How Can You Tell If Your Dog Loves You?

Dogs may not be able to say “I love you” with words, but they have their own ways of showing affection. As pet parents, many of us want to know if our dogs love us, or do they just want food, walks and boarding! The good news is that dogs are deeply evolved animals who form strong emotional bonds with their humans.

In fact, there are many ways to tell if your dog loves you and each dog might express it differently. Below are just some of the ways that our dogs demonstrate their love for us. 

1. Excitement When You Come Home

One of the most heartwarming signs of doggy love is the enthusiastic greeting you get when you walk through the door. Whether it’s jumping, spinning, barking happily, or showering you with kisses, that outburst of joy reflects how much they missed you and value your presence. Your pup might do this to all family members that come through the door, but this “excited” greeting is truly a sign of affection.

2. Tail Wags, Wiggles, and Happy Dances

Not every tail wag means the same thing, but if your dog’s whole body seems to wiggle with excitement when you see your dog, it’s a sure sign of affection. Some dogs even break out into a “happy dance,” bouncing, spinning, or hopping around to show just how thrilled they are to see you. A relaxed, loose wag, paired with joyful body language is another way that your dog is showing how much they love having you around.

3. Eye Contact and Soft Gazes

One of the clearest signs that your dog loves you is when they make gentle, sustained eye contact. When your dog stares at you, it can increase their oxytocin levels, which is the same “love hormone” that strengthens human connections. If your dog looks at you with relaxed eyes and a soft expression, it’s their way of saying they trust and adore you and that you’re their favorite.

4. Following You Around

If your dog follows you around from room to room and even into the bathroom, it’s a sign that they love you and want to be near you9. While it can sometimes feel like you have a little shadow, your dog’s behavior signals love and attachment. Dogs are pack animals by nature, and if your dog chooses to stick close to you, it means you’re their favorite companion.

5. Bringing You Their Toys

When your dog brings you a toy, it’s not just about playtime. Often, it’s your dog’s way of sharing something special with you. Some dogs even bring gifts like sticks or socks, which is a sweet sign that they see you as an important part of their “pack” and want to share what they value with their most loved person. Even stealing your clothes or shoes is another sign that your dog loves you.

6. Your Dog Licks You A Lot

Many dogs use licking as a way to show affection. Whether it’s a quick kiss on your hand or an enthusiastic face slobber, licking often reflects the bond they feel toward you. Puppies lick their mothers as a sign of trust and comfort, and adult dogs often continue this behavior with their humans. While it can be a little slobbery, it’s usually your dog’s version of saying, “I love you.” Some dogs even lick your feet as a sign of affection.

And if your dog licks you more than other people in your home family, it usually means you are their favorite. It can also be a way for your dog to say that “I’m happy.”

7. Cuddles, Leaning, and Physical Touch

Many dogs show affection through physical closeness. If your pup leans against you, rests his or her head on your lap, or curls up next to you on the couch, your dog is usually demonstrating trust and love. Just like humans, dogs crave comfort from those they feel safest with and want to be near you or in direct contact with you. In fact, if you kiss your dog and your pup is OK with it, it’s yet another sign of their love.

8. Sleeping Near Or With You

Dogs are at their most vulnerable when they sleep, so when they chose to snooze close to you whether it’s on your bed, beside it, or even just in the same room, it shows a strong bond. It means that your dog trusts you completely and want to stay near the person they feel safest with.

Your Dog’s Unique Love Language

Every dog has his or her own way of showing affection. Some are cuddly and demonstrative, while others are more subtle, showing love through loyalty, following routines, or simply enjoying quiet companionship by your side.  But, all in all, your dog will let you know in his way, that by being near you or just happy to see you, that they definitely adore you.