Does your dog ACTUALLY love you? Here's how to tell!

From: iHeartDogs.com - Saturday Feb 06,2021 06:44 am

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5 Signs That Your Dog Actually Loves You

We love our dogs as if they were members of our families—because to us, they really are! We have a good feeling they love us, but it would be encouraging to know for sure. Sometimes it might feel like a one-sided relationship, but if your dog does these five things for you—consider it their way of saying, “I love you!”

#1 – Playing And Roughhousing With You

There’s always a level of trust that has to come with roughhousing with a friend. You have to know your partner isn’t going to take advantage of you, and you need to be comfortable enough around them to let loose.

When your dog starts initiating this kind of play with you, consider it one of their greatest compliments. It can sometimes happen at an inopportune time, but it’s their way of telling you not only that they trust you, but that they think you’re super fun to be around. It's a great way to keep your relationship strong!

#2 – Sleeping With You

Dogs are pack animals, and in the wild, wolves and other canids sleep huddled together with their fellow pack members. They do it to take advantage of their buddy’s body heat, and it also helps them feel safe as being asleep is when they are most vulnerable.

If given the choice, many dogs will sleep close to their owners every night. They might burrow under the blankets and take up way more room than seems physically possible. Part of this preferred sleeping arrangement does have something to do with the warmth and comfort of your bed, but it’s mostly because your dog loves you. It’s their natural way of showing you they feel completely safe and comfortable by your side.

#3 – Jumping on You

While typically considered an undesirable behavior, jumping on a person is one way a dog shows their affection. Jumping up on people poses obvious problems—especially if you have a big dog.

It’s usually a good idea to teach them an alternative method of greeting people that come through the door. You can use positive reinforcement to show them that you’ll get their love message even if they keep all four paws on the ground. But in case they let their excitement take control, remember they’re not trying to be disobedient, they’re just showing you they love you.

#4 – Wagging Tails

There are few sounds sweeter than the “thump, thump, thump” of happy dogs' wagging tails hitting the floor. Their tail starts wagging when they see dinner on its way, when they’re playing their favorite game, and most importantly, when their favorite people are around.

Have you ever approached your dog when he or she is lying down calmly only to have that tail start wagging faster as you get closer? If so, you have a clear answer to whether or not your dog loves you – definitely yes!

#5 – Following You Around

From your bedroom, to the coffee maker in the kitchen, to the couch, and even into the bathroom, dogs that love their owners have a habit of following them everywhere they go. They recognize the fact you’re typically their source of food and shelter, but their forever game of follow the leader is about more than that.

As pack animals, dogs enjoy being with their families. The amount of affection a dog shows sometimes depends on their breed, but overall, man’s best friend will choose having company over being left alone. You might trip over them on your way out of the shower, but being constantly by your side shows both loyalty and love.