For anyone who has read The Five Love Languages, you know that not everyone speaks the same love language. Everyone expresses and feels love in very different ways. Well, dogs do as well. Since Valentine's Day is fast approaching, I thought it would be a great time to go over the ways in which our dogs show us love. Here is a guide to help you interpret your dog’s behaviors and how you can show your love in their language.
Doggie Kisses
Dogs show love through licking as well. This behavior in the canine world is called “all grooming” which is when dogs lick other individuals they are attached to. (Animal Wellness). If they lick your face while you are lying down this is another sign they love you because they may be worried if you are unconscious or sick and by licking you they are checking to make sure you are well.
Lean on Me
Dogs also show us, love, by leaning on us. If you lean on them as well they understand this as a sign of affection. This may not always be at the best time, like when we are cooking dinner or trying to run out the door, but it's important to understand your dog is doing this as a sign of affection, not to be disruptive.
Velcro Dog
Whether that is snuggling up on the couch with you or following you from room to room. If your dog is following you that is a sign they feel safe and secure with you. You may have noticed when you are snuggling with your dog they let out an audible sigh; that is another sign of love from your dog. It shows contentment as well as a feeling of safety.
Say My Name, Say My Name
One of my favorite ways dogs show their love for us, is by being able to recognize our names. I love hearing from my clients that when they say my name within earshot of their dog, their dog becomes excited! That dog is showing their love for me and anyone else they start to recognize by name.
Have you Herd
Has your dog ever tried to herd you? Maybe you were in another room and your dog tried to lead you to the couch? Herding is a common behavior shown in dogs that shows they feel protective and what to make sure we are safe.
Face Time:
If your dog has ever rubbed their face on yours, you may have already guessed that that behavior was a sign of affection. And you are right! "It's a common way to show affection. By rubbing their face on you, your dog is marking you as theirs” (Insider) Also if your dog looks into your eyes for long periods of time, this is another way they are showing their love. From the time they are puppies, they start to look into their human's eyes, which is a sign of attachment. (Insider)
Now it's your turn to show your dog how you feel through their language. For many human’s our firsts instincts are to kiss and hug their dogs to show affection. However, this may not be the best. Some dogs can view hugging as a threat, you can tell if your dog doesn’t like you hugging them if they display lowering their tails, pulling their ears back, tensing up, or trying to move away. (Animal Wellness)
Dogs really love to be scratched behind their ears. This is a great way for you to show your love to your pup. Research shows that dogs release the love chemical oxytocin and endorphins when they get their ears scratched.
Another idea for showing your dog lots of love is playing with them. If you play with their favorite toy it helps your dog develop social skills, releases energy as well as creating a bond between you and your dog.
I hope you have enjoyed this article and I would love to hear if your dog does any of these behaviors in the comments below.