Living With Dogs
10 Ways Dogs Show Love
Written by Christina Donnelly
Updated 05/01/20
dog on sofa
 tomastheshihtzu/Instagram
Everyone knows–even those hostile cat owners–that dogs are man's (and woman's!) best friends. They make fiercely loyal, extremely intelligent and–duh!–adorable companions and most puppy parents consider their pooch a member of the family.

But do our dogs love us back? The short answer: Yes. Dogs express their emotions in a variety of ways—ranging from super subtle to totally obvious—so, sometimes, it can be tough to tell what's a positive expression or a negative expression. 

The bottom line? Our dogs love us unconditionally—they just sometimes express it in weirder ways. These 10 signs of puppy love can help you determine if you and your pupper are truly bonded. 

01
of 10
Holding Eye Contact
Dogs looking up at owner
@wagonzalez/Instagram
If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or threatened, would you stare deeply into their eyes? No way! Long, sustained eye contact is reserved for people you love, trust, and feel safe with.

The same goes for dogs. Maintaining eye contact isn't just a useful tool while you're training your dog–it can help you create a deep bond, too. In fact, when your dog looks at you, its brain releases oxytocin. Known as the "love hormone," oxytocin is the same hormone mothers' brains release when they're first bonding with their babies.   

The key is to maintain natural eye contact while you're playing or cuddling. If you force eye contact with your dog, it'll probably get a little uncomfortable and look away. 

Continue to 2 of 10 below.

02
of 10
Leaning Against You
dog cuddling up to owner
@brodybythebeach1/Instagram
Like maintaining eye contact, you're probably not going to lean up against someone you don't know or trust–and neither will your dog. 

Whether you're sitting on the floor or couch, if your dog leans against you, it means it feels safe, secure, and totally comfortable. Sometimes dogs will lean against their humans when they're feeling scared or anxious, but that only means it sees you as its protector. 

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03
of 10
Sleeping in Your Bedroom
Dog sleeping in owner's bed
@wokedabba/Instagram
If you don't allow your dog to sleep in your bed, but it still likes to sleep in your bedroom, it really loves you. Why? Wanting to be close to you while you're sleeping signals that it's totally loyal and doesn't want to be separated from the pack. 

(And if you're not going to allow it in the bed, why not invest in a super comfy dog bed?)

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04
of 10
It's Happy When You Get Home
Dog with a happy face
@dovergirl195/Instagram
Does your dog jump up and down, lick your hands and face, bring you its favorite toy or even "excited pee" a little bit when you get home from work, school, or errands? Yep, it's absolutely thrilled to see you! And, chances are, you're very excited to see your pup, too.

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05
of 10
It Carries Your Shoes and Stinky Socks Around
Dog chewing on shoe
@ziva_jo_/Instagram
Pooches who are attached to their owners also love their owners' scents—and may raid your shoe pile or laundry basket for stinky socks, T-shirts, or even underwear.

Stealing shoes and dirty clothes aren't always the best thing—especially if your dog likes to chew—but you can prevent inappropriate chewing by giving your dog plenty of engaging toys or marrow-filled dog bones.

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06
of 10
It Checks up on You
Dog looking up to owner
@pawprintsdogs/Instagram
More independent dogs may not always be right at your side or curled around your feet, but that doesn't mean it doesn't love you. If your dog "checks in" on you from another room, during a walk, or in a new environment, it's making sure you're nearby. 

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07
of 10
Seeking Physical Contact
Dog cuddling up to owner's chin
@charli_the_chair_dog/Instagram
You've probably read that dogs hate being hugged; one study actually claimed to prove it. But in reality, this "study" was based on observations by a single researcher and was not found in any hard science.

The truth? Dogs actually love physical affection and often seek it out from their favorite people. 

We're not saying you should pick up your dog and give it a super tight bear hug. Rather, pets, cuddles, leans, and maybe even gentle hugs are strong signals that you and your dog are truly bonded. 

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08
of 10
It Pees When It Sees You
Dog perched up on doorstep
@zoracabra/Instagram
No, it's not a sign that its potty training is regressing. Dogs, especially puppies, may pee a little bit when they get excited. Referred to as submissive urination, this little accident is actually a compliment. It means your dog knows you're in charge!

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09
of 10
It Brings You Its Favorite Toy
Dog with ball in its mouth
@wagonzalez/Instagram
If your dog brings you its favorite toy, it doesn't just mean it wants to play—although wanting to play is a major sign of puppy love, too. As your pup's pack leader, it's presenting its most prized, most beloved possession to you. Talk about an honor, huh? 

Continue to 10 of 10 below.
10
of 10
It Smiles at You
Smiling dog in driver's seat
@christiedonnelly/Instagram
Nope, it's not your imagination! Some dogs actually learn how to "smile" by pulling their lips back to reveal a big, wide, toothy grin. Reciprocating with a big smile and happy voice will show your dog you love it, too.


READ MORE
12 Ways Puppies Show Love
10 Reasons Dogs Are Better Than Cats
Should You Allow Your Dog to Sleep on Your Bed?
10 Ways to Celebrate Your Dog's Birthday
How to Stop Submissive or Excitement Peeing in Dogs
9 Ways to Practice "Self-Care" With Your Dog
How to Stop Puppies From Jumping on People
How to Stop Aggressive Behavior in Dogs
How to Talk to Puppies With Dog Language
What to Expect in the First 24 Hours With Your New Dog
Dog Body Language: Bared Teeth
Help Your Dog Get Over Its Fearing Strangers

There's a lot you need to know to make things go smoothly with your new friend.