Dogs are capable of experiencing a variety of emotions towards humans, including love, affection, gratitude, loyalty and trust.
But how can you tell if a dog really loves its owner and isn’t just obeying him?
What are the signs and signals that your dog truly loves you and doesn't want to lose you?
Meets at the door
Whether a person has been away from home for a few minutes or hours, a dog will never miss a chance to greet them at the door.
If a dog wags its tail, its body is relaxed, and there is a wide dog “smile” on its face, most likely it misses its owner and wants to let him know how much he means to it.
Wags its tail
Dogs often use their tails to express their mood. Contrary to popular belief, a wagging tail does not always mean joy and happiness, but in most cases it does.
Extends front paws in a "bow"
If a dog greets a person by extending its front paws in a bow, it may be trying to express some warm feelings.
The pet may also try to play with the person because it wants to spend more time with him.
Follows on your heels
If a dog constantly follows a person, it may be trying to tell you that it feels best with that person.
Sleeps next to me in bed
If a dog enjoys curling up next to a person (or on their lap), they are showing love.
Dogs usually only sleep where they feel safe, most often with their pack.
If your pet doesn't try to climb onto your lap, don't worry. It's more of a personal preference, and sleeping next to a person shows that the dog cares.
Licks
Affection from a dog can come in many forms, and one of the most well-known is licking.
It is a natural instinct that serves many purposes, but when used with others, it usually indicates positive communication and affection.
A dog licks its puppies as a means of grooming, training, and bonding, and it is common to see a dog doing this with its beloved owner.
Maintains eye contact
When dogs are uncomfortable, they tend to look away when you stare at them.
If a pet maintains eye contact with a person when he looks at him, or even looks for him, then it probably does not feel any discomfort at all. When a dog loves a person, it is happy and feels calm around him, which is what it wants to show.
Brings gifts
If a dog brings gifts to a person, it is most likely a sign that it loves and trusts him.
If a pet brings a toy or other objects that it finds interesting, it probably wants the person to have fun too. It is also likely that the dog wants its beloved owner to play with it.
Extends a paw
Every dog has its own unique way of communicating. One relatively common way to let you know how they feel is by touching you.
While this is often done to get his attention, some dogs may use their paws to feel contact or show affection.
Dogs tend to communicate with their bodies, so look for other signs, too. If your pet is relaxed and looking at you in a friendly way, or even wagging its tail, it's likely an expression of affection.
Worried
Often you can just feel that the dog enjoys being around the person.
Whether it's a wagging tail or body, or just a sense of enthusiasm, a dog that loves its owner will show it without hesitation.
Earlier we wrote about how to properly train a kitten to use a litter box.
