Dog lovers everywhere enjoy expressing the love and affection they have for their dogs. But does your dog understand the depth of love you have for him or her?
According to Dr. Brian Hare, a canine cognition specialist, our dogs do know we love them. Dogs and humans have the ability to form a special neural connection. This connection is the same human oxytocin bonding pathway used by parents and babies. When you stare at your dog, the oxytocin levels in both your brain and your dog’s brain go up, the same as when you pet and play with them.
Pet parents across the country can attest to the surge of joy felt when experiencing that special bond. It’s nice to know there’s a scientific explanation for why playing and being close to our dogs makes us – and them – feel so happy.
Signs Your Dog Knows You Love Them
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Their body language
Your dog shows you love them through body language and behavior. For example, they will stare at you and make direct eye content. This is their way of saying they trust and love you. They will also have obvious signs like a big smile, a wagging tail and a bottom-wiggle.
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They recognize your name
Dogs understand language more than we may realize. In addition to learning their own name, they have the ability to learn your name – and be visibly excited when someone uses it.
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They want to share their toys with you
Sharing toys is another way dogs express love. If a dog really loves you, they will often bring you their favorite toy. This is their way of showing they care.
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They will guard and protect you
Some dogs will naturally protect you from dangers such as people trying to break into your home, and they will guard your home day and night to ensure this doesn’t happen. You might even notice they are “on guard” while you’re eating. This is their way of showing you belong to their pack.
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They might try to herd you
Some breeds are known for their herding tendencies. If your dog tries to make sure all family members stay together, they could be displaying herding tendencies. This is their way of showing affection for their pack.
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They will rub their face on you
Rubbing their face on you is your dog marking you as “theirs” and is a common way to show affection. Of course, if your dog is rubbing his or her face on everything in sight, you might have them checked by a veterinarian to make sure they don’t have a skin problem, like mites or dandruff.
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They comfort you
Your dog might climb onto your lap if they sense you are upset. Most dogs are very in tune with their owners’ emotions and will often try to be close to you during times of stress.
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They lean on you
Dogs lean on you to be close to you. This is their way of showing affection. They might even lay on your feet!
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They will bring you things to “fix”
Some dogs will bring you a broken toy or other object. This is showing they have faith you will fix the broken item for them.
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They cuddle with you
Because dogs have a pack mentality, they consider you as part of their close-knit pack, meaning they want to show you love and affection. If your dog is cuddling and snuggling with you, it’s a sign they love you and know you love them.
More Ways to Show Your Dog You Love Them
Even though our dogs know we love them, we can always show them a little extra love in ways they will understand. Here are a few simple things you can do to communicate your love clearly.
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Work on training with them
Training provides positive reinforcement, builds your dog’s confidence and strengthens the bond between you.
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Rub your dog’s ears
Your dog’s ears contain nerve endings that send impulses through your dog’s body and release feel-good endorphins.
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Feed your dog by hand
This is particularly helpful if you’re training a puppy, but feeding your dog out of your hand can strengthen the bond between you and your dog. It also places you in the position of your dog’s provider.
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Tell them you love them
Even if your dog can’t understand your words, they often understand your tone and intention. Especially if you tell them often, they will come to recognize your words and tone and will understand the love you have for them.
As long as you’re showing your dog love and affection, they will understand it. However, if you want to throw in an extra belly rub or treat once in a while, they will love you for it!
Beyond the Litter: Do Puppies Remember Their Siblings?
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What to Do If Your Dog is a Picky Eater
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Thanks for sharing this! We have two dogs I site on, and it’s good to know they return that affection!
Thank you for stopping by the Canine Campus blog and leaving a comment! I’m so glad you have two sweet pups who you love and return your love!
I’ve come across dogs who become extremely angry when their owners name is mentioned. It’s obviously because the owners ill treat them..
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I hope you’ll visit our blog again soon!
Really good article. Thank you so much!
I’m glad you enjoyed reading the blog post! Thanks for visiting the Canine Campus blog and letting us know your thoughts! Come back again soon!
Our Wiener Dog was a little off for a few days. He was crying a bit and just not the same. I still took Him on a walk that night and a big dog barked and startled us from behind a fence. I yelled at the dog to be quiet thn my Dog walked a little farther and just laid down in the grass. I picked him up and knew something was not right at all and gave him kisses’ while we went to the house. He went down hill fast. After going to the Emergency, they said he had advanced heart issues including murmur, Water on his lungs and heart, and heart failure. They put him on 2 meds and we took him home. The spiral down continued. He was gasping for breath. He wouldn’t eat his chicken that he loved. He couldn’t stand to pee or poo. we took him back to vet emergency on Sunday as our regular vet was closed. I also knew we were in trouble and I tried to find a vet to come to the house as I feared the worst and I wanted him to pass on at home but everyone was days out for appointment. They wanted to keep him in Hospice and leave him but the way he was it didn’t take a genius too figure out he was already slipping which made me a little angry. Long story short, did I speedup my dogs death by yelling at the other dog before my dog fell over in the grass? I vet said it would have happened anyway but the guilt is unbearable to not know for sure. I stayed in the room with him at the end and did not keep composure like I was supposed to . I cried like the last dog on earth was leaving us but I told him I loved him and was sorry for anything I did that may have been wrong. You’re the best Boy, I love you, You’re such a good boy. Then he was gone. I feel like I failed him. He did all the above thing with me as far as eye contact, play, scratch at my door in the am to wake me up ( He slept with mom). I spent hundreds of dollars on the best food and joint support, etc. Did he know for sure that I loved him. The soul of the house is gone and I feel like I let him down. Maybe someone can help. Thanks. PS HE was never abused while we had him. Not once. Maybe slapped on rump a couple times for nipping but that was it. P.S.S I’ve never seen a dog decline that fast.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dog. I’m sure he knew you loved him, and he loved you too! Grief is one of the hardest parts of being a pet parent; we all have things we would do differently for our pets if we could go back in time and do things over. In time, we do heal from the heartbreak and emotional pain and remember our pets as they were, not only how they were at the time of their passing. If you are dealing with grief and want to talk with someone, you can learn more about the Grief Recovery Pet Loss Program here. Thank you for sharing about your little dachshund with us and hope you’ll visit the Canine Campus blog again!
We put our dog down a few days ago. She was 12. I have had a number of animals put down. But it had always gone fairly smooth. We stayed with them and told them we loved them and so forth.
But my girl was suffering from gran mall seizures. Even though she was on heavy medicine she still had them and had trouble sitting. So we made the decision to put her down. It was horrible. She cried the entire time and was trembling was trying to get off the table. It was traumatizing. I felt so so bad. Do you have any idea why she cried sun
much??
My deepest condolences on your loss, Victoria. Most likely your dog was just afraid of being at the vet and didn’t know what was happening. We always seem to feel some guilt when we lose our pet, no matter how much we loved and cared for them. The loss of our beloved pet is so difficult we partnered with a Grief Recovery Specialist to write an article we hope will help grieving dog parents. Here is the link: https://www.caninecampus.us/coping-with-the-loss-of-your-dog-with-crystal-givens-advanced-grief-recovery-specialist. We understand and sympathize with what you’re going through. Thank you for sharing your experience with us here.
Hello Victoria,
Did the vet do a two stage euthenasia? First is anesthia to put them to sleep and the second is to stop the heartbeat. I lost my 15 year old girl yesterday. Had to put her to sleep. Her kidneys stopped working. I completely understand your pain . I always feel some guilt even though I know euthanizing was the right thing to do.
Darcee, I’m sure your dog had a wonderful life because she had you as her person. Thank you for sharing about your dog’s final minutes.
Very interesing articles – thank you so much.
I went on here because my dog lost his companion 5 weeks ago and doesn’t like to be left alone. I hear
him barking when I go out. I take him with me when I can but that’s not always possible.
I miss his companion so much I cry a lot too – so hard!
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, Sunny. Our dogs grieve just like we do. In case you haven’t seen it, here is an article that might help, at least a little. https://www.caninecampus.us/coping-with-the-loss-of-your-dog-with-crystal-givens-advanced-grief-recovery-specialist. We understand and sympathize with what you’re going through. Thank you for sharing your experience with us here.
I have a full blooded blue pit she is three years old her name is mia she has had one boyfriend who is also full blooded blue pit she had her first and only litter of puppies and they are all grey in color and there are 11 of them she had 11 puppies and they will be a week old tomorrow and she has been a amazing mother we keep her on camera when we are at work and there so cute to watch I just want to share my love for her with the world she is so smart she is a first time mom and she is amazing
Awww that’s so sweet! Thanks for sharing! Dogs are amazing creatures, for sure!
Our sons family keep postponing the decision to put their seventeen year old Jack Russel down. When he stands his back legs give way. He has difficulty stepping over the ledge of the door to go outside, He’s still eats and begs, he is very disoriented not sure if he wants to come in or go out. My question is are they waiting too long ?
Thank you for your question. Deciding to euthanize a pet can feel gut-wrenching. Families may feel they are letting their pet down, or they are causing their best friend’s death. They may not realize euthanasia is a gift, when used appropriately at the right time, will prevents further suffering for the pet and emotional suffering for the family. That said, families have to make whatever decision is the best for them. Some owners need time to come to the reality of their dog’s decline, while others want to prevent any unnecessary suffering at all. Every pet owner is different and entitled to their own thoughts and beliefs. After all, the family knows the dog better than anyone else. Encourage your son and his family to consult with their family veterinarian to make the best decision for their beloved dog.
I sing a little song (sung to the tune “we love you Beatles”) and Redd always looks at me when I sing the high note, with such affection and (I believe) love.
Thank You Joelle for all you do.
How sweet! Thank you David!