Dogs
have interacted with humans for thousands of years and in that time, people
have learned that dogs have a special way of communicating with them that is
unique to dogs. In recent years, there are an increasing number of studies
examining the way dogs think and how they communicate and interact with humans.
They
are also revealing ways that the bond between dogs and humans has created many
ways in which dogs express how much they love their family.
1.
When a dog stares at you, it means they love you. Meggie will sit on the couch with me and she
will always stare at me, not wanting anything just staring. Some people say they are hugging you with
their eyes. One thing I learned, when we
did agility with her, it was important to make eye contact and since then, she
will always watch me. Abbie will also
stare at me and as I we sleep, she will put her nose right to mine on the
pillow, watching and watching.
2.
Bringing you a toy means more than just wanting to play. They want to share
something they value with you. While
this may be true, usually mine will bring me a toy to play. Dutchess will set at my feet and if I don’t
pick it in a hurry or step away, she will reposition it several times right in
front of me.
3.
When a dog wants to sleep with you rather than alone, it means you are family
to him. They all want to sleep with us…
I guess we’re family…
4.
When a dog can’t wait to see you walk through the door, and smothers you with
attention, it means he really misses you.
This is also true except Dutchess and I think she wants food or to play.
5.
If you catch your dog looking at you quietly before you leave them alone, it’s
because they are relaxed and trust you to return. Usually, if a dog panics when you leave its
separation anxiety, something heartbreaking for dog owners, who often read it
as meaning their dog loves you. Of course he does, but this form of anxiety can
lead to destructive behavior in the home.
6.
Dogs use their eyes and their body language to tell you if they trust you and
tell you what they are feeling. I love
to watch their ears, sometimes it’s so comical and the movements they make so
quickly.
7.
If your dog is cuddly after a meal it’s not just because you fed them, it’s
because you are their best friend.
8.
A dog leaning or pressing against you is their version of a hug or a “hello”. A dog will also lean on you sometimes when
he’s anxious or afraid because he knows you will keep him safe and protect him. I remember Roxie, she was the best at leaning
into you. If you stood still, she would
walk up to you and push her head into you, it was heaven.
![]() |
Roxie... Loved her, Great dog... RIP |
9.
If your dog yawns…it could be a sign of submission…or that they feel safe and
secure… Depends on the situation.
Ever
notice how yawning is contagious between people? Well, it can happen between
dogs and people too. A study found that when dogs mimic people’s yawns it is
because the dog is bonded with that person. This usually happens in a relaxed
situation. It should be noted that dogs yawning could also mean they’re anxious
or upset, if they are in a stressful situation.
10.
If dog sits on your feet, they’re being protective of you and it’s a little bit like he’s marking you. Jennifer
Brent, from the non-profit animal welfare advocacy group Found Animals told
Woman’s Day, “It’s not just that he wants to be close to you, he’s saying,
‘This is mine; now it smells like me, don’t go near it.’ He does this for three
main reasons: to feel secure about his place in your life, to warn other dogs
that you are spoken for and because he wants to protect you.”
11.
Your dog will want to comfort you when you are upset. Dogs are sensitive to our moods. A study
revealed dogs truly do respond to human tears and will respond to our tears
and will naturally try and reassure us if we are distressed. They may get
close to you, put a paw on you or try to nuzzle you when you are upset. I’ve seen this many times, they have a way of
knowing us and attempting to comfort us.
Many times one of my dogs will lay next to me and stroke me with their
paw… They are quite remarkable… Ken
Are
there signs your dog’s makes that tell you that they love you?
See you next week or follow us today on Facebook