Does My Dog Love Me?

Dogs wear their hearts on their sleeves: They openly show emotions, if you know what to look for. Full body wiggles when you walk through the door — or following you from room to room — are more than cute quirks or even an attempt at earning a treat. They’re signs that your dog loves you.

Even if your dog is newly adopted, every walk, cuddle, or play session helps build a meaningful connection. Spending enjoyable time together releases oxytocin, which is the same “love hormone” that strengthens bonds between people. So, every happy moment makes your pup feel more attached to you.

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Why do dogs love humans?

Humans have loved dogs for thousands of years — at least 15,000, and possibly as far back as 30,000. And if you’ve ever come home to a wagging tail or a happy face, you might already suspect what modern research confirms: Human-dog relationships are far from one-sided. In fact, many dogs choose their pet parents over strangers or even tasty treats, proving their attachment is more than dependency. 

Studies show that dogs feel braver exploring the world when we’re nearby, show signs of distress when we leave, and often prioritize greeting us before anything else. That love isn’t just a perceived feeling — it’s biology. Spending time with our dogs boosts oxytocin for us and our pups, while lowering stress and even improving heart health.

So why do dogs love humans so much? They’re social to the core. Over thousands of years of domestication, dogs developed a friendliness that sets them apart from wolves. Scientists have even identified variations in a few genes that may help explain why dogs are naturally so loving and attached to humans. In other words, dogs are hardwired to love us, and we’re hardwired to love them right back.

15 signs your dog loves you

No matter how you define a dog’s love, there are plenty of clear signs that your pup feels close to you. We spoke with Paige Gordon, Certified Professional Dog Trainer at SpiritDog Training, to share 15 ways dogs show affection. Not all dogs demonstrate love the same way, so don’t worry if your pup’s love language doesn’t tick every box.

1. They greet you 

Whether it’s at the door after work or after just a few minutes apart, an enthusiastic greeting is a clear sign your dog loves having you around and misses you when you're away.

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2. They follow you around

Dogs often stick close to their favorite humans, seeking some petting or just enjoying your company.

3. They display confidence and independence

Dogs with strong bonds to their humans often feel braver when exploring new places — and even greeting strangers — when their favorite person is nearby. If your pup seems more interested in saying hi to everyone else, take it as a compliment. They feel safe knowing you’re just a tail wag away.

4. Their tail has a happy wag

Speaking of tail wagging, your dog’s tail can tell you a lot about how they’re feeling. A wide, sweeping wag at a neutral or slightly upright position usually signals happiness. But remember, tail wagging can also indicate stress or uncertainty, so pay attention to the full range of your dog’s body language.

5. Their ears are relaxed

A dog’s ears can say a lot about how they’re feeling. Soft, relaxed ears usually mean your pup is comfortable, happy, and enjoying the moment.

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6. They cuddle

Many dogs aren’t shy about snuggling with their favorite humans. They’ll often take advantage of a lounging moment to nudge under an arm or curl up in a lap if they’re small enough (or at least think they are).

7. They lean on you

Some head-over-heel dogs can’t seem to get close enough to their beloved pet parents. They express this through leaning on you.

8. They lick you

Licking is a grooming instinct within a pack and a sign of trust. In the dog world, this behavior is usually reserved for close family members or pack mates.

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9. They nuzzle you

Nuzzling is a gentle way dogs seek attention. Think of it like a friendly poke or a little, “Hey, notice me.”

10. They paw at you

A dog who paws at your hand or lap is a dog who’s telling you they want more of your attention.

11. They make eye contact

“A sleepy gaze, with squinty eyes, is a great one that tells us our dogs really love the person they’re looking at,” Gordon says. “Some will pair this with what we can relate to: a smile.”

12. They show their belly

Belly rubs aren’t for all dogs. In fact, showing the belly is one of the most vulnerable positions a dog can take. If your dog rolls onto their back, it’s a sign that they feel completely safe and trust you deeply.

13. They bring you “gifts”

Whether it’s a favorite toy, a random sock, or a well-loved stick, dogs take things to their humans to share something they value. They might be inviting you to play or asking you to watch over a treasured item. Either way, they only give something this special to someone they love.

14. They play bow

There’s nothing cuter than a pup in a full-on play bow: front legs stretched out, rear in the air, tail wagging, and that happy, inviting expression. This pup doesn’t just want to play — they want to include you in the fun.

Samantha Gehrmann / Stocksy/

15. Sleeping near you

A relaxed pup sleeps in relaxed positions, like on their side with their limbs extended and their bellies partly exposed. As your bond gets stronger, your pup might nap at your feet and even try to claim your side of the bed as their own. 

How to show your dog love

Fostering a relationship of love and trust with your dog goes hand-in-hand with the care you provide. Here are some ways to show your pup love by keeping them happy, healthy, and secure.

• Provide healthy, balanced meals: Treats are fun and can reward good behavior. But nothing says “love” like complete, balanced meals in the right portions. Feeding your dog well helps them feel strong, healthy, and cared for.

• Keep up with routine veterinary care: Vet visits may not feel like bonding moments, but staying on top of vaccines, checkups, and other preventive care keeps your dog feeling their best — so they can enjoy more years with you.

• Use positive reinforcement, not punishment: Punishment only hurts your relationship because it can diminish trust and introduce fear. Instead, guide your dog toward good behavior by rewarding positive choices. Positive reinforcement training strengthens your bond and helps your pup feel safe and confident.

• Exercise your pup: How much exercise your dog needs depends on their breed, age, and health. Walks, swimming, or even agility and other dog sports give your pup a chance to burn energy, explore, and enjoy your company.

• Stick to a routine: Although every day doesn’t have to be identical, dogs thrive on predictability. A morning walk followed by breakfast, a gentle grooming session, and a bit of indoor play can create a comforting rhythm for your pup.

• Foster meaningful connection: Cuddles on the couch, a reassuring pat, talking to your dog about your day  — small gestures and moments add up to a deep, lasting bond.

• Respect your dog’s boundaries: “Knowing your dog, and how well they handle certain situations, can make it so that…we can understand and support them through it,” Gordon says. 

Commonly asked questions 

Do dogs love their pet parents?

Dogs may not love exactly like humans, but there’s no doubt they form strong, lasting bonds with their pet parents. “The majority of dogs really enjoy spending time and receiving affection from their people,” Gordon says. These attachments, which can mirror secure child-parent attachments, are reflected biologically through increased oxytocin and reduced stress hormones.

Why does my dog love to lick me? 

Your pup might seem like they’re tasting you, but licking is usually a dog's way of showing affection. Dogs learn this behavior from their mothers and littermates, who use licking to bond. 

References

Bates, Mary. “Prehistoric Puppy Was Likely Pet Dog, Archaeologists Say.” History, 27 Feb. 2018, www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/ancient-pet-puppy-oberkassel-stone-age-dog.

Levine, Glenn N., et al. “Pet Ownership and Cardiovascular Risk.” Circulation, vol. 127, no. 23, 11 June 2013, pp. 2353–2363, www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIR.0b013e31829201e1, doi.org/10.1161/cir.0b013e31829201e1.

Petersson, Maria, et al. “Oxytocin and Cortisol Levels in Dog Owners and Their Dogs Are Associated with Behavioral Patterns: An Exploratory Study.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 8, 13 Oct. 2017, www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01796/full, doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01796.

Solomon, J., et al. “Attachment Security in Companion Dogs: Adaptation of Ainsworth’s Strange Situation and Classification Procedures to Dogs and Their Human Caregivers.” Attachment & Human Development, vol. 21, no. 4, 24 Sept. 2018, pp. 389–417, doi.org/10.1080/14616734.2018.1517812.

VonHoldt, Bridgett M., et al. “Structural Variants in Genes Associated with Human Williams-Beuren Syndrome Underlie Stereotypical Hypersociability in Domestic Dogs.” Science Advances, vol. 3, no. 7, 19 July 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5517105, doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1700398.