Here are the eight signs your dog really loves you

By William On Feb 19, 2023

It is said that ‘dogs are man’s best friends’; They’re known for their presumed unconditional love, but does your dog really love you or just love the treats you give him?

Fortunately, according to the experts at Prodograw.com, there are definite indicators that your dog loves you for you (and not just for the snacks you feed him under the kitchen table).

Having dogs in your life can be one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have, but it takes intentional steps to ensure that the relationship you develop with your dog is one you can be proud of.

Just like parenting or other relationships you foster, it can take time to develop a close connection and we can’t assume this will be automatic.

Your dog ‘loving you’ is an extension of how you treat him, defend him, care for him and much more.

Experts have revealed the eight different signs to look for in your dogs’ behavior that show they really love you (Pictured: Stock image of woman playing with dog)

Connecting, trusting, supporting, protecting, and building your dog’s trust are critical elements in having a dog that truly loves you. So, invest in the dog you want to live with!

Here are some indicators that you are on the right track:

1. Focuses on you

When you’re out and about, does your dog run through the park and try to dry-ride the local Cavachon? This may not be a lack of love for you, but the attraction of another dog is just too tempting!

‘Don’t worry, they still adore you, they’re just a social butterfly! If he returns when he calls and you have the utmost confidence in his return, this reflects your strong bond.

‘In any case, your dog going to see other dogs in the park is completely normal and something that all dogs experience in adolescence; just come out equipped with seriously tempting treats as a reward.

There is something called ‘competing values’ at play here; Everywhere your dog looks, you’ll see a metaphorical £100 flash before his eyes.

‘Your job is to make sure you have something more appealing or create clarity when it comes to accessing those things.

“For example, the word ‘swim’ could give your dog permission to dive into the water.”

2. They get excited when they see you

If your dog gets excited when he sees you, whether it’s in the morning, when you get home, or just when you walk into the room, it’s a sure sign that he loves you!

3. Find your love and touch

‘Lots of dogs love physical affection, but not all! Be aware of and respectful of your dog’s individual preferences.

“Hugs, body rubs, and petting are great, and dogs who like this will usually make their pleasure pretty clear by wiggling, rolling on their backs, and poking your hand; they are less than subtly demanding that you move on!

‘This bond of course shows that your dog loves you, but don’t worry if he’s a bit more distant, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t adore you!

‘Some dogs just prefer a bit of distance, they’ll initiate a hug on your terms! Listening to your dog is crucial to building and maintaining trust.’

‘Dogs can come up with cute greetings in the morning, like bringing you your slipper or shaking their butts in your face!

Although, while a healthy level of appreciation is good, be sure to watch out for excessive levels of emotion, as this could be a form of separation anxiety.

“Imagine if your spouse jumped on you every time you walk into a room, frantically grabbing at you as if you had just returned from 12 months at sea – you’d lose your mind! It is important that this is kept at an appropriate level. As with anything, balance is the key!

You can use positive reinforcement here to adjust your dog’s behavior in this case. When he stops hopping, give him a treat or affection to show he’s on good behavior.

Likewise, if they get too excited, keep your interactions cool, calm, and limited, to show that hyperresponsiveness isn’t rewarded.

4. Show joy in your presence

‘Does your dog find you funny? Do you spend quality time with them or are you always in a rush to take them out for a walk and feed them?

“It is important that we can slow down and enjoy quality time with our dogs, allowing them to enjoy interesting sights and smells.

“This is vital to creating a relationship where they find us funny, something that, in turn, cultivates love.

‘Dogs need to be dogs; Giving them time to do it and being a part of that process will absolutely help nurture their bond.”

5. Playful body language

‘If your dog shows no signs of apprehension, fear or concern in your company, you will know that he trusts you.

‘This says a lot! The key to consolidating this bond is to be constant, nurturing and understand when they feel most comfortable.

“If your dog moves around in your company, lies down next to you, pricks up his ears, and looks at you in new situations, you can relax knowing he loves you.”

6. Find you

7. Allowing him to invade your personal space

This may seem strange, but dogs often don’t want anyone in their personal space. There are many breeds that have this distinctive trait.

“So if you have a dog that chooses to sit with you, close to you, or even on you, that’s a sign that he’s comfortable with you and happy that you’re so close!”

‘If your dog is looking for you in a crowd, this is a good indicator that he is not only recognizing you, but that he likes you a little!

“There’s nothing like a dog waving at you when you haven’t seen them for a period of time, but when they do it in public, it’s definitely an ego boost.”

8. Answer to remember well

‘A retirement is a reflection of your relationship with your dog’ is a quote used by World Championship dog agility trainer Susan Garrett, and it should guide us all.

‘When you call your dog, does he run towards you as fast as he can and wants to talk to you when he comes?

Or do they turn in the other direction? Work on this every day, as it is a good barometer of how your dog feels about you.

‘Are you the person they choose over the lure of a rabbit or a squirrel?

Or is the temptation to play too much?

‘Invest in your memory daily and foster a relationship of joy, trust and, most importantly, love!’