Does my dog love me? 10 easy ways to tell

You love your dog – but do they love you back? Chances are the answer is a resounding YES!

Many dog owners, ourselves included, often find themselves wondering if their unconditional love for their pupper is reciprocated. Dogs are known for being man’s best friend, and while they can’t use words to tell us how much they love us (no matter how much we wish they could!), their body language often speaks for itself. 

If you’ve been wondering how dogs show affection, take a look at these tell tale signs that your dog loves you.

1. They love to lick you

While there are plenty of reasons why your dog licks you, one of those is that they’re showing you how much they love you! When your dog licks you, they release endorphins and get a rush of good feelings, which in turn helps them to calm down – it’s a comforting action which makes them feel good.

Licking is also a way of showing their affection and gaining your attention: they lick you, you pet them, and the cycle continues. 

2. They give you puppy dog eyes

Did you know? When your dog gazes into your eyes, its brain releases oxytocin – as does yours when you gaze lovingly back. Also known as the ‘love hormone’, this release of oxytocin helps to strengthen your bond. The longer the gaze, the more oxytocin is released – with researchers in Japan finding that a gaze between dog and owner prompts a bond similar to that between parent and child. 

So if your pup maintains eye contact with those soft puppy dog eyes, this could mean that they feel safe and secure with you and, yes, that they love you too.

3. They’re a cuddle monster

Many dog owners see a cuddle with their dog as the ultimate sign of love: it gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling, and strengthens your bond with your four legged friend. 

If your dog actively chooses to initiate physical contact and comes to you for a cuddle, this means they have chosen you to curl up with – when they could have settled down anywhere else. And that in itself is a strong sign that your dog loves you.

If they then fall asleep next to you, this suggests that they are comfortable enough around you to let their guard down and drift off: they love and trust you, their beloved human, to keep them safe.

Tip: It’s important to remember that these puppy cuddles should always be on your dog’s terms: forcing a cuddle with your dog may actually push them further away. 

4. They greet you when you get home

If your dog gives you an enthusiastic greeting worthy of royalty when you get home, then it probably means they love you and are very, very happy that their human is back!

Perhaps they jump up at you, bring you a gift (maybe a shoe, or a toy), or even do a little excited wee. Whatever the case, that friendly welcome they give you is a sure fire sign of your dog’s love for you.

5. They’re a sock thief

Hear us out on this one: if your dog is constantly seeking out items which smell like you (think socks and slippers!), it could be their way of showing how much they love you.

You’ve probably noticed that your dog has a preference for your used socks, and would much rather have them than that fresh, clean pair you just put away. That’s because dogs feel comforted by their owner’s scents, and chewing on your stinky socks makes them feel closer to you. 

All together now: aaaaaaaaw.

6. They recognise your name

Sure, your dog may learn to recognise their own name (and forget it at convenient times) – but did you know that if your dog recognises your name, too, it could be a sign that they love you?

If your four legged friend gets excited at the mention of your name while you’re not around, this suggests that they’re hopeful you might show up at any moment – and they’re excited because they love you!

7. They bring you gifts

Is there any gift greater than that offered by your pooch? Probably, given these gifts usually take the form of shoes, sticks, or that thing they found in the garden. But beyond all of this, what your dog is really giving you when they provide you with presents is the gift of love: they’re showing you how much they care, and it really is the thought that counts. 

Bonus points if the gift they give is their favourite toy: this shows that they want to share their prized possessions with you, which means they really must love you.

8. They look after you

It is often said that dogs can tell when we are happy or sad, so if your dog senses your emotions and looks after you when you’re down, this is a strong indicator of their affection for their human.

9. They yawn when you do

They say that yawning is infectious, and this extends to our canine companions. 

Researchers from the University of Tokyo found that dogs are so in tune with their human’s emotional needs, that when you yawn, they yawn too! In fact, the study found that your dog is five times more likely to react to a familiar yawn than one from a stranger – suggesting that their emotional response is linked to those they truly love. 

10. They wag their tail around you

Just as with licking, tail wagging can mean a lot of different things. A slow tail wag can be a sign of insecurity, while a smaller movement could be your dog’s way of simply letting you know they’re there.

But when your dog gives you an enthusiastic tail wag, perhaps even combined with a body wiggle, it’s most likely to be a sign of true love!