9 Reasons Confirming That Your Dog Is In Love With You

We absolutely adore our dogs—and naturally, we hope they love us just as much! But how can we really know? Sure, nothing feels more heartwarming than seeing your pup wagging its tail excitedly when you walk through the door. And isn’t that why they follow you everywhere—pure love? Or could it be because you’re the keeper of the treats? Well, it’s a bit of both, but that loyal, shadowing behavior is definitely one of the ways dogs express their affection.

Experts say understanding how dogs show love comes down to observing their unique body language. Canine expressions of love might not mirror ours, but they’re just as meaningful. To help decode these behaviors, we turned to veterinarians and animal behaviorists for insights on what certain actions mean. Keep reading to uncover the ways your furry companion truly shows their feelings for you.

Your dog looks at you with puppy eyes

When your dog gazes deeply into your eyes, it’s their way of saying, “I love you.” According to Dr. Whitney Miller, DVM, long eye contact signals trust and affection. Research even shows that, unlike wolves, dogs developed a special eyebrow-raising muscle after domestication to make their eyes more expressive for humans. Fun fact: Siberian huskies missed out on this muscle but make up for it with their mesmerizing eyes.

Your dog starts wagging its tail uncontrollably 

A wildly wagging tail, especially in circles, is a clear sign your dog is thrilled to see you. “Loose, wiggly body language paired with circular tail wagging shows your dog’s excitement and happiness,” says Susan Nilson, a certified dog behavior specialist. Interestingly, the direction of the wag matters too—dogs often wag more to the right when they’re feeling happy and confident.

Your dog loves to stick close to you

If your dog is always by your side, it’s a sweet sign of their affection—even if it feels a bit clingy at times. Some dogs prefer sticking to one person, while others position themselves to keep an eye on the whole family, says Sally Grottini, a dog trainer. For example, her dog stays in the kitchen to monitor her and her husband in separate rooms, moving to join them when they’re together. However, if your dog follows you obsessively and panics when left alone, it could indicate separation anxiety, which might require help from a behaviorist.

Your dog licks your face

When your dog licks your face, it’s often a sign of affection—or maybe there’s a snack on your chin! If it’s not food, it’s love. Licking triggers the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone,” in both the giver and receiver, a bonding behavior rooted in puppyhood, says Susan Nilson. Some dogs carry this habit into adulthood, showing love to their human family. While slobbery kisses are adorable, remember your dog might prefer a belly rub or treat over a returned hug or kiss.

Your dog comforts you when you’re upset

When you’re feeling down, your dog’s comforting presence—snuggling close or even licking away your tears—can be incredibly heartwarming. Dogs are experts at reading human emotions through body language, noticing when you’re less animated and subdued. “Dogs sense when something feels off and may comfort you with physical touch or licking your tears,” explains Susan Nilson. Of course, they might also just enjoy the salty taste!

Your dog leans on you

When your dog leans their full weight against you, it might feel overwhelming—especially with a large breed—but it’s actually a sign of love and trust. Leaning helps them feel secure and maintain physical contact, particularly when they need reassurance, says Susan Nilson. Research shows that dogs often view their owners as a “secure base,” much like children rely on parents when exploring the world.

Your dog sprawls out on your body

Whether it’s a tiny pup or a massive guard dog acting like a lap dog, lying on you is a clear sign of love. Experts now understand that this behavior isn’t about dominance but trust and comfort. “Your dog finds your presence soothing and wants to stay close,” says Susan Nilson. Plus, lying on you ensures they’ll know right away if you move, giving them peace of mind that they won’t be left alone unexpectedly.

Your dog sleeps near you

Should you let your dog sleep in your bed? While opinions vary, your dog’s desire to snuggle up has a solid foundation. “Dogs are social animals that form close bonds with their families, both human and canine,” explains Susan Nilson. As puppies, they cuddle with their mom and littermates to build connections and develop social skills. Beyond affection, co-sleeping offers warmth, comfort, and security, helping dogs feel safe enough to fully relax and enjoy restful sleep.

Your dog brings you its favourite toys

Dogs, like humans, love sharing their favorite things with those they care about. Whether it’s a squeaky toy or a sturdy chew toy, their favorite item holds more meaning than you might think. “When your dog brings you their favorite toy and drops it at your feet, it’s often a gift,” explains Dr. Whitney Miller. This gesture shows they value your time together and associate their beloved toy with you. “Sharing their favorite things is one way dogs express love,” says Dr. Miller. So, if your pup does this, the answer to “Does my dog love me?” is a resounding yes!