AND THEY CALL IT PUPPY LOVE.....❤️

One of the fascinating parts of being a dog owner is interpreting your dog’s behaviour and body language, as dogs are constantly expressing their feelings to us. So which signs should you look out for to know your dog is your biggest fan?

Excitable greetings - One of the biggest signs your dog loves and appreciates you is how happy and excited they are whenever they see you! 

Whether you’ve been away for 2 minutes or 2 hours, if your four-legged friend jumps up excitedly and runs around when you return, it’s a sure sign they think of you when you’re not there.

Following you - If your dog acts like your shadow, even when you move from room to room in the house, that’s a sign that they feel so attached to you that they want to be around you at all times.

Leaning on you - Does your dog rest their body weight against you when you’re sitting down? Do they push their body against your legs when you’re cooking or washing the dishes? This is another way to feel close to you and get your attention. Take it as their way of giving you a little cuddle. 

Making eye contact - Our dogs watch us and look deeply into our eyes. They also study our facial expressions. Have you ever noticed your dog looking at you with a very soft gaze of pure adoration? This is the look of love! It brings them a sense of calm and safety as well as a boost of oxytocin. Make sure you return that eye contact as you scratch behind their ears to let them know the feeling is mutual.

If any dog is looking intently at you with anything but a relaxed body and facial expression, it’s probably that they’re either confused, feeling vulnerable or are trying to get you to do something, or give them food!

Recognising your name - A dog who loves you will perk up at the sound of your name alone. This is especially true when you’re not there, and someone mentions you could be arriving soon - it’s amazing how alert they become! 

Remember, this might not actually be your real name - if you’re commonly called, ‘mum’ or ‘dad’ around the house, your dog will associate this with you.

Instigating playtime - When your dog loves you, you are their favourite playmate, so they will instigate games of fetch, pretend to run away from you when you put their lead on, and generally being cheeky with you to have fun. 

Sharing their toys - If your dog brings you their most treasured possessions, it’s because they trust you to take care of them. It’s a way of displaying true faith in your relationship. 

Showing their belly - Rolling onto their back to expose their belly is a submissive position for a dog and is a way of communicating to other dogs that they don’t mean harm. When done with a human, it generally means they’re happy for the human to be in charge and can be a sign of open affection. Put simply, they’re inviting you to rub their belly!

However, always err on the side of caution if any dog shows you their belly, especially if it’s paired with showing you the whites of their eyes or even licking their lips, as this could mean they want you to back away - especially if you’ve disturbed them whilst sleeping or relaxing. If this is the case, give them some space and wait for them to come to you.

Being protective - Dogs often show their connection to others by being outwardly protective. That means expressing warning signals - like barking or ‘back off’ body language - to anything that seems a threat to your safety (which, to a dog can be a knock at the door or a stranger they’re not familiar with). 

This kind of behaviour isn’t always positive, and some training can help them become desensitised to some noises and events, so they recognise there’s not always a threat.  

Being calm around you - When a dog loves you, being in your presence is when they feel at their best. That means they are calm, chilled out and at rest when you’re nearby. 

Sleeping near you - Dogs snuggle up together in their pack for warmth, comfort, and security.  

Along with being calm, a dog who snuggles up next to you or sleeps near you feels so comfortable and safe that they’re happy to be totally vulnerable in your presence. This shows total trust in you. 

Scent / Sniffing - Dogs gather so much information via scent, and to have the smell of their favourite human next to them when they’re alone is very comforting to them.

So, if they’re taking clothing from your laundry basket (as frustrating as this may be), or stealing your slippers, this is a sign that they want to feel closer to you and are looking to keep your scent close.

Synchronised Yawning - Many studies have been undertaken to explain and understand yawning in dogs and humans. Often when we yawn, others around us also yawn, and this can be true of our dogs too. This could just mean that they are showing a connection and empathy towards us; their love?

Listening to you - A dog that feels strong trust in you will become alert when you tell them something and have a sensitivity to the sound of your voice. They will attempt to respond and communicate when you speak to them.

Lots of licks - How could we leave this until last? Doggy kisses!

Dogs show affection by licking those they love, so they will lick your hands, feet, face - wherever they see skin, to prove you’re special to them. Based on their canine instincts, licking is a sign of nurturing and care; but it’s also a way to soothe themselves, as licking releases oxytocin and helps them feel connected to you. 

Doggy body language?

Dogs also express love through lots of micro-movements. Here is some more subtle dog body language that shows your dog is very happy to be with you^*.

• Smiling. When your dog’s mouth is relaxed, open and the corners of their lips are turned upward, it’s a sign that they’re feeling content and affectionate.
• Head-tipping. You’ll notice that your dog tips their head either to be playful, or to try to understand what you’re saying. It’s a way of showing you they’re engaging with you. 
• Wagging tail. No explanation needed - a wagging tail is generally a good sign! Your dog will wag their tail intensely when they’re feeling excited to see you, but a relaxed tail wag just means they’re content. 
• Going floppy. Some dogs will let their bodies go to jelly when they’re around a person they love - it’s a way of totally submitting to you and usually means ‘Give me scratches and affection!’ 
• Relaxed eyes. When your dog is totally happy in your presence, they will have a soft and gazing look in their eyes or may even look a bit sleepy.

How does my dog know I love him/her?

Just like us, your dog’s oxytocin (love hormone) levels increase when you look at them lovingly, play with them or simply just cuddle and pet them.

If you want to show your dog you love them, spend quality time with them and provide them with a great environment to be in.  You can give them occasional treats and of course, give them a great quality diet of fresh dog food.

 If you provide them with trust, love and respect, they will treat you in the same way.

 ^*Body language should always be taken as a whole, not just as isolated elements, so if your dog is displaying a relaxed body with a lovely swishing tail when they’re with you, then it shows that they’re happy and relaxed with you.