Love Can’t be defined properly but it can be expressed. Valentine’s Day may only last for a day, but our celebration of love continues all month! While we’ve previously discussed how to express love to your dog, have you ever wondered how dog show love in return? Though they can’t verbalize “I love you” like humans, dogs demonstrate their affection in various charming and unique ways. Let’s delve into Some delightful ways our furry friends express their fondness for us, from adorable quirks to heartfelt gestures.
Gestures That Dog Show Love
- Licking: We call it ‘giving kisses,’ but since dogs can’t actually pucker up and smooch like humans, their version of a kiss is licking the face and hands of the people they love. Licking is one of the more obvious ways dog show love.
- Leaning: When your dog leans their full weight against your legs, it’s a sign of complete trust. It signifies that your dog feels safe and secure with you, akin to a full-body hug.
- Bringing You Their Toys: Constantly presenting you with their toys is a major sign of dog show love. It could be seen as a gift or a request for playtime, showing they trust you with their prized possessions.
- Nudging You with Their Nose: Nose nudging can mean various things, including a request for attention, petting, or simply expressing love and wanting physical contact.
- Making a Big Sigh: A big sigh after getting cozy next to you signifies contentment and happiness in dogs.
- Making Eye Contact: Dogs release oxytocin, the “love hormone,” when making eye contact with someone they trust, deepening the bond between you and your furry friend.
- Sleeping Near You: Dogs, being pack animals, often sleep near their loved ones, viewing you as a member of their pack and family. This is another form of dog show love.
- Showing You Their Belly: Rolling onto their back and exposing their belly is a sign of trust and submission, indicating a deep bond and affection.
- Following You Around: Dogs enjoy your company and see you as part of their pack, hence the tendency to follow you everywhere.
- Smiling: Dogs do smile! Flashing their pearly whites is a genuine expression of affection and happiness.
- Raising Their Eyebrows: Raising an eyebrow at you is a way for dogs to communicate and show affection, evoking our empathy and love.
- Wagging Their Tail: A relaxed, full-body wag indicates happiness and excitement to see you. By doing this dog show love to you.
- Jumping Around: Excitement and happiness often manifest in jumping around, albeit it can also be an unwanted behavior.
- Roughhousing: While roughhousing can be a sign of love and social development, it’s essential to train your dog to prevent it from going too far.
- Getting Jealous: Jealousy indicates that your dog values your attention and wants to keep it all to themselves.
- Stealing Your Shoes and Socks: Raiding your belongings for your smelliest items shows that your dog missed you and enjoys your unique scent.
- Recognizing Your Name: Dogs can learn the names of people they like, getting excited at the thought of their appearance.
These gestures, whether big or small, showcase the deep bond and affection dogs have for their human companions.
