Do dogs know they are loved
Do Dogs Know They Are Loved?
Any dog parent will attest that their furry friend brings them immense joy. But have you ever wondered if your loyal companion is aware of how much you love them?
If they are aware of the love, how can you make sure that they are getting it all the time? Read on to find out!
Does Your Dog Know They Are Loved?
Yes, dogs know that their human parents love them. According to scientist and canine cognition expert Dr. Brian Hare, dogs experience feelings and emotions just as humans do.
The tag of mans best friend is well-earned by our furry friends. Humans and dogs share a special bond. When dogs interact with us, our oxytocin levels spike. The same thing happens with dogs when they interact with their loved humans.
According to Dr. Hare, if you catch your dog staring at you for no particular reason, it is simply an adorable way for them to show love. Their stare means they are hugging you.
Studies such as those are an indication that dogs are quite aware that their humans love and care about them.
Signs Your Dog Is Happy and Well-Loved
The science points out several signs that are proof that your dog is happy and aware of how much their human parents love them.
Since dogs do not have the gift of gab, they have more physical ways of showing love and happiness.
Dogs tend to reciprocate the love they feel. When you see an animal displaying affectionate behavior, it is because they are comfortable and feel safe. They are returning the affection they feel.
Below are some obvious and subtle signs (other than the puppy eyes) that are good indicators of dog affection and happiness.
They Get Excited Around You
Dog parents are quite familiar with scenes of excitement and playfulness from their furry friends. Dogs show their happiness with behaviors such as jumping around, happy tail wags, face licking, and sometimes even peeing at the sight of their owner.
These behaviors are especially noticeable when the parent returns home after a long day. Some dogs, especially young ones, get a little too excited when they are happy and may even pee a little.
They Follow You Around
Some dogs show affection by following you around and checking in on you. If you are sitting in another room, it wont be long before you hear the pitter-patter of their paws heading in your direction.
Shadowing you around is just one way your canine buddy shows affection. It is to make sure you are around and okay. However, just because your dog is not checking in or lying at your feet, it does not mean they dont love you.
Another sign of affection is wanting to sleep near you. If they are not allowed to sleep right next to you, they will choose to sleep in the same room as you. It is pack behavior. It indicates loyalty and trust.
Physical affection is an important part of bonding. Your dog will seek out physical affection by leaning against you, giving you a nuzzle, or rubbing themselves all over you.
Though it might be tempting to wrap them in a tight hug, resist the urge and shower them with gentle love. A healthy exchange of cuddles and licks is a strong indicator of a well-bonded relationship between you and your dog.
They Steal Your Dirty Laundry
A sign of attachment is your pooch digging into your dirty clothes hamper and taking off with your sweaty laundry. Some dogs even raid shoe closets and carry around smelly shoes.
While the behavior must not be encouraged, especially if they like to chew on the stolen items, it is a show of love. They love your scent and want to carry it everywhere with them.
They Bring You Their Favorite Toy
Sharing their favorite toys with their favorite human is a show of love. While it can also mean they want to play, it is mostly a presentation of their prized possession to the person they love.
Playful and curious dogs are happy dogs. They show love the way they receive love. A good indicator of their love and level of happiness is their body language and interaction with you.
How to Show Dogs You Love Them
Any dog parent will agree that there is nothing better than the overwhelming love their pets shower on them. This unconditional love deserves to be appreciated.
How can you show your canine companion that you love you in healthy ways?
Shower Them With Attention
Dogs crave attention. Spending time with them and having fun is a good way of engaging their attention and forging a deeper connection.
Reading to them is a good way of spending time together outside of playtimes and walks.
You can also talk to them. Having a conversation with your dog may sound silly, but it is healthy for both of you. It helps lower your blood pressure and keeps the attention on them.
As pack animals, dogs enjoy close physical contact. While they may not like tight hugs, they enjoy cuddles, head pats, and kisses.
Cuddling with them is an ultimate display of affection. Showering them with physical affection will get across the message that you love them!
Use Positive Reinforcement
If your dog is exhibiting bad behavior, your first instinct is likely to punish them. However, it may be ineffective. It will also hamper your bonding and create a rift in your relationship with your furry friend.
Positive reinforcement is an effective training method. It helps motivate the dog and creates a loving and safe environment for them to thrive. Your dog will be happier with rewards rather than punishment and will work with you to gain the rewards.
Rub Their Ears
Dogs love a good rub behind their ears. There are nerve endings on the ear that, when activated, release a gush of happy hormones or endorphins. A gentle rub will melt your pup into a puddle of happiness, and they will definitely feel the love!
Also Read: Why Does My Dog Stretch On Me?
The TakeawayLove Your Dog!
Dogs know when their human parents love them. It is usually quite evident in their behavior that they are feeling the love.
Their enthusiasm at seeing you after a long day of absence is an indication of their unconditional love, among other behaviors.
As with any other being, there is reciprocity with love. When owners shower their furry companions with affection, the dogs respond in their own language.
A loved dog is a happy dog, so do not be afraid to show your love!
Do Dogs Know You Love Them? Canine Cognition & the Love Hormone
How to show your pup some serious love in their language
Canine companions are some of our dearest loved ones, and dog lovers want to make sure they know it! We all know pups can be incredibly intuitive, but do dogs really know just how much we love them?
The proof is in the science.
Canine cognition is the study of dogs brains and has shown that when you and your dog interact, a love hormone is released causing you to feel happier and more bonded as best friends. This hormone is called Oxytocin, and is the same chemical given off when humans stare at their babies!
Oxytocin is released for both you and your dog when you pet them, play with them, or look at each other.
Studies have shown that dogs tend to lock eyes to show affection, so its safe to say your dog feels the love when youre looking longingly at each other.
Since dogs cant exactly say I know you love me and I love you too! there are a few other ways animal lovers can be sure the message is clear.
How do I know if my dog feels loved?
Dogs are comfortable showing love when they feel loved themselves. When you see affectionate behaviors coming from pups, its an indicator that they feel safe and loved by their owners and are willing to show that same love back.
Some behaviors are clear indicators of puppy love. Dr. Brian Hare is an expert in canine cognition and says that if your dog stares at you for no reason, your furry friend is really hugging you with their eyes. How cute is that?!
The classic tail wag is always an indicator of a happy pup, but another behavior that shows dogs know you love them is when they press or rub their bodies against your legs, or lay on your feet. This shows that your dog feels a sense of comfort and reassurance knowing youre right beside them, and they certainly wouldnt feel that if they didnt also feel loved.
Herding their humans is another behavior that dogs sometimes exhibit to show family members are part of the pack. When a dog is herding, theyre showing affection and care, and a desire to keep their family protected and in close proximity.
Next time youre trying to get some privacy and Fido wont leave you alone, remember its just because they love you.
How can I say I love you to my dog?
Since dogs are naturally pack animals, theyre seeking a sense of belonging and acceptance from youleader of the pack! Show love in ways they can understand and youll be sure to get some puppy lovin in return.
Quality time
There never seem to be enough hours in the day, but part of being a pet parent means making time for them on a regular basis. Dogs dont need a new adventure every day of the week, but they do need your time and attention to feel bonded to you.
Whether its walking in the park (or dog park), playing fetch, or snuggling up together on the couch with a good Netflix show, the number one way to let dogs know you love them is to simply spend time with them.
PAW-sitive reinforcement
Dogs thrive with routines and set expectations, and every pup wants to be a good boy or girl. During dog training, giving praise and making it clear when your dog is doing what you want and expect will reinforce the good behavior and strengthen the bond between you two.
Your best friend wants to make you happy, and theyll definitely pick up on your emotions and tone in response to their behavior.
Examples of positive reinforcement:
- Giving a small treat
- Verbal praise
- Petting
- Playtime or favorite toys
Dogs ability to interpret humans is based a lot on body language, and they recognize facial expressions just like people do. Dog owners can show some serious love just by making sure their pooch gets a big, genuine smile and a few belly rubs every day. Seriously, what do dogs love more than belly rubs?
Share the enthusiasm
Have you ever seen a dog so happy as when its owner gets home from a long day or returns from a trip? Think about what a gift it is to have that unconditional love.
One of the most treasured dog behaviors is that they seem happy to see you no matter what. Being only human, its im-PAW-ssible to be as happy as a well-loved pup, but showing your dog the same enthusiasm and positive emotions when you see each other is a sign of affection they can really understand.
It can be tiring to get excited at the end of a long day, but your dog has likely been waiting for this moment for hours! Show them just how much it means to you that theyre always there when you get home.
Smile, make eye contact and dont be afraid to use those silly nicknames every pet owner comes up with for their fur babies. Just be careful not to reinforce undesirable behaviors like jumping on people when they walk through the door.
Give physical affection
Dogs really do make the best cuddle buddies, and physical touch is one of the main ways you can show your dog you love them. Take time to give a pat on the head when your best bud is being extra good. Scratch your dogs ears or place a hand on their head when they get close to you. Displays of affection like this can go a long way.
If youre usually a more strict dog parent when it comes to furniture, maybe even let them sleep in the bed once in a while. Your dog will jump at the opportunity to be close to you, and will probably melt like a pooch-sicle the minute they get to cuddle with you. The endorphins released will definitely be mutual.
Pamper your pooch
Doesnt everyone like surprises? Just like people, every dog loves to feel a little special now and then, and your pup will most certainly reward you with endless enthusiasm anytime you surprise them.
Does your doggy LOVE getting in the water? Take them for an impromptu swim sometime and watch the tail wag. Pick up a fun new toy or some yummy new treats, and in return, youre sure to get some serious excitement.
If youve wondered whether or not your dog can tell you love them, you probably care enough that they definitely can. You and your dog have a special bond, and the more time you spend together the stronger it will grow. Keep showing your pup the love, and theyll keep showing it right back.
