The past few weeks students have been getting GCSE and A-Level results, queue the proud parent Facebook posts. Meanwhile my dog and I went up Y Garn and Devils kitchen, and celebrated our hiking efforts at the pub afterwards. Sadly it was a beer for me and just fresh water for him, I’ll be sure to get in some pup-secco next time! I’m not sure when it happened but over time I have become a full fledged dog mum. Which is why days like today are paw-fect for me and my pooch. That being said – Happy International Dog Day! How to know your dog loves you.
How To Know Your Dog Loves You?
As we celebrate and spoil our pooches, how are we meant to know that they really love us too? As Dog owners we know without question we love our dogs. That’s why we wake up in the dark, cold mornings to let them out. Tell them they can’t come on the furniture, but cave everyday and say ‘just this once’. So how can we figure if dogs are showing us affection? Unlike us we can’t just ask them. Well you can but you might seem barking mad if you say they reply. Which is why we sought out some research from innovative scientists with some clear indicators that your dog really does love you!
Your Dog Is Happy To See You
When you come home does your dog come to the door to say hello? Some pooches might be the type to get over-emotional, barking and jumping up and down. Others might be more subtle, sitting and wagging their tail at the sound of you entering. These are clear signs that they are happy to see you. You wouldn’t be happy to see someone you didn’t like right?
Your Dog Gives You Presents
If your dog is anything like mine when I walk through the door it’s a quick sniff, maybe stands on his hind legs, then makes a swift exit to get you his toy. I used to think this meant he was ready to play, but he’s actually presenting you with a gift. He’s showing he’s happy you’re home and wants to share his priced, most beloved possession with you, as his pack leader! Although don’t get your wires crossed here, they probably want to play too – which is also huge sign of puppy love!
Your Dog Likes To Sleep With You
It’s always up for debate if dogs are allowed on the furniture. In my house though they very much are. If the same rule applies in your home, you might find that you dog snuggles in to you on the couch or on your bed. When you look back to dogs living in the wild they would lie with their backs to other pack members to form protective circles. Allowing them to be in defensive positions and their noses able to pick up threatening scents. Which means if they are snuggled up to you, you are part of their pack, meaning you’ve made it to the inner circle! It also means they want to keep you protected!
Eye Contact
Typically in the eyes of a dog, eye contact comes across as an aggressive action. However, if your dog does look at you in the eyes this is called the ‘loving gaze’. Meaning that they see you as equal, when your dog looks at you their brain releases oxytocin, known as the ‘love hormone’. How much more convincing do you need?!
They Seek You Out
More independent dogs might not want to be next to you or on you all the time. Others might mooch round the house as they please coming and going throughout the day. Although you might notice that when they day they’re never that far away. Better yet they do ‘check ins’, seeing if you’re still where you were, or turn to see you’re still there on a walk. We’ve found on the beach our dog rounds us up by running a big circle around the group.
They Want Physical Touch
Come smelly morning breath, or a crazy hair day, your dog doesn’t care they just want to cuddle their person. Not all dogs are that affectionate, but you know the small signs, our dog won’t sit on us but has to be right next to us. Make sure you remember that most dogs don’t like big tight bear hugs so go at their pace, opting for a pet of slight cuddle.
Your Dog Smiles At You
This one seems like a stretch but some dogs actually train themselves to ‘smile’ by mirroring us. Most dogs do this when they are playing or overly excited naturally, which if you can get your dog to be that happy you know you’re doing a good job!
What to learn some more ways to make them happy? Then read our blog on tips to keep your dog happy here.
