How to Show Your Dog You Love Them
Talk to your dog. Dogs often feel encouraged when they receive verbal praise and attention. When talking to your dog, aim to use a “dog voice,” like a high-pitched, cheerful tone. Studies have even shown that dogs process language in a similar way to humans! Some people even recommend reading to your dog as a way to calm them down.
Make eye contact when you interact with them. Dogs often respond positively to eye contact with their humans, especially when you’re talking to or playing with them. Meet your dog’s gaze now and then to show them you love them—just remember that hard stares can be perceived as threatening, so don’t stare at your dog too long or too often.
Praise your dog when they do something right. A great way to bond with your dog is to praise good behavior. This not only teaches your dog what they’re doing well, but it makes them happy because you’re happy. Verbally praise them, give them some ear scratches or belly rubs, and give them a treat. Amphlett recommends using clicker training: “The way the clicker works is every time you click, you give the dog a treat. So it’s a very effective tool in teaching the dog when they’ve done something good, and you can mark the precise moment they have performed the thing that you’ve asked them to do.
Surprise your dog with treats. In addition to rewarding good behavior while training, give your dog a treat out of the blue now and then to surprise them. Opt for high-quality training treats and let your dog know they’re being a good boy or girl. After all, some say the way to a dog’s heart is through their stomach!
Feed them healthy food at the same time each day. A great way to show your dog you love them is to let them know they can rely on you. Feed them a nutritious dog food, following the best care instructions for their size and breed so you don’t over- or underfeed them. Dogs do well with routine, so try to feed your pup at the same time each day. If you want to keep your dog stimulated while eating, Amphlett says, “Instead of feeding from a food bowl, I feed my dog his entire meals out of dog toys. If he wants to eat, he has to basically work for his food. This is great for keeping dogs mentally stimulated, and it slows down their eating. It gives them that feel-good factor when they’re foraging for food and are successful in locating it.”
Understand their body language. To create a strong bond with your dog, it’s important to let them know you respect them and their boundaries. Pay attention to their body language. If it seems like they want you to back off, give them some space. Don’t ignore warning signs like growling or moving away from you. This lets your dog know you can be trusted.
Never use physical punishment. If you physically punish your dog for bad behavior, they may become frightened, which can sometimes lead to aggressive behavior and distrust. Never hit your dog if they do something wrong, and instead be clear and consistent about which behaviors you want and don’t want. Focus on ignoring bad behavior and rewarding good.
Pet your dog frequently. Most dogs love physical affection, so be sure to give them lots of belly rubs, pats, and head scratches. If your dog is constantly lying on or near you or wiggles their body when they see you, they probably want to be pet. All dogs are different, though, and some may not enjoy physical affection. Remember to pay attention to their body language. If they move away from you or seem uncomfortable, it’s best to stop whatever you’re doing. It’s especially important to rub your dog’s ears. Dogs have a lot of feeling receptors in their ears, so gently scratching or playing with them can make your dog feel happy and comfortable. Pay attention to your dog’s body language so you don’t pet them too much. This can make them feel overstimulated and stressed.
Take your dog on daily walks. Dogs need lots of exercise and fresh air to stay healthy, and they love exploring the world around them. Taking them on walks also allows you to spend quality time together. Aim to walk your dog every day, and try to make sure the walks occur around the same time each day, as dogs thrive on routine. Other exercises are also a great way to bond with your dog. Try taking them swimming or doing agility training. Exercise outdoors when you can, as all the new sights and smells help stimulate your dog’s brain.
Play with them so they’re mentally engaged. Every dog plays differently, so try a bunch of different games and interactions, like tug-of-war or fetch, to determine what they enjoy. Playing with your dog gives them the attention they desire, some exercise, and brain stimulation. It prevents them from feeling bored and even depressed. The way you play with your dog will also vary depending on their age. Puppies, for instance, may be more energetic while senior dogs may be more laidback. Amphlett warns, “Lots of dog toys I wouldn’t leave out because puppies will chew them and destroy them and could potentially choke on the pieces. But I think most dog toys will tell you whether you should leave them out on the box.” EXPERT TIP Sophie Amphlett Sophie Amphlett Professional Dog Trainer Sophie Amphlett is a Professional Dog Trainer and Service Dog Coach with over five years of experience. Sophie graduated from CATCH Canine Trainers Academy’s Master Course with Distinction in 2016. She is also a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) and a Certified Fun Scent Games Instructor (DN-FSG1). Sophie serves as a volunteer adoption counselor and dog walker for Adopt-A-Pet as well. Sophie Amphlett Sophie Amphlett Professional Dog Trainer Consider using puzzles to entertain your dog. The brand My Intelligent Pets makes lots of puzzles, like the traditional snuffle mat. There are also treat dispenser balls, which the dog has to roll around. Anything like that is good. I think any kind of mental stimulation is fantastic.
Teach them new tricks. Dogs love learning new things, so training them and teaching them new tricks is a great way to boost their confidence. They’ll feel happy whenever you reward them for doing something right, and even if they don’t pick up on a certain trick, they’ll enjoy the quality time spent with you.
Schedule puppy playdates. If your dog enjoys being around other dogs, consider hosting a playdate with some of your friends and their dogs. Just make sure all the dogs know and like each other beforehand—inviting an unsocialized dog could lead to trouble. Make sure the dogs have access to all their favorite toys and treats. This probably isn’t a good idea if your pup isn’t fond of other dogs or hasn’t been socialized much.
Raise your eyebrows at them. While dogs don’t have as many facial expressions as humans, they do have very expressive eyebrows. When a dog raises its eyebrows at you, it’s a sign that they’re happy to see you. Try raising your own eyebrows and smiling at them to show them you’re in a good mood. The more facial expressions you use when interacting with your dog, the more special they feel. Try not to frown or look angry when interacting with your dog, as they might think you’re upset with them. They’re happy when you’re happy!
Cuddle and nap together. When your dog lies next to you, they’re acknowledging you as part of their “pack.” This shows that they feel safe around you, so instead of getting up or pushing them away, let them lie with you for a while. Snuggle up and enjoy spending quality time with your pup.
Give them undivided attention. When you interact with your dog, make sure you give them your full attention. Put your phone down or turn off the TV. If you’re distracted by something else every time you play with your dog, or ignore them altogether, it can negatively impact their health by making them feel alone or unwanted. In turn, this can lead to anxiety or behavioral problems.
Respect your dog’s privacy. While many dogs love being around their owners, they also need their own space. Create a space that’s just for your dog, whether it’s a room, a corner, or a fenced-in area in your yard. This should be a comfortable space they can go to relax when they’re feeling stressed or anxious. Include food and water, a bed, and some of their favorite toys. Amphlett says she likes puppy playpens, “Because dogs, if they’re bored, frustrated, or anxious, can do things like chew the walls or chew your cables. So if you’ve got a playpen set up surround the perimeter of the room, there is basically nothing for the dog to destroy. Within the playpen, you want to have lots of things for the dog to chew on.”
Protect your dog from threats. While we often think of dogs as our protectors, they need to feel safe and secure, as well. As your dog’s owner, you’re also their only defender. Shield your pup from intimidating dogs, and warn people to keep their distance if your dog is afraid of strangers. Do your best to comfort your dog whenever they’re frightened, like during storms.
Do dogs know we love them?
Yes, dogs understand that we love them. Studies have shown that when dogs and their owners interact, both the person and the dog release oxytocin, a hormone associated with love and happiness. Oxytocin is released whenever you look at your dog, pet them, or play with them. Oxytocin is the same hormone released when parents look at their baby. One study also found that a dog’s heart rate tends to go up after hearing the words “I love you.” So while your dog may not be able to say it back verbally, they likely understand what you mean!
Why is it important to show your dog you love them?
Showing your dog affection strengthens your bond. Dogs are social animals who thrive on attention and affection. Showing your dog you love them by playing with them, petting them, and interacting with them each day strengthens your bond, which in turn helps keep your dog happy and healthy.
It makes your dog feel safe. Because you’re their owner, your dog relies on you to feed and water them and keep them safe and healthy. By showing them affection, your dog will feel more secure and know that you will take care of them.
Showing your dog love can reduce your stress levels. Not only does showing your dog affection make them feel better, but it can improve your mood, as well. As mentioned above, interacting with your dog causes your brain to release oxytocin, which often makes you happier. Studies have also shown that petting a dog reduces the stress hormone cortisol in humans.
Showing Love for Dogs FAQs
How do dogs show they love you? When a dog loves you, they may lick you, wag their tail excitedly whenever they see you, or greet you every time you come home. Dogs also express their love by following you around your home, maintaining eye contact, and sleeping near you.
How do you make your dog feel safe? Dogs thrive and feel safe when they have a consistent routine. Aim to feed your dog at the same time each day and make time to walk them and play with them daily. Never physically or verbally punish your dog, as this fosters fear and can lead to reactive behavior.
How do you show your dog you’re the alpha? You can show your dog that you’re in charge without physically punishing them. Establish boundaries, like limiting your dog’s access to certain rooms or furniture, and be calm and confident when you have to correct their behavior. Look your dog in the eye when you give a command and give them praise when they respond well.
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