Do dogs love their owners?

We adore our pet pooches, but do they love us back? Find out if dogs love their owners, signs to look out for and how to show your dog you love them in the ways that mean the most to them.

We dote on our doggies, but is the feeling reciprocated? The truth is, we don’t know for certain that dogs do love their owners, but the signs are certainly there. Dogs are social and emotional beings and their joyful and affectionate response to their owners definitely indicates their humans mean a lot to them. And not just because they’re the providers of food and walkies. Below are a few of the ways you can tell your dog loves you.

10 signs your dog loves you

1. They’re excited to see you

   It goes without saying that if your dog is excited to see you, they’re pretty fond of you. Sure, some dogs might get wiggly about anyone coming in the front door, but they have their own special way of saying hello to their favourite humans!

2. They lean against you or want to sit on you

   A dog leaning against you or climbing onto your lap could be their way of giving you a cuddle or asking for your affection. The fact they’ve chosen you as their leaning post is a pretty strong sign they like you and want to be as close to you as possible.

3. They follow you around your home

   While this can be a symptom of dog separation anxiety, dogs follow their owners around the home because they constantly want to be by their side. This is even more significant if there are other people around and they choose to follow you!

4. They want to play with you

   Many dogs love to play, so they use it to form bonds with their favourite buddies. Games of fetch, chase or play wrestling are signs of affection in your dog’s eyes!

5. They maintain eye contact

   Dogs don’t tend to enjoy eye contact very much, as it can make them feel awkward. So, when your pup chooses to look at you with soft relaxed puppy eyes this is a big move! It means they trust you and feel safe.

6. They lick you

   Your dog’s licks are the kisses of the doggy world. It’s a form of affection they’ve learned from their mothers, who would lick them as pups to comfort and groom them.

7. They bring you their toys

   It should be an honour to be presented with your dog’s favourite toy - it’s their prized possession! They’re giving it to you as a gift, because they want to make you as happy as their toy makes them.

8. They raise their eyebrows when they see you

   Researchers from Japan discovered that dogs lift and wiggle their left eyebrow when they see someone they love, so keep a watch on your pooch’s facial expressions when they look at you.

9. They carry your shoes or clothes around

   Dogs who are attached to their pet parents love their scent - even their smelly feet! That’s why you might catch your furry friend raiding your shoe rack or laundry basket.

10. They want to sleep near you

    Dogs’ wild ancestors would sleep in a pack next to each other, so if your pooch wants to sleep near you, it’s a sign that they trust you and consider you part of their ‘pack’.

How to show your dog you love them

Many of us love to chat to our dogs, but sadly your words will go over their head. You can’t simply tell your dog you love them, you have to show them. A lot of this comes down to your facial expressions and body language, and mimicking ‘pack’ behaviour. That’s not to say you can’t talk to your dog as well though! While they may not understand what you’re saying to them, dogs do respond to a warm and soothing tone of voice - so baby talk is on! Here are a few ways to show your dog you love them in dog language:

1. Daily playtime, such as tossing a ball or toy for them
2. Frequent cuddles - let them lean on you or sit on your lap
3. Belly rubs, head pats and ear tickles - There’s no greater joy for a dog than rolling on their back for a good belly rub
4. Making eye contact with your dog while you play, cuddle or talk to them
5. Taking them for walks - dogs enjoy lots of frequent breaks in the fresh air
6. Hanging out with your dog - Let them sit with you or join you as you go about your day
7. Chatting to your dog - they’ll likely engage, but don’t feel disappointed if you don't get a response!
8. Praising and rewarding them when they’ve done something good with cuddles and treats
9. Respecting their boundaries - don’t force cuddles and activities they don’t enjoy
10. Leaving toys for them when you go out, such as puzzle toys that will keep them busy

Dogs are loyal creatures and there are certainly a lot of signs your dog loves you just as much as you love them! Visit our dog care blog for more articles about caring for our furry besties in the way they deserve.