Dogs have a number of ways to demonstrate their love and affection. Here’s a list of just some of the behaviours and quirks a dog exhibits when they’re letting you know that you’re special to them.
Tail wagging
We all know that a wagging tail means that your dog is happy so there is rarely a more heart-warming sight than your dog’s tail whipping about when they spot you, or when they’re pelting towards you on a run.
Kisses
While we might not necessarily welcome a slobbery tongue to the face it is a sign of affection left over from puppyhood. All that dog breath is a token of their love.
Knowing when you need them
Dogs carry an instinct to protect and care for their families, like wolves licking each other’s wounds in the wild. Plenty of dog owners will swear to the fact that their dog knows when they aren’t well and pays special attention to them during periods of sickness.
Being your shadow
When our dogs follow us around the house (or garden, or park, or woods) it makes us feel safe and loved. It’s heartening to see that they want to be by our sides.
Sleeping buddy
Dogs tend to sleep a lot more than humans and there are few things more reassuring than a dog sleeping curled up by your feet while you watch TV or read a book.
Jumping up
Most of us will train this behaviour out of our dogs but sometimes they do it so they can lick your face and show their love. Even the most stringently trained dog will sometimes leap up out of excitement and joy!
Being part of the family
Dogs are distantly descended from wolves and share a social streak. They love company and, when a dog really settles in with the family, it makes us feel that they have accepted us in the same way as we have accepted them into our lives.
Leaning on you for support
You may find that your dog comes and literally leans against you or into you. This kind of proximity is a sign that they are comfortable with you and they want you to pay them some attention.
Play fighting
A bit of wrestling and roughhousing is a way to show affection and play with you. Play is important for their social development and it will help the two of you to bond so it will only make them love you more!
Checking in
Now and again your dog will want to spend a little time alone, either by pottering about the house or having a good chase about on a run or walk. It’s always rather nice when they pop back to check on you without being called, it makes us feel like they care.
Big smiles
If you would swear that you’ve seen your dog flash you a grin that could well be because they have! A Japanese study called “Behavioural Processes” suggests that dogs have a range of facial expressions similar to humans that they use to show the emotions in their repertoire.
Sniffing
Sometimes your dog will give you a really good sniff and (whether welcome or otherwise) this is their way of being sure of you, getting to know you, and forming a proper profile of you in their mind, as well as a way of greeting you as their friend.
