Your Dog Seeks Out Physical Contact With You
If your dog seeks out physical contact with you it means they really love you, and they’re looking for some extra cuddles, petting, or affection from their beloved human. Being close to you brings them comfort, and makes them feel safe and secure.
They Get Excited When They See You
One of the best feelings you can get when having a dog is seeing just how excited they are when you return home. When your dog greets you at the door they’re not just showing you how much they missed you, they’re showing how much they love having you around.
Your Dog Leans on You
If your dog leans on you it means they feel secure and comfortable with you. Leaning on you when you’re at home means they’re looking for some extra cuddles or affection, and when they do it outside it might mean they’re feeling a little anxious or unsure — but leaning on you means they see you as someone who will keep them safe.
Your Dog Likes to Play With You
Like us dogs love to play well into adulthood, and if your dog enjoys playing with you it means they really love your company and see you as the bringer of all fun things. And if you’re playing tug with your dog remember to let them win once in a while, as studies have shown it makes the game even more enjoyable for them and keeps them engaged for longer.
They Make Eye Contact With You
If your dog often looks at you and holds eye contact for a sustained period of time it means they really love and trust you. When your dog is looking at you their brain releases oxytocin, aka the love chemical that helps create deep bonds.
They Check In On You
Not all dogs are velcro dogs, aka dogs who follow you everywhere, but if your dog loves you they will check in on you from time to time to make sure you’re all good. Whether it’s peaking in on you in the office, or glancing up from their bed; they just want to make sure you’re nearby.
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