12 Signs Your Dog Loves You, According to Science

In this video, you will learn 12 signs, confirmed by scientists, that prove your dog really loves you. #12. They maintain eye contact Dogs can’t talk with humans in a verbal fashion so they use many non-verbal ways of communicating. One of the ways in which dogs show their love is gazing directly into your eyes. Just as we humans gaze into the eyes of people we adore, a dog’s stare is a sign of affection. According to a research published in the journal of Science, dogs develop strong emotional bonds with humans by staring into our eyes. This non-verbal way of communication increases level of a love hormone called oxytocin in both dogs and their owners. It’s the same hormone that creates attachments between couples. Dogs also gaze into your eyes to show their devotion and anticipate your next move. In order to be by your side when you make it. #11. They raise their eyebrows when they see you Have you ever noticed that your furry friend raises their eye-brows when they look at you? A dog’s love isn’t all about tail wagging, it’s also about facial expressions. Scientists from Japan found that dogs move and wiggle their eyebrows when they see someone they love. However, they produce significantly less facial expressions when they are engaging with someone they don’t know. Dogs can’t talk like humans, so these subtle expressions are what they rely on to communicate with us. It’s important to pay attention to these little signs and gestures, and engage with them to reciprocate the love! The eyes may be a “window into the soul” as they say, but your dog’s eyebrows indicate their affection for you. #10. Getting excited when you come home If your pup’s excitement is uncontainable when you come home, it is a clear sign that they love you. Studies have shown that dogs’ reunion with their beloved owner has a significantly positive effect on them, increasing the level of social hormone oxytocin, and lowering the level of stress hormone cortisol. So if your dog runs around you in the house, jumps from one place to the other, and wags their tail controllably when you get home, it means they are crazy about you. On that note, research has shown that the relationship between dogs and their owners is very similar to the bond between young kids and their parents, and that dogs see their owners as a source of comfort and security. This is why they are overexcited when you come home. After all - they’ve been waiting for you all day. #9. Your dog licks you More often than not, dogs lick you to show you affection and love. Licking is also a way for canines to bond with family members. For example, mother dogs often lick their puppies to groom them and offer comfort. When your dog licks you, it’s their way of grooming you and showing they care about your wellbeing. And if you have the taste of some yummy treats on your skin, then your pet might have another motive for their licking behavior. #8. Your dog leans on you If your dog comes up to you and lean their body weight against you, or perhaps cuddle against your side, they are showing affection. For many dogs, the lean is like a full-body hug. Displays of affection like this are often overlooked, so don’t ignore their hugs. Reward these leans with scratches and snuggles, and let them know you love them too. In some cases, dogs lean against you when they are in an unfamiliar environment. This means they are nervous. So they lean on you for security and backing. They are looking at you to protect them because they feel safe with you.