10 Signs Your Dog LOVES You!
Ever wondered if your furry friend truly loves you? Sure, they wag their tail and get excited when you come home, but what are the real signs that your dog is head-over-paws in love with you?
Here’s a detailed rundown of 10 telltale signs that your dog absolutely adores you.
1. They Follow You Everywhere

Let’s be real—if your dog is your constant shadow, it’s a sure sign of love. Dogs are pack animals, and in the wild, they stick close to their pack leaders for protection and companionship.
When your dog follows you from room to room, it’s not just because they’re curious about what you’re doing. It’s because they see you as their pack leader, their best friend, and, essentially, their whole world.
If you can’t even go to the bathroom without them trailing behind, it’s a strong indicator that your dog’s obsessed with you. This behavior shows that they want to be near you at all times, reinforcing their bond with you.
🐾 Join The Dog Recipe Club! 🐶
Become a Member for Just $2/monthEvery week, receive a printable PDF packed with 10 fresh, dog-approved recipes to keep your pup happy, healthy, and excited for mealtime! 🦴
Join our pack of happy dog parents making tails wag with delicious homemade treats! 🦴
Join The Club Today! 🐾2. They Give You Puppy Eyes
You know that look—those big, soulful eyes staring right into your soul. When your dog gives you the classic puppy eyes, they’re not just being cute.
Scientists have found that when dogs make eye contact with their owners, both you and your dog release oxytocin, the same hormone that helps bond a parent with their baby.

This hormone is often referred to as the “love hormone,” and it plays a crucial role in forming and maintaining social bonds. So, when your dog looks at you with those big, loving eyes, they’re not just trying to get a treat or some extra belly rubs—they’re literally showing their love for you in a deep, chemical way.
Those loving gazes are literally strengthening your bond, making your connection with your dog even stronger.
3. They Lean on You
Ever had your dog casually lean against your leg or side? That’s not just them looking for a comfy spot.
Leaning is a sign of trust and affection. When your dog leans on you, they’re saying, “I feel safe with you.” It’s a gesture of closeness, showing that they’re comfortable and confident by your side. Dogs are naturally cautious creatures, and they wouldn’t let their guard down around just anyone.
So, when your dog leans against you, they’re not only seeking physical comfort—they’re also expressing their emotional attachment to you. This simple action is a clear indication that your dog feels secure and protected when you’re around.
4. They Bring You Their Favorite Toys

When your dog brings you their favorite toy, it’s not just because they want to play (though that’s a big part of it).
Sharing is caring—and for dogs, bringing you a toy is a sign that they’re sharing something they love with someone they love. It’s their way of saying, “You’re my favorite human, and I want you to have this.”
In the wild, dogs often bring back food to share with their pack, and this behavior translates into domestic life as bringing you their toys. It’s a way of including you in their playtime and showing that they trust you with their prized possessions.
This gesture is a sure sign that your dog sees you as an important and trusted member of their inner circle.
5. They Sleep Next to You
Dogs are vulnerable when they sleep, so if they choose to sleep near you—or better yet, right next to you—it’s a huge sign of trust.

Dogs instinctively want to be near those they trust when they’re at their most vulnerable, so if your pup is snuggled up by your side, it’s because they feel safe and secure with you. In the wild, dogs sleep close to their pack to protect each other and stay warm.
By sleeping next to you, your dog is treating you like part of their pack, which is a massive sign of love and trust. They feel confident that you’ll protect them while they rest, and that’s a big deal in the dog world.
6. They Get Excited When You Come Home
Does your dog act like they haven’t seen you in years when you come home, even if you’ve only been gone for five minutes? That over-the-top excitement is a clear sign of love.
Dogs don’t hide their emotions, and when they see you walk through the door, their joy is undeniable. Tail wagging, jumping, maybe even some happy barking—these are all signs that your dog is absolutely thrilled to see you.
This excitement isn’t just about being let out to pee or finally getting dinner; it’s a genuine expression of their affection for you. They’ve missed you, and seeing you again is the highlight of their day.
This kind of enthusiastic welcome is one of the purest ways your dog can show you just how much they love and appreciate you.

7. They Nuzzle or Nudge You
If your dog often nuzzles or nudges you with their nose, it’s a sign of affection. Nuzzling is a gentle, affectionate gesture that dogs use to show their love. It’s their way of saying, “I’m here, and I care about you.”
Dogs use their noses to explore the world, and when they nuzzle you, they’re sharing their exploration with you. This behavior can also be a sign of bonding, as it’s something dogs do with each other in a pack to reinforce social connections.
So, if your dog nudges you with their nose, take it as a sweet sign that they love having you around and want to be close to you.
8. They Lick You
Dog licks can sometimes be a bit slobbery, but they’re actually a sign of love and affection. Licking is a natural behavior for dogs, often used to show submission and care.
When your dog licks you, it’s their way of saying, “I love you, and I trust you.” In the wild, dogs lick each other to groom, show affection, and even to heal wounds. When your dog licks you, they’re expressing those same instincts of care and closeness.
While it might be a little messy, it’s definitely a sign that your dog feels a deep bond with you.

9. They Cuddle with You
Cuddling is one of the clearest signs that your dog loves you. Dogs cuddle to feel close to those they care about, both for warmth and for emotional connection.
When your dog chooses to cuddle with you, they’re seeking comfort and closeness. This behavior is rooted in the way puppies cuddle with their mother and littermates for warmth and security.
By cuddling with you, your dog is showing that they see you as a source of safety and love. It’s their way of saying, “You make me feel safe and loved, and I want to be close to you.”
10. They Protect You
If your dog is protective of you, it’s a major sign of love. Dogs naturally protect those they care about, and if your dog is quick to bark at strangers or stands between you and what they perceive as a threat, it’s because they’re looking out for you.
This protective behavior shows that your dog sees you as part of their pack and feels a responsibility to keep you safe.
While it’s important to ensure this behavior doesn’t become excessive, a dog that is protective of you is showing just how much they value and love you.
If you’ve noticed these behaviors in your dog, there’s no doubt they’re head-over-heels in love with you.

Final Thoughts
Dogs may not speak our language, but they have their own special ways of showing how much they care. So, the next time your dog follows you around the house or gives you those puppy eyes, know that it’s their way of saying, “I love you.”

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉