How to tell if your dog loves you

People love their dogs and often wonder if their dogs love them back. There’s no scientific way to truly tell. We know dogs bond with their owners. Studies show that in the presence of people they know dogs release oxytocin, a hormone linked to positive emotional states such as love and friendship. We also know dogs miss their owners when they’re away.

On that basis, it’s possible to say dogs can be strongly attached to their owners. Here are five signs that your dog is strongly attached to you.
 

1 Relaxed eye contact

Eye contact can mean many things, but strong eye contact or staring is uncomfortable for dogs. It can make them worried or feel threatened. 

Compare how awkward and uncomfortable you can feel when someone stares at you. It’s the same for dogs.

When your dog looks at you with soft, relaxed eye contact, that means they trust you. And, it could be argued, trust is the highest form of love you can receive from your pooch.
 

2 Tail wagging

Your dog’s tail can display a whole range of emotions. A tail wag from them does not always mean they are happy.

You’ll know your dog is really happy to see you when they treat you to a full body wiggle, which starts at their shoulders and carries on through to the tip of their tail. You may even see the ‘helicopter’ tail, where the tail spins around in circular fashion like a rotor blade on a helicopter. This type of tail wagging is usually reserved for people that are special to them. It's most often displayed when dogs see their owners.
 

3 Lying near you

When dogs feel close to people, they enjoy lying near or next to them. How much contact they enjoy varies – some will want to be on your lap and others will be happy to sit near you in their bed.

Most dogs don’t enjoy being cuddled as it’s not natural for them. If your dog does enjoy this, always make sure they can leave if they want to.

"Hugs must always happen on your dog’s terms," says Blue Cross animal behaviourist Claire Stallard.

"Most dogs will find the restriction of having a person’s arms around them uncomfortable or stressful. This can cause them to shy away from close contact. Make sure you allow them the freedom to move away when they need to”
 

4 Excited greetings

Having your pup greet you at the door when you come in is up there with the best of feelings.

Your dog does not just greet you for the sake of it. They do it to show they are genuinely happy to see you.

This is especially the case if your dog greets you when they are already wrapped up in another activity, like playing or eating. We all know how much dogs like their food, so if they choose you over that, what a privilege!
 

5 Lots of licks

Dog licking can happen for several reasons.

For many dogs, it’s often part of saying ‘hello’. This is perfectly natural and their way of being affectionate and seeking attention from their owners. Whether this is something you encourage is up to you – just be aware of what else your dog might have licked and eaten during the course of the day!