5 signs your Dog loves you
 

From loving gazes to simple nearness, these five signs indicate a connection that goes far past a room-and-board relationship

1. Your dog greets you at the door
This doesn’t necessarily mean an all out bonkers greeting. In fact, a super-crazy over-the-top greeting can be a sign of separation anxiety, not an indicator of affection. Your dog approaching you with a wagging tail is enough to indicate your dog is happy to see you.

2. Your dog gazes at you with round, relaxed, “soft” eyes
No doubt about it, our dogs look to us because we make things happen—outings, dinners, play sessions. But a recent study found that our dogs make eye contact with us for more than just social cues. The new study, by Miho Nagasawa of Azabu University in Japan and colleagues, found that dogs making puppy dog eyes at their owner experienced a spike in oxytocin, the “love hormone.” Furthermore, it’s mutual; researchers found that a held gaze between dog and guardian caused an uptick in oxytocin in the person as well, creating a positive feedback loop. This same oxytocin release occurs when a mom gazes at her newborn infant, leading the researchers to conclude that their finding was “a manifestation of attachment behaviour” and that a sustained gaze between a dog and their human shares similar properties to mother–infant relationships.

(Note that in the canine world there is also such thing as a dominant stare, which is definitely not the same as a loving gaze. In fact, it’s an act of aggression, so don’t stare down an unknown dog; maintained eye contact can be perceived as a threat.)

3. Your dog comes to cuddle with you, even when he doesn’t want something
This is a pure and simple sign of affection as it’s devoid of motivation other than the pleasure of your company (as opposed to the pleasure of scarfing down a biscuit from the dog-treat cupboard, not that there’s anything wrong with that!).

4. Your dog wants to be in your vicinity
Maybe your dog is in the same room as you, but is paying you no mind or is snoozing away. But the fact that she’s chosen the dog bed closest to you indicates she wants to be in your company.

5. Your dog brings toys over to where you are and tries to engage you in a play session
Like people, dogs that are depressed, scared or anxious aren’t as inclined to play. Happy dogs, i.e. dogs that love their people, are more likely to race around madly squeaking their squeaky toy (oh joy).

As I sit in front of the computer, three of my six dogs are with me. The other three dogs (great pyrenees) are outside barking and running around. When I come home and open the front door, at times it is hard to get into the house. So much love to greet me!

Three Great Pyrenees ale for an expensive food bill :)

Guys...great list and posts! As I write this my Berner is laying on the floor next to me in the LR watching me type listening to tunes wafting down from upstairs!

They really are man's best friend!

Tim, you might be right about the dog food bill, but for their protection around the property, PRICELESS!

The five point list is so very true.. My three Rotties are always in the same room I'm in. Life would not be as good as it is without them.
Ed

Ivan are you revisiting the idea of a dog again? After they get through the teething and house breaking stage I think you will enjoy having mans best friend around:D

100% :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Never had a dog so far.

I feel for, as much as it is surely a lovely company to have and a super special relationship/bond to build, it is also a major responsibility.

Having moved to a reasonably sized house (from a rather inadequate 100 sq meter flat) maybe it is time to go for one but only if we are able to provide it (him, her) with the care and attention they deserve. Just wanna make sure my kids are up for this and will take up some responsibility, chores, activities with it (he, she) too as the least I want is a neglected or unhappy animal.

I'm thinking either a Boxer or a Viszla :)

Before ruining my li... erm, getting married, I did have a number of cats (Vladimir, Jasmine, Sam, Pilar, Oscar Ramon (yes I named him that!) and HeathCliff) all of which I keep fond memories of. Maybe it is time for a canine friend although I want to do it the right way and get myself, Paola and the kids all involved and on the same page.

Regardless of what children say, promise, or vow, it is the parents who do all the work of taking care of the dog. That's fine .... as long as YOU want a dog.