Dogs have plenty of ways of showing you that they love you.Dogs have plenty of ways of showing you that they love you.
Dogs have plenty of ways of showing you that they love you.

Dog Love Signs? These are 12 telltale signs that your adorable dog loves you back - from licking to yawning

By David Hepburn

Writer-at-large

Published 20th Sep 2022, 10:31 GMT
Updated 20th Sep 2024, 14:54 GMT
With demand for pups continuing to rocket, there are many new owners that may not be aware of all the complexities of canine behaviour – particularly when it comes to affection.

If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels in recent years.

Around one-in-three UK households now contain at least one four-legged friend of the canine kind.

There are 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.

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No matter what type of dog you choose to welcome into your home though, you'll be hoping to form a loving and strong bond with your pup.

And, while pooches can’t say ‘I love you’ out loud, they have numerous types of behaviour to let you know.

Here are 12 things your dog does that means they love you as much as you love them.

For all the latest dog news, pictures, advice and information, join our Scotsdog Facebook group here

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Another less obvious sign of doggy affection is yawning. If they yawn regularly when you're around it's not because they are bored - it's because they feel completely safe and comfortable in your company.

1. Yawning

Another less obvious sign of doggy affection is yawning. If they yawn regularly when you're around it's not because they are bored - it's because they feel completely safe and comfortable in your company. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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Another obvious sign of love is that tail wagging so hard it's a blur. It's a sign that they are happy - often because they are with their favourite person in the world.

2. Wagging tail

Another obvious sign of love is that tail wagging so hard it's a blur. It's a sign that they are happy - often because they are with their favourite person in the world. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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Like humans, you can tell alot about a dog by the way they make eye contact. If your dog regularly looks directly into your eyes it means that they feel you have a particularly close and loving bond.

3. Direct eye contact

Like humans, you can tell alot about a dog by the way they make eye contact. If your dog regularly looks directly into your eyes it means that they feel you have a particularly close and loving bond. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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There's no better welcome home than from your four-legged friend, and while the out-of-control display of affection that includes plenty of other behaviours on this list can seem over the top , it's a sure-fire way to know you're loved. This is particularly the case if you've just popped out for five minutes but are greeted like a hero returning from war.

4. Being excited to see you

There's no better welcome home than from your four-legged friend, and while the out-of-control display of affection that includes plenty of other behaviours on this list can seem over the top , it's a sure-fire way to know you're loved. This is particularly the case if you've just popped out for five minutes but are greeted like a hero returning from war. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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