Does my dog like me

Signs my dog loves me

Wags aren’t just for tails

The single best indicator of a happy dog is the absence of tension. The full-body wag, or “kidney bean” is a sign your dog is truly happy to see you! Loose tails wagging is also a good indicator. A “helicopter tail” when it makes a full circle is the best!

A dog’s face can also be loose or soft. Almond shaped eyes, with slightly droopy eyelids (the opposite of round, hard eyes). A relaxed mouth. And of course, soft ears that aren’t pinned back or pricked forward.

Your dog loves if they…

• Lean on you: If your dog comes up and leans their full weight against your leg while you are standing or sitting, this is a canine hug. It is a passive way of saying, "I trust you to hold me up."

• Check-in with you: When you are off-leash or at the park, does your dog occasionally look back at you or run back to you before taking off again? That is a sign of a strong bond. They are mentally tethered to you.

• Follow you from room to room: They don't necessarily need to be on you (like an anxious dog), but they choose to be in the same room. If you move to the kitchen, they eventually settle in the kitchen. They simply want to be in your orbit.

Signs my dog trusts me

Just like humans, dogs use vulnerability as the ultimate sign of trust. In the wild, sleeping deeply is dangerous. If a dog sleeps near you, deeply, that's a good sign. Especially if they're lseeping on their back. That says "I feel 100% safe in this environment."

Is my dog happy? Does my dog like me?

How can you tell? There are signs! Here are a few (use Talkies to learn the rest, and more about how your dog is feeling).

A dog's deep sigh

We love hearing our dogs give a big sigh! Again, it's often misunderstood by humans, but it's a good sign! It's a sign of contentment and satisfaction. As well as relaxation. You will often hear this when a dog settles down for a nap. It's a long, audible exhale through the nose. In a resting context, this means, "I am content and I am switching off now."

Signs my dog wants to play

• The Play Bow: Elbows down, bottom up. This is the universal signal for "Everything I do after this is just for fun." It invites you into their game.
• The "Sneeze": During rough play, dogs will often give a deliberate, fake sneeze. This is a communication signal that says, "I know I'm growling and wrestling, but I'm just playing!" It's a way to ensure the game doesn't turn into a fight.

Does your dog gaze lovingly at you? 

Science tells us that when a dog stares into the eyes of their owner, both the dog and the human release oxytocin---the "love hormone" involved in bonding mothers to infants.

If your dog comes over to you when you are quiet, rests their head on your knee, and gazes softly into your eyes, they are chemically hugging you. That is not begging for food; that is love.

My dog follows me around

If your dog follows you from room to room, and likes to settle near you (and particularly snooze near you), then that dog sees you as family as much as you see them as family. Your dog likes to be near you, and that's always a good sign. Whether it's them checking in with you on walks or just being your shadow (will I ever have a wee in peace?!), being near you is a good thing for them, and that's a good thing for you too. You're doing a great job!