We love our dogs as if they are members of our families and we show them we love them in so many ways. But how do our dogs tell us they love us too? Here are 5 signs your dog loves you:

They are pleased to see you when you come home
Dogs that have a great deal affection for you will be absolutely delighted when you come back even if they knew all along that you would. When you walk in the front door and you are eagerly greeted by your dog, tail wagging with a toy in his mouth this is love in its truest form. Your dog is displaying his excitement to see you in any way he can. If your dog ignores you, then something is wrong.

She Really Looks at You
Dogs don’t hug with their arms – they hug with their eyes. Staring into your dog’s eyes can raise levels of the love hormone, oxytocin, which is the same hormone that helps new mothers bond with their babies. A dog’s stare is a big sign of true affection for you. Speak softly, stroke them gently whilst maintaining eye contact. In the canine world there is also such thing as a dominant stare, which is definitely not the same as a loving gaze, so don’t stare down an unknown dog as maintained eye contact can be perceived as a threat.

Yawning with you
A happy dog will have a loose mouth rather than a tight mouth, and a loose tongue making them look happy and smiley. It’s a type of mirroring behaviour that shows your dog feels emotionally close to you. Yawning is a perfect example of mirroring, Yawning indicates empathy in us, because humans are empathetic, they sense the yawn in their peer. Dogs are more likely to yawn when their owners yawn, as opposed to a stranger. Why not test it out at home. Don’t be discouraged if your dog doesn’t yawn back immediately, he may not recognise the yawn, and instead wonder why you’re showing him your grin.

Let Them Sleep With You
According to research, sleeping with a human is the ultimate display of love and trust our dogs can give because that is when they are at their most vulnerable. Whether your dog sleeps with you at night or just naps while you sit on the couch during the day, this is a sign that you’re connected on a social level and It also shows that they consider us a member of their pack. If you have a No Dogs in Bed policy, try snuggling up on the sofa or the floor for a few minutes each day to show your affection.

Lean on Them
Sometimes a dog will lean on a human because he is anxious, wants you to do something, or take him somewhere. But leaning is also a symbol of affection that is often overlooked. Even if your dog is leaning on you out of pure nervousness, he is still doing it because he thinks of you as someone who can protect him and keep him safe. Have you ever had your dog press up against the backs of your legs while you’re busy in the kitchen? That’s a type of dog hug! Try giving him one right back.