How to Tell If Your Dog Loves You: The Signs to Look For
Updated: 3 days ago
We love our dogs, and we want to know they love us back. They can't say it in words, but they tell us in all sorts of small ways, many of which are easy to miss. It's not just the wagging tail at the door, it's the soft eyes, the lean against your legs, the way they check where you are on a walk, and yes, the puppy sat outside the loo door. Here are the signs your dog loves you, what the science says and how to build an even closer relationship with your dog.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Dogs show love through relaxed body language around you, soft eye contact, leaning on you, following you from room to room, greeting you happily, sleeping near you and checking in with you on walks. Research has found that friendly eye contact between dogs and their people can raise oxytocin, a hormone linked to closeness, in both. Dogs also look to their people for comfort when unsure, much like a child with a parent. Not every dog shows love the same way: some are cuddly, others prefer to sit nearby. You can deepen your relationship with play, kind reward-based training, calm routines and respecting your dog's choices, including when they don't want a cuddle.
The signs your dog loves you
Every dog is different, but these signs come up again and again. One on its own can mean many things. Look for a few together:
a loose, wiggly body and soft eyes around you
gentle eye contact that doesn't feel hard or staring
leaning on you or resting their head on your lap
following you from room to room
a big, happy greeting when you come home
sleeping near you, sometimes belly up
bringing you toys
checking in with you on walks
What science says about dogs and love
Studies have found that soft, friendly eye contact between dogs and their owners can raise oxytocin in both. Oxytocin is a hormone linked to closeness and trust.
Research also shows that many dogs look to their person for comfort in new or scary situations, a bit like a young child with a parent. Brain scans have found that some dogs respond more to their owner's scent than to other familiar smells. Read does my dog understand I love them.
Not every dog shows love the same way
Some dogs are cuddly and want to be on your lap all evening. Others prefer to lie nearby, touching your foot. Both can be just as attached.
Rescue dogs, older dogs and some breeds may take longer to show affection, or show it more quietly. That's not a lack of love. It's their style, and it's worth respecting.
Signs that might not mean love
Some behaviours look like love but can mean something else. Licking can be affection, but it can also be a calming signal when a dog feels unsure.
A dog who follows you everywhere and can't settle when you leave may be anxious, not just devoted. Read calming signals in dogs.
How to build a closer relationship with your dog
Love grows from good experiences and trust. You can add more of both every day. Try these:
play together, with games your dog chooses
use kind, reward-based training
keep routines calm and predictable
give your dog time to sniff on walks
let them say no to a cuddle, and respect it
spend quiet time together, not just busy time
RENEE'S TIP
Try a "slow blink" with your dog this week. When they're relaxed and looking at you, soften your eyes and blink slowly. Many dogs blink back or soften their own eyes. It's a lovely, quiet way to connect without asking anything of them.
QUICK CHECK
ā Relaxed body, soft eyes and leaning are signs of love
ā Following you, greeting you and sleeping near you count too
ā Friendly eye contact can raise oxytocin in both of you
ā Every dog shows love differently
ā Play, kind training and respecting choice build closeness
ONE-TO-ONE HELP
Help with a dog who's anxious when apart
If your dog follows you everywhere and struggles when you leave, I can help you work out whether it's anxiety and what to do in an online Dog Behaviour Consultation from wherever you are.
Online on Teams, wherever you are. 30 or 60 minutes.
FAQs
How do I know if my dog loves me?
Look for relaxed body language, soft eye contact, leaning on you, following you and happy greetings.
Do dogs feel love for their owners?
Research suggests dogs form strong attachments to their people, and friendly eye contact can raise oxytocin in both.
Why does my dog lean on me?
Often because they feel safe and close to you. Some dogs also lean when they're unsure.
Does my dog love me if they don't like cuddles?
Yes. Many dogs show love by staying near you rather than being held.
How can I make my dog love me more?
Play together, use kind training, keep routines calm and respect your dog's choices.
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.
READ NEXT Does my dog understand I love them?
