3 Ways To Tell If Your Dog Really Loves You

Anyone who has a pet knows how strong the bond between the two of you can be. For dog owners like me, coming home to our furry buddies is the highlight of our day. My heart soars every time my puppy gets so excited he can’t contain himself. He ends up sprinting all over the house with a major case of the zoomies. If your dog does the same, it might be their way of telling you they love you — and it’s not the only sign!

Dogs have been called “man’s best friend” for centuries. The term originated in 1870 when a lawyer defended a man who loved his coon hound named Old Drum more than anything. The lawyer argued that when a neighbor shot the man’s dog for trespassing, he killed more than just a pet. He killed an important family member.

Many of us feel that way about our pets — they’re integral parts of our families. But since they can’t communicate verbally, some dog owners might wonder if their dog really loves them or is happy with them. According to a viral TikTok, there are three signs to look for if you wonder whether your dog loves you.

1. They give you affection without food.

It’s easy to see why your dog might give you more affection when they want a treat or food. But if they still give you love after they’ve eaten, that’s a sign they adore you! “If your dog goes straight to you after eating, they’re displaying obvious signs that they love you,” says the video’s narrator. “They aren’t motivated by food or treats and are simply showing affection because they enjoy being close to you.”

2. They get excited when you come home.

Like I said above, coming home to my excited pup always makes my day. And it’s also a sign he loves me! The video’s narrator says that a “happy, noisy, tail-wagging greeting is one of the surest signs that you and your dog are connected.” This one feels a little obvious, since we can see how happy our pups get by our arrival. But it’s interesting to know that it also means our connection is strong. If they’re that happy to see you, you’re probably giving them all the love and care they need.

3. They sleep next to you.

I don’t often let my dog sleep with me at night, but it always warms my heart when all he wants to do is cuddle up and snooze with me. That’s another sign dogs love their owner. “It means they trust you like no one else,” the video says. And researchers have found that dog parents tend to sleep better at night when their pup is with them. The study also found it decreased stress and improved overall sleep hygiene. Looks like I should start letting him sleep next to me more often!

So while dogs might not be able to say “I love you” back, there are plenty of other ways they show you they mean it — and I couldn’t be happier about it.