My dog needs to be touching me at all times. He follows me around the house. He sleeps in bed with me. He barks if something is unusual. He has helped me through hard times and enjoyed adventures in the good times. He rides in the front seat of my car when we go places. He’s been with me through every experience I have had.

That’s what I am going to take some time talking to you about today. My dog is at my feet loving me. But, what other ways does your dog say “I love you?”

We discussed this a while back, but I have been receiving this question, and of course love is a beautiful thing. Love and be loved.

First, touch is obviously a clear way for your dog to say “I love you.” Your dog might come up and cuddle next to you on the couch (or on your lap in my case). She may lick you, sniff you, and snuggle you.

Touch is very important. Gentle petting is an excellent way to show love to your dog, and it releases oxytocin (the happy hormone) both in humans and dogs. That increase in oxytocin, simply from loving and being loved, strengthens the bond you share with your dog and has been shown to increase your happiness as well as hers.

Love can also be observed through your dog’s body language including tail wagging. Remember, tail wagging is not always positive so be certain to look at body language as a whole.

If your dog leans on you, that’s a sign of trust and extreme connection. She trusts you not to let her fall. Nudging is what many people find obnoxious, but it’s a way your dog is showing he loves you.

If your dog is sleeping with you at night, she considers you to be a part of her family and then again the bond is proven to be strong. Plus, research has shown we sleep better with our dog by our side.

Running to you in times of fear or anxiety is also a way to show their love and trust for you. You are their safe haven. For example, if your dog runs to you for comfort during a thunderstorm, she is telling you she trusts you to keep her safe from any danger.

Finally, eye contact. Eye contact counts for so much of the bond you share with your dog.

When your dog is looking at you with affectionate eyes, she is promoting that connection she has with you, hence releasing more oxytocin in both humans and dogs.

There is no question that dogs are our very best friends. Their love is unconditional and they are by our side through thick and thin.

We’ll talk more about this another time, but keep all of the above points in mind.

Until next time.