Do dogs love their owners?

Dogs are called man’s best friend for good reason. The unique emotional bond between dogs and their owners has been solidified over centuries, since dogs were first domesticated by humans. Our shared history together, alongside their unique personalities and affectionate, loyal nature, is why we adore them so much. The bond between humans and pups is so special  that it’s inspired countless films and books over the years, catapulting dogs to the top of the polls as one of our favourite pets. Dogs have a unique language and some of their signs of affection may not be as obvious or may have been misinterpreted altogether. We have compiled this list of charming signs your dog loves you because understanding dog behaviours and emotions will make them love you even more. 

12 signs your dog loves you, and why

We all know how much we love our dogs, but there are various ways your pet will show their affection right back. Check out the 12 most common signs your dog loves you below!

1. Wagging their tail: one surefire way to know your dog is feeling happy and loved up is if they wag their tail around you. This is characterised as a loose, long wag.
2. Holding eye contact: if your dog holds their gaze with you it's one of the signs your dog loves you very much, soft eye contact is another way dogs communicate.
3. Licking you: dogs lick to bond with each other and humans, this is a comforting action which is full of love.
4. Following you: dogs tend to follow their loved ones around like a little shadow as they are pack animals.
5. Greeting you: always getting a very slobbery greeting from your dog as you walk into the house? That means they love you.
6. Sharing is caring: do you keep finding your dog's favourite toys in your bed? That's their way of giving you a little gift.
7. Sleeping choices: if your dog insists on cuddling up at night, that's their way of feeling close to you. Nighttime is a vulnerable time for animals, they want to be close to you for security. That’s one reason why dogs love humans so much, they feel protected by us.
8. Scents and smells: getting annoyed at your dog stealing your dirty clothes? They’re doing that because they love you and your clothes smell strongly of you! It might be annoying but it is a way dogs show love to their owners.
9. They prioritise you: they love to prioritise time with you.
10. Raised eyebrows: have you ever noticed your dog raising their eyebrows at you? This is a sign of affection too!
11. Face rubbing: a nuzzling dog is a loved-up one and it lowers cortisol levels (stress hormones) in humans and dogs.
12. They’ve caught the wiggles: ever been confused about why your dog looks like they are wiggling? It's because they love you.
13. Touching: lots of dogs like to snuggle up to their owner and gently touch you with their paw.  This is a loving gesture requesting contact and attention whilst showing their affection for you.

Subtle signs your dog loves you: the unspoken bond

There are also some more subtle ways that your dog will demonstrate their affection for you. Carefully observing your dog and their behaviour around you can highlight the different ways they let you know you are loved. For example, they may rush to comfort you when you are stressed or upset. You might also notice that they look at you with a particularly soft expression that feels special. Trust your gut; if it feels like a sign they love you, it probably is. 

Why does my dog love me so much?

There are many reasons why our dogs love us, from the protection we provide them to the historical bond that has grown over centuries between humans and dogs since their domestication.

Dogs love their owners because we provide a routine for them while we feed and house them. Dogs' brains release the happy hormone oxytocin when they interact with us, which fuels this strong bond. Human brains also release oxytocin during interactions with pets - just one of the many reasons dogs are so good for us! They are also highly emotionally intelligent animals and can pick up on our moods and feelings. This supercharges our unique bond with them, creating a strong emotional attachment. 

How can I bond more with my dog?

There are many ways you can let your dog know that you love them to create an even stronger bond together. This includes utilising playtime and dog training, you can use their favourite treats to encourage them to learn new tricks or to enhance playtime in general. 

Does my dog know I love him? Try talking to your dog more, spending quality time with them and walking them to ensure they know you love them. Dogs love routine and keeping a strong routine with them lets them know you care.

Does my dog feel that I love them?

Dogs are highly intelligent animals, and they quickly pick up on ways in which owners demonstrate their love - such as through affection, attention and caring for them. Dogs are not mind readers though, and they require constant reminders of your affection, just like you expect the same from them. Showing your dog lots of love through petting, treats, verbal praise and quality time is a great way to make sure they know you adore them. 

Am I my dog's favourite person?

You’ll know if you are your dog’s favourite person if they actively seek you out above others, and appear more relaxed and content when you’re around. Dogs commonly form a strong attachment to one person, and are known to pick favourites. People generally know in their gut when their dog has chosen them as their favoured one. Ultimately, if your dog is following you around the most and greets you more enthusiastically than other members of your family, it's safe to say they love you the most. 

How do I know if my dog is happy living with me?

If your dog seems relaxed around the family, and is naturally playful, affectionate, safe and well cared for, then chances are they love living with you. Happy dogs will have a healthy appetite, exhibit energetic behaviour and maintain relaxed body language - such as floppy ears, a comfortable posture and a wagging tail. Look for these signs to confirm that your dog feels content and happy in your home. 

Dogs show their love for us in a myriad of ways, usually with their body language, by nuzzling us, licking our faces, wagging their tails, sleeping beside us at night and always greeting us when we come home - to name a few! Ultimately, dogs know you love them back if you provide them with routine, comfort, their favourite Pedigree® Dog Treats and lots of affection.