How do dogs show love?

Dogs show their love and affection through body language and actions. Dogs will use their entire body to show how he feels and communicate with you easily from their nose to tail. They are known as “man’s best-friend” and they are constant companion that will always show you a significant amount of unconditional love. It is very important that you are bonded with your dog for a happier, healthier life together. There are several ways to bond with your dog, it can be done through playing, training or just living together and knowing what to look out for when your dog is trying to communicate with you. It is important for communicating with your pet for many years to come.

Dogs show their love and affection through their tails
Dogs tail can show many emotions such as happiness, fear or that they are about to participate in an imminent attack. While most people think that a dog wagging their tail is a sign of a friendly gesture and whilst it can be true sometimes, a stiff tail over there is not friendly and is in fact a warning sign. Signals indicating that they are happy and excited include a full body wag, tail at mid height and doing a circling motion.

Dogs show their love and affection through eye contact
There are some studies that have shown that when your dog engages in eye contact with their human, the level of oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, released from the brain associated with attachment and affection, goes up. In the canine world, eye contact is considered as a challenge or threat so think before you engage in eye contact with an unfamiliar dog. To avoid any confrontation, dogs avoid prolonged stares and will most likely turn their heads. Engaging in eye contact in a loving relationship with your canine is a sign of trust, love and affection.

Dogs show their love and affection through jumping
Another dog’s way to show their affection is through jumping. Some people teach their dogs not to jump up, but dogs aren’t as tall as humans, so it is their way of trying to get closer and show love and they usually don’t want to cause any harm. A dog craving for companionship is their way of showing that they have missed you and that they are happy to see you.

Dogs show their love and affection through leaning
Unlike small breeds, large dogs cannot be picked up and cuddled. Leaning is a huge sign of affection, so when your dog leans on you for comfort, it can be a signal that they are nervous or scared and is looking at you to protect him. It can also be his way of communicating to you that he wants something or wants to go somewhere.

Dogs show their love and affection through following
Dogs would want to be wherever you are and would follow you everywhere if they could as they think they are protecting you in their own way. They are pack animals and thrive off company. Dogs can become very anxious when they are away from you and this could be a sign that they are suffering from separation anxiety. 

Dogs show their love and affection through licking
Puppies are licked by their mother to make sure they are clean and secure; this is an instinctive behavior on dogs. Therefore, when your dog lick you or their family members, this is your dog showing that they are there for you, it also shows that your dog see you as the pack leader and respect you. It can also be a sign that they are stressed, or it could be an indication that they want something, and they are looking to get your attention.

Dogs show their love and affection through bringing toys
When your dog brings you his toys, it doesn’t always mean that he wants to play. It can be your dog seeing you as the pack leader and he is giving you his prize possession that he hopes you will like just as much as him.

Dogs show their love and affection through nudging
Some dogs use nudging as a form of communication, it could be a sign that they want affection, attention or just to feel secure.

Paying attention to all these signals can ensure that you and your dog have a long, healthy and happy life together if you understand each other’s need.