In the last issue, we listed the ways Cats show their humans love. This time, we will look at how Dogs do the same.
A NATION OF DOG LOVERS
We all know that Dogs are affectionate and friendly, which probably explains why according to the 2021 Rakuten Insight research, out of the 59% of Asian households that have Dogs as animal companions, Filipinos are the majority that took up 67%!
THEY GIVE YOU PUPPY DOG EYES
Ah, yes. Who can resist the Puppy Dog eyes, the epitome of cuteness? In the 2021 WebMD article reviewed by Vanessa Farner, if you catch yourself having a staring contest with your Dog, it means that they trust you.
Maintaining eye contact for Dogs is a big deal for them as it is reserved for those they love.
In a 2020 Insider article by Sophia Mitrokostas, Dogs maintain eye contact as a sign of attachment. From the time they were Puppies, they were creating a bond with you by staring at you.
MORE THAN JUST A STARING CONTEST
According to April 2015 research by Miho Nagasawa published in the journal Science, staring into your Dogs’ eyes boosts the levels of oxytocin in both animal and human companions.
THEY BRING YOU ITEMS (TO FIX)
Michelle L. Szydlowski, veterinary technician at Beacon College in Leesburg, Florida said that Dogs bring their items to you because they trust you to fix their items. She added that this is how Dogs show their faith in you— by asking you to solve their problems.
THEY ALSO SHARE THEIR TOYS
If you’re not busy “fixing” their toys, sometimes Dogs will straight up share it with you as a present. Veterinarian Sara Ochoa said that sharing their favorite toys is a sign that they care about you.
THEY ARE EXCITED WHEN YOU GET HOME
This one is obvious, but it needs to be said. Your Dog is excited to see you.
Picture this: you get home after a long day at work, looking for a way to relax, when your Dog suddenly perks up, runs circles around you with their tail wagging like windscreen wipers, and licks you all over. That’s a sign of love.
LEFT OR RIGHT?
In a 2013 research by Marcello Siniscalchi published in the journal Current Biology, the Dog is happy if they wag their tail to the right, while they wag their tail to the left if they’re nervous. Check your Dog’s tail to see how they feel!
THEY KEEP AN EYE ON YOU EVERYWHERE
From your bedroom to the bathroom, your Pooch is watching. They will even stay by your side while you eat! As a sign of affection, they want to make sure that you are safe and sound, even if you’re just doing your private business in the bathroom.
Sometimes, your Dog will also “guide” you to keep you from “getting lost.” Szydlowski calls it “herding” and mentions that it is a way “to show affection for the ‘pack.’”
THEY LICK YOU
This one is obvious as well. In the 2021 article by Jenna Stregowski on the website The Spruce Pets, licking is a way for the Dogs to show affection to you. Some even call them “kisses.” This signifies that they are happy to see you again.
THEY YAWN
According to an article by Emily Shackleton for Metro UK, yawning is a sign that the Dog is close to you. Rosie Barclay says that “a happy [D]og will have a loose mouth rather than a tight mouth, and a loose tongue,” and that they look “happy and smiley.”
A 2013 study by Teresa Romero from the University of Tokyo suggested that Dogs are more likely to yawn after they see their humans yawning as compared to a random person. The study implied that Dogs felt empathy for their human companions, and they would most likely yawn with someone they had an emotional bond with.
THEY SLEEP NEAR YOU
There are myriad reasons why your Dog sleeps next to you. According to the 2022 article by Christina Donnelly in The Spruce Pets, your Dog is loyal and doesn’t want to be separated from “the pack.” Another article from Dogs ‘n Stuff.net stated that sleeping next to their favorite human makes them feel safe.
Additionally, sleeping next to you establishes a comfortable routine for your Pooches so that they don’t feel scared or lonely. It also increases the bond between you and your canine companion. So, don’t hesitate to let your Dog sleep next to you; it means that they love you.
These are the most common things your Dog can do to show their affection to you. No matter what kind of Dog they are, they are all good boys or girls and deserve all the love in the world.
