Does My Dog Know I Love Them? What They Really Understand
Updated: 3 days ago
You tell your dog you love them every day, probably several times a day if you're anything like me. They wag, they lean in, they look up at you. But do they actually know what you mean? The words, maybe not, but the feeling behind them, very likely yes, and the way you show it matters far more than what you say.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Your dog doesn't understand the words "I love you" the way a person does, but they understand a lot of what you mean. Dogs read your tone, your face and your body, and research shows that looking at each other raises oxytocin, the hormone linked to closeness and trust, in both dogs and their people. Your dog knows you love them through the way you look after them, play with them, train them and spend time with them.
Does my dog know I love them?
Very likely, yes. Dogs become deeply attached to their people, and they show many of the same signs that young children show with their parents: they seek you out, feel safer with you around, and greet you when you come back. Studies have found that when dogs and their people gaze at each other, oxytocin levels rise in both. That's the same hormone that helps parents and babies feel close.
Do dogs understand "I love you"?
Not the words themselves, unless they've learned that the phrase comes before something nice. But dogs are very good at reading how you say something. Research using brain scans has shown that dogs process both the words we use and the tone we say them in, and they respond most to praise words said in a warm, happy voice. So when you say "I love you" softly with a smile, your dog picks up the feeling, even if the words mean nothing on their own.
How does my dog know I love them?
Dogs understand love through what you do, more than what you say:
Spending time with them, on walks, at home and in play
Calm, gentle touch in the places they enjoy
Soft eye contact and a relaxed face
Training with rewards, which builds trust and communication
Giving them things to do that they love, like sniffing, chasing and chewing
Keeping them safe and listening when they're uncomfortable
Signs your dog loves you
They greet you with a loose, wiggly body when you come home
They follow you from room to room
They lean on you or settle close to you
They look at you with soft eyes
They bring you toys or want to play
They check in with you on walks
They relax and sleep near you
How to show your dog you love them in a way they understand
1. Play their kind of games
Find out what your dog loves, whether it's tug, fetch, sniffing out treats or a good chase, and do it together.
2. Let them sniff
A slow, sniffy walk where your dog gets to explore is a real treat for them.
3. Train with rewards
Short, fun training sessions build a clear way of talking to each other. Dogs love knowing what earns them a reward.
4. Touch them the way they like
Many dogs prefer a gentle stroke on the chest or side to a hug. Hugs can feel restrictive to a dog, so watch how they respond. If they lean in, great. If they turn away, lick their lips or go stiff, they'd prefer something else.
5. Respect their space
Letting your dog rest undisturbed, and move away when they want to, shows them they can trust you.
RENEE'S TIP
Try a slow blink and a soft "good dog" while your dog is relaxed near you. Lots of dogs soften their eyes straight back.
QUICK CHECK
ā Dogs don't understand the words, but they read your tone and face
ā Looking at each other raises the feel-good hormone oxytocin in you both
ā Dogs understand love through time, play, care and trust
ā Many dogs prefer a stroke to a hug
FROM RENEE'S BOOKSHELF
The Modern Guide to Puppy Games
Games that build trust, calm and good manners, for puppies and older dogs too.
FAQs
Does my dog know I love him?
Very likely. Dogs become deeply attached to their people and respond to your tone, face and the way you care for them.
Do dogs understand "I love you"?
Not the words, but they understand the warm tone and body language that go with them, and they respond to the feeling behind it.
Do dogs know they are loved?
Dogs feel safe and attached to the people who care for them. Signs include greeting you, following you, leaning on you and relaxing near you.
How do dogs understand affection from humans?
Through time together, gentle touch, soft eye contact, play and training with rewards. These all build trust and closeness.
How can I show my dog I love them?
Play the games they love, give them sniffy walks, train with rewards, stroke them the way they like, and give them space when they want it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
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