Pet owners can tell if their dog loves them in many ways. But how can pet owners reciprocate in a way dogs will understand?
Here are seven ways to tell your dog you love them in dog language. Use these tips to show your dog your love!
How to Tell Your Dog “I Love You” In 7 Ways
1. Make eye contact
Give your dog lingering eye contact to show how much you love him.
According to The New York Times, when the dog owner and the pet exchange gazes, they build up their oxytocin levels.
Oxytocin is known as the love hormone that also develops between a mother and a newborn child.
But don't challenge your dog to a stare-down, as he might see it as aggression. Keep eye contact short and sweet!
2. Raise your eyebrows
Studies show that canines analyze humans' stare and recognize some of the signals.
Try greeting your dog with a raised left eyebrow. Your dog will recognize this as an expression of love, as it's also how they greet someone they are interested in.
This expression tells them that you're happy to see your furry pal.
3. Talk to your dog
Dogs are drawn to the sound of your voice even if they do not understand the human language.
In fact, scientists have uncovered what they call “dog-speak,” which owners can use to communicate with their pets, similar to how we talk to small children, according to recent studies.
Use a special tone to build the relationship, and try reading to your dog to show that you love him, as he will find your voice calming and comforting.
4. Listen to them
Don't just listen to their audible sounds and barks, but also understand your dog's body language.
You'll build a stronger connection and bond with your pup if you know which cues to pick up from their movements and expressions.
Besides, dogs use many body signals to express their thoughts and feelings. If you pay attention, you're essentially telling them you love them and want to communicate with them.
5. Let them lean on you
If you have a lap dog breed, they're more likely to seek contact with you.
Does your dog like leaning themselves against you when you're lying on the couch? Do they stand and lean by your legs when you're sitting on the park bench?
This is a sign of trust and love. Let your dog lean on you as often as possible to say that you appreciate his company. As social animals, dogs relish in physical contact with their humans.
Some dog experts, like Cesar Millan, used to say that dogs express dominance when they're literally leaning on their humans, and that this should be viewed as bad behavior.
However, there's no proof of this, and other experts disagree. It might sometimes be a sign that he's fearful or afraid of something.
If you know how to read your dog's cues, you can act accordingly to curb any behavior you don't want repeated.
6. Take naps together
If your dog has his own bed to sleep on, why not indulge once in a while and let him on the bed with you?
Share a wonderful time together with nap time on a Sunday afternoon for a relaxing, bonding experience.
Studies show plenty of health benefits to cuddling and sleeping on the bed with your dog. You’ll feel stress lift off your body and get proper rest with your pup.
7. Do more than just go for a walk
Bonds strengthen when pet owners and dogs share experiences.
A daily walk is a great way to build trust and communication with your dog, and it's best to do it every day and make it part of your routine. Your dog will definitely look forward to this activity.
However, doing more than just daily walks can be even better, particularly when it involves new (for the dog) activities like hiking, boating, and more.
READ NEXT:
