While dogs can't speak directly to their owners, they are not shy communicators and will gladly express their love. But how does one know their dog truly loves them?
"Most owners are familiar with the obvious signs of love and happiness such as tail wagging and enthusiastic greetings," veterinarian Dr. Rebecca MacMillan who worked with TrustedHousesitters told Newsweek via email. "But dogs also have some more subtle and peculiar ways of showing their love!"
TrustHousesitters, a pet-sitting platform, dove into the unique ways your dog will show their love for you that might be overlooked.
Sniffing Dirty Laundry
While this might seem like an odd one to humans, dogs often seek comfort when snuggling up to their human's dirty clothes. It is considered one of the strongest signs your dog bonded to you.
"Some dogs enjoy carrying your personal belongings or snuggling up in bed with them, especially while you are out," MacMillan said. "Your scent on these items helps your dog to feel close to you. Socks, pants, and shoes are all fair game!"
Happy Sighs
Sometimes you might hear your dog exhaling as they get comfortable snuggling up next to you. This gentle sigh—particularly reserved for moments when they feel completely safe and content—lets a person know that they are that dog's favorite.
Nose Boops
One of the most affectionate gestures a dog might give you is a gentle nose boop. This is their version of a kiss. Dogs will sometimes reserve this gesture for their favorite person. Owners might also see a tail wag or soft eyes associated with the nose-booping.
Direct Eye Contact
"A hard stare in the animal kingdom is usually associated with confrontation, but this type of gaze shows that your dog adores and trusts you," MacMillan said.
When a dog stares into your eyes, they're trying to say "I love you." MacMillan added that dogs might also raise or wiggle their eyebrows along with the staring.
Herding
Some dog breeds, such as border collies, are working dogs that focus on herding animals. Even if they're not working, these dogs will still have the desire to herd and while the behavior might be frustrating, it is a sign they care. They're treating you as part of their pack and want to keep you safe.
Leaning on You
Another sign your dog is expressing their love is when they lean their full body weight against you. This is a dog's version of a hug. By relying on you for support, they're showing complete trust in the human. They are usually calm and show relaxed eyes while they lean.
MacMillan added owners might notice dogs wanting to be as close as possible to them. Whether they're resting their head on your lap and snuggling next to you or following you from room to room, they're all signs of their love.
Random gifts dogs bring you to share, such as toys or sticks, means they want to engage with you and trust you with their possessions.
Understanding and recognizing these signs helps strengthen the bond between dogs and humans. It allows people to share the love right back to their furry bestie.
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