How to Tell Your Dog You Love Him
Sometimes we wonder if our dogs really know how much they mean to us. There are five ways you can show your dog you love them.
- Rub their ears
- Lean on them
- Gaze softly into their eyes
- Have fun together
- Snuggle with them
4 minute read
I love my dog. But, really, that’s an understatement. I adore her. She is one of the best things in my life, and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to keep her healthy and happy. Showing your dog how much they mean to me can be a little tricky, though. And if they don’t respond the way you expect, you may wonder “Does my dog love me?”
Hugging your dog to show them love may feel natural, but do dogs like hugs? Not generally.
Even though I know that most dogs aren’t the biggest fans of big hugs, I sometimes have to fight the urge to give Tulip a loving squeeze. After all, hugging is one of the most natural ways for humans to show affection. However, for many of our canine companions, a hug is unwelcome or even threatening, especially if they feel trapped.
Some dog parents make the mistake of thinking that the best way to their dog’s heart is through his stomach. Don’t get me wrong — treats and goodies do have their place (especially as rewards when training), but too many of them can easily lead to weight gain and all of the health issues that come with it.
Pin Me!
While treats should be limited and hugs should often be avoided, there are still lots of ways that you can shower your dog with endless love in language they’re sure to understand.
Does My Dog Know I Love Him?
The short answer is “probably.” But only if you know how to speak your dog’s love language. As mentioned, things like hugs, kisses, and treats don’t necessarily translate to love in dog’s native language.
Dogs are pack animals, and they rely on their pack’s queues for signs of approval and love. They do this primarily through body language and physical touch, and group activities like hunting and exercising.
Here are 5 ways you can translate your love for your dog in ways they’ll understand.
5 Ways to Tell Your Dog You Love Him
1. Rub His Ears
Instead of patting your pup on the top of the head, try giving them a gentle rub behind the ears. Watch their reaction — they will most likely melt into a ball of doggy happiness. This is because rubbing a dog’s ears actually stimulates the release of endorphins — hormones that relieve pain and bring on feelings of pleasure.
2. Lean on Him
Has your dog ever pressed up against your legs or leaned into you while you were sitting together? This is one way that dogs seek affection, kind of like a doggie hug. You can “hug” them back by doing the same thing.
3. Gaze Softy Into His Eyes
One way to show your pup you love him is through eye contact. Take a quiet moment, speak softly to him and pet him gently, and just stare into his eyes. Try raising your eyebrows (especially the left one). Your dog will view this as a display of affection.
In fact, this action will naturally increase your dog’s level of oxytocin, a feel-good hormone that aids in bonding.
A word of caution: you should only maintain direct eye contact with a dog who knows and trusts you. A dog who is not familiar with you is more likely to interpret this gesture as a threat or a challenge.
4. Have Fun Together
Spend some time every day doing something that your dog enjoys. Try teaching him a new trick or practicing ones he already knows. Take him out in the back yard or down to the dog park for a game of frisbee or fetch with his favorite toy. (Click here to see my favorite dog bonding toy). Not only will your dog feel loved, but the exercise will help to keep him (and you) healthy.
5. Snuggle
Dogs may not enjoy being hugged, but they love cuddling. Dogs are pack animals, and close contact makes them feel safe and secure. Allowing your pooch to sleep with you is the ultimate display of trust and affection since this is when you are the most vulnerable.
However, even if you’d prefer to keep your bed dog-free, you can still create opportunities every day to tell your dog you love him by snuggling up on the couch or in a cozy corner with him on the floor. He’ll be sure to get your message.
One of the best things about dogs is how well they know their favorite people. They can tell when we’re stressed out and when we’re calm and happy. And we can be sure that our voices, our body language, and our actions communicate to them how much they mean to us.
The bond between human and dog has huge benefits for people and animals. My ebook explains how bonding with your dog can improve your mind, body, spirit, and community. Click here to download your free copy.
😊 💕
Yes i do all these things 😊 he’s my alive toy 😍
Aww. He’s a lucky pup!
Actually. Staring into a dogs eyes can mean aggression.
They said that in the article
It only does if the dog doesn’t trust you. For example, if you don’t know the dog. But if he trusts you then go for it.
i’ve noticed my dog really loves and enjoys that, he’ll hold eye contact w me when we cuddle and when i’m petting him! it’s the most adorable
Too cute!!
Not for every dog. It says in this and I already knew anyway for a fact through research that it’s a way of bonding and trust. Everyone knows the eyes are the window to the soul..
I feel you on all things you have said. I am infatuated with my dog and adore him. I do all of these things you mentioned to tell Apollo that I love him.
I have an 8 month old pit when when I talk to him it really sounds like he be talking back to me .My husband says I’ll be dammed it this dog isn’t really taking back to you.But I say to myself I really wonder what he be trying to say or tell me.He just be jumping for joy at the same time.They say pit are bad dogs but I think it’s all in how you raise them.Am I right to trust him or what.As a matter of fact I have two more and they are all beautiful dogs that I wouldn’t give up on for nothing in the world.
He probably is talking back!! And I think you’re right, it’s all in how they’re treated. You sound like a good doggie mama ☺️
Awww, that is too cute! Thanks for sharing, Margie and for taking great care of your sweet pups!
Kristen
It actually has to do with the way dogs are treated. If you treat them with love you will be treated the same way. That is so important. They will love and protect you forever!!!
Yes, that is very important! Thanks for taking good care of your pups!
Kristen
Pits are the most loyal, loveable , cuddling, snoring bed hogs but they will protect you no matter what and I’ve raised two full blood and one pit/terrier (hyper little shit). You are correct its all about how you raised them ,along with how you train them. That’s any breed though
You’re lucky to have a nice pup🐕
Same over here.. she’s all I’ve got
Hi Michael,
Thanks for reading! Glad you have such a sweet pup!
Kristen
I just got a new puppy and I did all these things.. she loves it! Great advice
Congrats on your new puppy!!!
My dog Pebbles yawns when I tell her I love her, usually after a good session of petting, scratching and or brushing. Then she lays by my feet and naps.
Too cute!
😆
Thanks:)
I have tried a few of these and my dog seems to enjoy them.
Aw, I’m glad to hear that! Thanks for reading the blog Hans!
Yes i do all these things 😊 he’s my alive toy 😍 i love my doggo
Thank You so much. My puppy really enjoys them.
I love those. And I love that I can say that I do ALL of those thing with my pup. I guess when you really love them it comes naturally.
Looking into his eyes and saying “I love you” is one of my favs.
That’s my favorite one too Chantal! Thanks for taking the time to comment!
my dog love me no so thank you so much
Yes today i know he loves when I rub his ears back
Awww, yes, they love that!!!
This really helped me cuz I’m a new puppy mom so knowing this helps me a lot thx
Hi Kawaii! I’m so glad you found it helpful! Good luck with your new puppy!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! i’m still a new pup mom so this really helped me!!!!
Hi! I’m so glad you found this helpful!!! Thanks for letting me know.
Kristen
My question is what can I do to counteract the treats my husband luvs 2 give almost 3 times daily. Also, I’m glad that I already do those things with my boy. Yet I will do more. Thank u.
Hi Trishia,
Oh my gosh… my husband used to over treat our dogs too! He did it out of love, but I’d have to remind him that it’s contributing to them gaining weight! Here are a few ideas. Depending on how big or small the treats are, break them into pieces. That way, he can give the treat multiple times, but it’s still only one treat. Another idea is to change the treat to something very healthy and low calorie. You might also remind him that what might look like a small treat to us humans, can be a really big treat for a dog! Kind of like if we treated ourselves to an entire hamburger 2-3 times a day as a “treat”! Then ate our meals too! LOL.
Let me know if any of this helps:)
Kristen