Canines are loyal, loving, and affectionate animals that bring joy to our lives. So, how do dogs show affection to their owners and loved ones? In this article, we will explore how dogs show affection through their behavior and what these behaviors mean.
Dogs are relatively transparent animals, so it’s easy to know when they love you, are scared of you, or when they don’t like someone as much. It’s important to note that different dogs may have their own unique ways of showing affection based on their personality and upbringing.
Understanding dog affectionate behaviors can help us strengthen our bond with our furry friends and deepen our understanding of their emotions. To decode a dog’s love language, we have sought the help of Canine Behavior Insights & Answers and other dog body language material. So, let’s dive right in.
So, How Do Dogs Show Affection?
Tail wagging is a major way that dogs express their affection. Others include physical contact, such as nuzzling, licking you, and cuddling. Additionally, they often lean against their owners or rest their heads on their laps, which is a sign of trust and affection. They may also follow their owners around the house or stare into their eyes.
Luckily, most dog behaviors of affection are pretty obvious compared to more uncomfortable signs like smacking the lips and stretching. Understanding your dog’s body language and behavior will help you know when your dog is comfortable and happy with their surroundings.
15 Signs Your Dog Loves You & Is Showing Affection
Here are a few things your dog will do when they love you:
1. Barking and Whining
Have you ever come back to a home full of chaos and barking? Maybe you come back to this every day. Dogs often bark or whine to communicate with their owners. They may do this when they are happy, excited, or want attention.
However, remember that dogs also bark at strangers and people or animals they don’t want close to them. A study of 10 dogs shows that aggressive barking is typically harsh and low, with aggressive signs like showing teeth and snapping. On the other hand, happy barking is high-toned and isolated, with signs like wagging and a relaxed body.
My own Bullmastiff Nina, is a big talker and will give a low “woof” when she wants my attention and affection. So sometimes a low bark is a sign that a dog wants some love. This is also common in Huskies, and one reason they can be so dramatic.
2. Grunting and Purring (rumbling)
Purring and grunting are common ways for dogs to show deep contentment. Purring is often associated with cats, but some dog owners refer to certain noises their dogs make as purring. However, rumbling is a better way of referring to these sounds. Other dogs will even sigh as a testament to their relaxation and affection.
Rotties are particularly notorious for their intense rumbling, known as the “Rottie rumble.” However, like with all behaviors, look out for body language such as pinned ears, exposed teeth, lunging, and biting, as these show fear.
Here’s what a healthy Rottie rumble looks like:
Note: There is a lot of confusion over the Rottie rumble or purr. In some cases, a Rottweiler is genuinely purring from pleasure. But increasingly online, there are videos of Rottweilers snarling or growling and showing classic signs of trying to get their owner to leave them alone. Don’t confuse a genuine warning from a dog with a sign of affection.
3. Whining or Crying when they see you
Dogs in love often greet their owners enthusiastically when they come home, whether it’s with wagging tails, jumping, or playful behavior. These dogs often whimper and look like they can’t compose themselves for dear life. Just look at this precious boy:
4. Following You Around
If your dog follows you from room to room, it’s a sign of their attachment and desire to be near you. While dogs follow their favorite person around to be as close to them as possible it also ties closely to protectiveness.
Dogs are naturally loyal animals. So, when a dog loves you, they often exhibit protective behaviors towards their loved ones. If your dog loves you, they’ll likely show a protective streak, whether it’s by standing guard, barking at perceived threats, or simply following you around.
5. Cuddling
Another sign your dog loves you is trying their best to cuddle you. They may snuggle up to you on the couch or in bed, bring you their bum, or lay their head on your lap. Dogs are pack animals by nature and love physical closeness with their human family.
6. Bringing You Their Toys & wanting to play
Dogs often bring their toys to their owners as a sign of affection. This is their way of sharing their favorite things with you. Other dogs bring their toys and even steal your items like a shoe or hat. Dogs also only play with other dogs and people they have positive feelings towards, so play can be a big sign of affection.
This is called displacement behavior and happens when dogs have these big feelings that they simply don’t know what to do with. Other dogs know they shouldn’t be jumping on you or barking, so they displace the feelings into bringing a toy.
See this behavior in Timber the Golden Retriever:
7. Licking and Kissing
Licking and kissing are common ways for dogs to show affection. They may lick your face or hands and feet to show their love. This behavior dates back to a dog’s puppyhood, where they would lick their mother and littermates as a way of bonding and seeking comfort.
8. Leaning Against You
Dogs often lean against their owners as a sign of attachment and reliance, similar to how a child might lean on a parent for support. This gesture not only reflects their emotional bond but also signifies that they view you as a source of safety and reassurance.
9. Grooming and Cobbing
Grooming and cobbing are ways for dogs to show their affection. Dogs try to groom you as if you were part of their pack and even use these actions to show their submission to your authority.
10. Soft Eye Contact
Your dog’s gaze and eye contact can be powerful indicators of their love. Research shows dogs release oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” when they make eye contact with their owners. You may even notice your dog’s pupils dilate in this moment of affection.
However, your dog side-eying you is different from staring and typically communicates stress and uncertainty. You can read about both in our linked articles.
11. Relaxed Happy Tail Wagging
One of the most obvious and universal signs that your dog loves you is their tail wagging. When your dog sees you after an absence or just during everyday interactions, their tail wags excitedly.
The speed, height, and direction of the wag can convey different emotions. A high, rapid wag often signifies joy and affection, while a low, slow wag may indicate curiosity or uncertainty. A happy and affectionate dog will often have a relaxed body posture, ears perked up, and a wagging tail.
12. Burying Head into You or Laying Head on Us
Much like humans seeking solace in a warm hug or burying their head in a loved one’s shoulder, dogs nestle their heads into their owner’s body as a way of seeking comfort, emotional connection, and protection.
13. Blepping Tongue
“Blepping” is a term used to describe the endearing behavior when a dog sticks out its tongue and holds it there for a moment. Dogs sticking out their tongue is often seen as a playful and affectionate gesture.
14. Putting a Paw on Us
Dogs may put their paw on their owner’s leg or hand as a sign of affection and trust. This gentle yet deliberate gesture is a way for your dog to seek attention, comfort, and closeness. No wonder the “paw” command is a staple in dog training. Pawing is an excellent alternativ-e-archive to more intense ways dogs show affection, like licking and jumping on you.
15. Seeking Your Attention
Dogs may seek their owner’s attention by nudging them or pawing at them. While it’s good to spend quality time with your dog when they need you, it’s crucial to avoid unintentionally rewarding bad behavior with attention.
16. Sleeping Habits and Affection
When a dog sleeps in the same bed as their owner, it’s a strong indication of trust, comfort, and affection. They may even choose to sleep on you or between your feet to be as physically close to you as possible.
Remember, dogs are social animals and thrive on companionship and affection. By showing them love and affection, we can improve their overall well-being and happiness. So, let’s continue to shower our furry friends with love and affection and enjoy the unconditional love they provide us in return.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some ways dogs show that they love you?
How do dogs show their affection towards humans?
What are some signs that a dog is showing affection?
Do dogs show affection differently to different people?
Can dogs show affection through physical contact?
How can you tell if a dog is happy and showing affection?
Conclusion
We have learned that dogs show affection in various ways, including physical touch, vocalizations, and body language. They may lick, paw, or cuddle with their owners to show their love. They may also wag their tails, raise their eyebrows, or lean against their owners to communicate their feelings.
It is essential to understand that each dog is unique and may express affection differently. It is up to us as owners to learn our dog’s individual preferences and respond accordingly. By providing our dogs with love and affection in the ways they prefer, we can strengthen our bond and create a happy and healthy relationship.
Meet Your Experts
Author
Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.