Do you ever wonder if your dog loves you or if they’re just in it for the food? If you’re a dog owner, it’s likely you’ve questioned whether that wagging tail is fueled by your pup’s love for you or just the desire for dinner. Thankfully for dog owners, there are subtle signs that can help you to better understand your dog’s love language. Here are a few ways your dog may be showing their love for you.
If your dog frequently makes eye contact with you, it’s more than just a staring contest. Just like humans, dogs use eye contact as a sign of trust and affection. Studies have shown that prolonged eye contact between dogs and their owners can even release oxytocin, the “love hormone,” in both of you. So, the next time your dog locks eyes with you, know that it’s a form of bonding and love.
Ever find your dog curled up on your favorite shirt or running off with a sock? This behavior is more than playful mischief—it’s their way of saying they love you. Dogs navigate the world through their noses, and your scent is a source of comfort. By stealing your “you-scented” clothes, they’re surrounding themselves with a reminder of your bond.
When your dog leans against you, it’s not just about seeking physical support. This act is a powerful display of affection and trust. Much like humans, dogs find comfort in physical touch, and by leaning on you, they’re saying they feel safe and secure. This bond-building gesture is one of the most heartwarming (and cutest) ways dogs express their love.
Is your dog always by your side, trailing behind you from room to room? Dogs are pack animals, and by following you, they’re demonstrating their loyalty and desire to be close to their the leader of their little pack. This constant companionship is a sign of both affection and protection. Your dog loves you enough to want to be near you, no matter where you go.
Dogs are incredibly intuitive creatures, often mirroring their owners’ emotions. If you’ve noticed your dog calming down when you’re relaxed or getting excited when you are, it’s not by chance. This mood-matching behavior shows that your dog is deeply attuned to your feelings and wants to share in your emotional world. Now, that’s what we call a true ride or die.
Does your dog bring you their favorite toy or an object they find valuable? If so, you should take this gesture as a compliment. Dogs show their love and trust by sharing things that matter to them. When they bring you a toy, it’s a sign that they see you as part of their pack—a trusted companion worth sharing with.
If your dog chooses to sleep near or even in the same bed as you, consider it a major sign of trust. Sleeping is one of the most vulnerable times for dogs, and by choosing to rest beside you, they’re showing that they feel safe and secure in your presence. This is one of the strongest indicators of love and loyalty that a dog can offer.
