There’s always that moment where you see your dog staring at you from across the room with those big, puppy dog eyes. You feel that instant sense of connection and know that yes, your dog loves you. He jumps over the couch and starts running toward you about to jump into your arms when wait, he’s grabbed the steak you were cooking and is running off with your dinner!
So not everything your dog does is a sign of their affection for you, and yes, we all know that many dogs love food. But just because that cinematic moment of a loving embrace didn’t happen that one time, there are still lots of ways that your pooch likes to show how much they care.
Look for any of these 10 signs that yes, your dog truly loves you!
- Those long stares aren’t just about dominance.
Yes, for dogs, direct staring can be a way to establish dominance over another dog. Luckily for us, eye contact can also be a sign of affection and trust from your four-legged bestie.
Non-threatening eye contact, especially amongst dog owners and dogs, is a sign of affection that means they love and care about you. Just don’t stare too long, you don’t want to get into a competition for Alpha status in your pack. 😉
- You get all the licks.
It shouldn’t be a surprise, but one lick to your face or hand is usually a positive sign. That or you’ve definitely been around something that smells good!
Lots of sloppy, wet licks are just their best way of saying how much they care and in fact, are a good indication that your dog respects you since licking is a sign of your higher up place in the pack.
- A lean is better than a hug.
We like to give hugs to show affection, but for dogs, they don’t necessarily like to do the same or receive the same.
Implicit trust and affection are shown your way when a dog decides to lean their whole weight against you indicating they feel safe and protected while by your side.
It may not seem like a big gesture, but it’s equivalent to the hug you always give them every morning!
- They’re not just following you around for treats.
You may have grown up with a younger sibling who always used to follow you around and do what you were doing as a way to show how much they wanted to be around you.
Well for dogs, following you around is another sign of how much they care. They want to be around you so they’ll find you wherever you go, even if it is the shower, jumping in your bed, or breaking into the bathroom. 😉 - What’s yours is mine and vice versa.
Surprised when your dog walks over with their favorite slobbered-on toy and drops it in your lap? Well, don’t be! That’s just another way of them telling you how much they love you.
In fact, it is another way they’re trying to earn your affection by showing how much they value you, enough to give you their most precious toy. - A boop never felt this good.
Nose-nudging can be seen as another sign of affection as the dog is trying to show they love you. A boop followed by a longing look and a lean is just their way of giving you all the physical attention possible.
- Some jumps are better than others.
If your dog runs over and jumps all over you when you’ve been gone, that’s just a sign of how much they have missed you!
Though we do recommend ensuring your dog doesn’t jump on strangers, a good jump on you now and again shouldn’t be discouraged. - Sighing is caring.
Normally, we like to think of sighing as a sign of exasperation. But with dogs, it’s the exact opposite!
Sighs and groans just show how content a dog is so if you get a soft sigh when they curl up against your leg that just means they wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but by your side!
- Here’s my belly, give me that rub.
The ultimate sign of trust from a dog is if they’re willing to get on their back and show you the belly. This sign of submission is usually a call for belly rubs but also further indicates that they trust you 100%.
- Wag that tail back and forth like you just don’t care.
Yes, tail wagging in an excited manner is usually a good indicator that your dog is happy.
Specifically, a full body wag with the tail at about mid height and doing circling motions is a clear sign that they are very happy to be with you.
These are just a few signs of how dogs show their affection but keep in mind that not every dog is the same.
Some signs of affection will be specific to your dog’s breed and even your dog themselves because as well as know, these unique family members have a love language all their own.