7 things dogs do that proves they really love you

Dogs love humans and that is no lie! Some dogs are very lovey-dovey and show affection to everyone passing their ways; others are more reserved, saving their affection to the special humans in their life only. Nonetheless, dogs are all about showing love and if you are a dog owner, you can affirm to that. Now, are you aware of the love signs you dog send in on your way? Are you familiar with your dog behavior that indicates his/her affection and love?

Below you will find 7 behaviors your dog uses to show you how much he/she really loves you:

Looking right into your eyes: eye contact between dogs and their humans is a sign of love. Sustained eye contact releases oxytocin, also known as the bonding hormone, in the brains of both dogs and owners. That is the same hormone released when new mothers hold their babies.

Leaning agaisnt you: your dog will lean on you for a few different reasons - he is feeling anxious, she wants you to do something, he wants to go some where, but leaning is also a sign of affection. The action of leaning indicates that your dog thinks of you as someone who can protect him, keep her safe, and to receive afecction from.

Sleeping with you at night: dogs are pack animals used to cuddling up in dens with their families, a behavior they inherit from their ancestors. So if your dog likes sleeping with you, whether it is on your couch or under the covers in your bed, this is a sign that he/she sees you as part of the pack and family.

Bringing toys to you: it is obvious that your dog wants to play with you but it is also a loving sign of affection. By bringing a toy over to you, your dog is showing signs that he/she thinks you are a pack leader, and as so, he/she is trying to please you by offering you their prize and by having a fun time playing with you and the toy.

Licking your face: licking can mean a number of things for dogs. Mother dogs often lick their puppies face the moment they are born. Some dogs lick humans’ faces as a habit or because they like the way their owners taste, but doggie kisses are often a sign of affection and a good indication your dog thinks of you as family.

Wiggling eyebrows at you: dogs communicate much of what they are feeling through their facial expressions. A Japanese study from 2013 used a high-speed camera to record dogs’ faces when their humans walked into the room. The results showed that dogs raised their eyebrows when they saw their owners but not when strangers walked in.

Yawning when you yawn: yawing is contagious among humans because of a biological empathy - and now there is a reason to believe that dogs do the same thing. A 2008 study showed that dogs were more likely to demonstrate contagious yawing when they saw their owners yawn than when they saw a stranger do it. So if your furry friend yawns every time you do, it is a sign of affection and care.

These are only a few signs dogs may use to indicate they love us. Does your four-legged friend show you love in any other way? Share your love experiences with your dog with us!