What’s Your Dog’s Love Language?
Dog’s have been by our side for thousands of years, which is why they’ve earned the title of ‘man’s best friend.’ While some dogs may have earned a reputation for being clingy when they are always around, their actions may be telling you something more. Dogs have different quirks and behaviors to let their human companions know that they love them since they can’t exactly come right out and say ‘I love you.’
A pet parent's love for their canine counterpart can run deep, but we’re never really sure if they’re capable of loving us back. Scientists at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia did an investigation of the emotional state of dogs using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and found changes in their brain function when they were exposed to certain odors. Scientists were able to measure the neural responses of dogs as they were exposed to odors of both familiar and unfamiliar people and dogs.
The experiment revealed that when a dog smelled the familiar aroma of their owner, the ‘reward center’ of the brain (known as the caudate nucleus) was activated, which is the center of the brain that contains dopamine receptors that light up when exposed to pleasurable experiences. Of all the smells presented to the dogs, they responded the best to human odors than to the scent of canine companions. Their ‘reward center’ was activated most significantly when the dog actually smelled someone they knew, which is a similar response that occurs in humans when they are shown photos of people they love.
So how do we decipher between doggy affection and just wanting to sneak a taste of your food? Here are some of the signs of affection your dog is giving to tell you just how much they love and trust you:
Cuddling with you is one of the best ways a dog likes to bond with other people and other dogs. They love physical touch so when they decide to cuddle up next to you on the bed or lay down right next to you on the couch, take it as a good sign of affection that they just enjoy being near you.
Wanting to sleep near or with you is actually a nod back to when dogs used to live in packs and would curl up and sleep near each other at night. If they can relax enough to fall asleep with you, it’s a strong indication that they feel comfortable and safe around you. Wanting to stay close to you when you sleep is a sure sign of loyalty, protection and love.
Sharing long stares with your dog triggers the release of oxytocin (often referred to as the ‘love hormone’) in both you and your dog’s brains. This affectionate eye contact builds a sense of trust between you and your dog, which is the same mechanism used to help mothers form bonds with their newborn babies. So sharing a long stare with your dog can result in getting some doggy affection from your canine.
Following you around is a way for your dog to stay close to you as they may perceive you to be the pack leader; which ultimately is a way of showing loyalty and protection and therefore their love for you. Canines are social by nature and will seek to stay nearby to those that they love and trust.
Licking you is a way dogs use to show affection and love. They may lick your face, hands or even feet as a sign of affection to bond with you. Licking releases endorphins - also known as feel good chemicals in the brain - making the interaction pleasurable for both you and your dog (as long as licking is something you enjoy!).
Bringing you toys or bones is how dogs like to give you a gift, showing that they love and trust you with their most prized possessions. It’s also a way for them to interact and bond with you because by giving you a toy or bone, your dog is saying, “I want to play with you and share this toy with you.” So that extremely loved stuffed teddy that they just brought over to you may mean more than you realize.
Leaning into you is their way of showing you a sign of complete trust when they lean their full weight against you. You wouldn’t lean against someone you don’t feel safe and secure with, so neither would your dog. They may do this for comfort when they’re scared or anxious, but when they lean against you during quiet times at home, it’s the equivalent of a full-body hug.
Rolling onto their back and showing you their belly basically puts them into a total state of submission - the ultimate signal of love and trust. Since a dog’s tummy is one of their most vulnerable body parts, flopping over and rolling on their back may be one of the biggest signs of love and trust to pet owners.
Sometimes showing can be better than telling when it comes to affection and love, which is why our four-legged friends remain one of our furry best friends. Their appreciation and love for us runs deeper than we think, so the next time your dog brings you a slobbery rubber toy to share just remember it means more than you think.
If you’re looking for a way to show your love to your canine friend, look no further than a daily dog walker! Time can get the best of all of us, especially when you’re stuck at your desk or in the office all day. So why not show your care with Going Mutts Pet Services and daily walks for fresh air and releases of energy throughout the day. We would love to help spread the love with customized pet care plans so your best furry friend is getting exactly what they need while you’re away. Contact us at info@goingmuttspetservices.com or fill out our contact form on our website!
Sources:
https://www.anivive.com/learn/article/6-ways-your-dog-says-i-love-you
https://www.einsteinpets.com/blogs/news/how-dogs-show-they-love-you