“Everyone thinks they have the best dog. And none of them are wrong.” – W.R. Purche. This quote couldn’t be any more right! The bond between pet owners and their pets is very special. They’re always with us during our ups and downs. They always make us smile and laugh and even listen to us as if they understand what we’re talking about.
They wait for us at our doors, show love and affection to us, and help us live a happier and healthier life. And it is no secret that your dog loves you more than anything else in the world; you are, in fact, their whole world for them, so here are some signs which show so. We bring you a list of signs that your dog is in love with you (which they absolutely are).
Signs Your Dog is in Love with You
Your dog welcomes you at the door
A dog’s tail is used to convey a variety of emotions. However, a smiling face and a friendly wag are an indication that your dog is happy and relaxed you’re there.
And this doesn’t necessarily mean an all-out bonkers greeting. A crazy extravagant greeting could be an indication of separation anxiety and not an expression of love. Your dog’s wagging tail when they see you at the door is enough to indicate that they are happy to see you.
Your dog looks at you with relaxed “soft” eyes
Our dogs undoubtedly look to us for help making things happen, like dinners, outings, and playing sessions. But a recent study found that our dogs make eye contact with us for more than just social cues. The latest study, carried out by Miho Nagasawa of Azabu University in Japan and her colleagues, revealed that dogs that made puppy eyes at their owners saw an increase in oxytocin that is known as known as the “love hormone.”
Furthermore, it’s mutual; researchers found that a held gaze between dog and guardian caused an uptick in oxytocin in the person as well, creating a positive feedback loop. The exact release of oxytocin happens when a mother gazes at her baby, and the researchers conclude that the study was “a manifestation of attachment behavior” as well as that the constant gaze between the dog and their human is similar to the mother-infant interactions.
(Note this: in the world of dogs, there’s also a thing known as a dominant gaze that is not like a loving eye. It’s actually unintentionally aggressive, so avoid looking at any dog you don’t know; maintained eye contact can be perceived as a threat).
Your puppy loves to snuggle with you
This is a natural and straightforward sign of love because it’s without motive apart from the joy of being with your loved ones (in contrast to the delight of eating a delicious biscuit from the pet-treat cabinet, not that there’s any problem with it! ).
Your pet likes to be near you
Perhaps your dog is in the same room with you and is doing nothing but sleeping in a slumber. The choice of the bed that is closest to you suggests they are keen to be around you.
Your pet takes toys to you wherever you are and attempts to join you in a fun session
Like humans, scared, depressed, or nervous dogs are less likely to play. Happy dogs, i.e., dogs who love their owners, are more likely to run around in a mad rush, squeaking their toy (oh joy!).
Licking you
Dogs picked up this gesture of love from their ancestor, the wolf. Wolf pups will lick their mom’s face to tell her they’re hungry. The dogs we have come to know and love today employ this behavior to show their owner that they appreciate them and do not pose a threat. They might also kiss you to groom you. This is another way that dogs communicate their love for one another.
They follow you around
Wolf pack members and modern-day dogs are no different. If your pup is always underfoot, it does not mean they are trying to trip you (though that can often be the result). It does mean they are loyal and enjoy spending time with you.
Leaning or sitting on your Lap
A dog curled up on your lap is an obvious symbol of affection and love, as is any effort your dog puts into reaching out to you. When your dog leans on your leg or places themselves against your shoulder, remember that they are a cherished pet.
Playing!
Dogs are a lot of fun, and this is one reason why we love having time together. Fetch and chase, as well as games of wrestling, show affection for your dog and is their method of building bonds with their loved one.
