12 Ways You Can Tell Your Dog Loves You

Dogs have a reputation as "man's best friend" for a reason. There's really nothing better than having one of these four-legged friends by your side or running as fast as they can to chase after a ball you just threw. It's pretty much impossible to keep the smile off your face when you have a pup around, but even though we know how much <em>we</em> love our furry friends, many of us wonder if our dogs actually love us just as much.

We've seen lots of evidence of how much dogs just adore their humans. Not all dogs show their affection in such human-like ways.

Even though most of us are pretty sure that our dogs like us, there are some things that they do that prove that they really love us. If you find your dog doing any of these things when they're around you, rest assured that they think you're the most amazing person in the world.

If you find yourself tripping over your dog whenever you get up from working, watching TV, or sleeping, it's not because your pup is trying to send you to the hospital. A dog who constantly stays by your side is one who is loyal and just loves the idea of being near you no matter what you're doing.

It's not good to have your dog attack strangers, obviously, but if you find your pup barking at your window or gate when people walk by, it means that they're hoping to protect their home and their human. The behavior can be controlled with training, but you should take a bit of comfort in knowing that your pooch is willing to protect you if anyone invades your home.

For your dog, you are their pack leader, so when you come home and they get all wound up, it's a sign that they're happy to have you back by their side… especially when you arrive with a big box of biscuits just for them.

Just as dogs love playing with each other, they'll love playing with you if they see you as their best buddy. Whether it's frisbee, fetch, or a bit of friendly roughhousing, you can be sure that your pup adores you if she chooses you as her playmate.

Not all dogs are big cuddlers by nature, but if they at least tolerate you when you start to snuggle with them, it's a good sign that they're happy just to be around you. If you do have a furry cuddlebug in your home, don't be surprised if they try to get as close to you as possible. It just means that they can't get enough of you!

When a dog wags their tail, it doesn't always mean they're happy. It can also mean that they're uncomfortable or about to become aggressive. But if they're wagging their tail loosely and showing other signs that they're comfortable and happy it means that they're happy to see their favorite human.

Sometimes you'll find your pup licking you because you have some leftover spaghetti sauce on your chin, but much of the time, they do it as a way to show affection. Dogs also lick to clean each other, so if they're doing it to you, it could also mean that they consider you a part of the family who needs a bath.

It's not exactly desirable behavior when a dog jumps on you, and most people work with their pups to train them to express their excitement in other ways. But if your dog tries to jump on you, you can at least take some comfort in the fact that your dog is so riled up to see you that he can't hold himself back.

For many animals, including dogs and cats, rolling on their backs and showing their bellies is a sign of trust or surrender. The belly is a very vulnerable area for animals, so if your dog is willing to expose theirs to you, it means that they trust you not to hurt them and love you enough to ask for tummy rubs.

When a dog is scared, they'll often try to protect their fellow "pack members" or find safety next to the ones they believe can protect them. If you find your dog by your side when they're nervous, it means they're either hoping to protect you or trust you to protect them.

When a dog chooses you as their pack leader, they'll follow you no matter where you go. If you feel like you can't go anywhere in your house without your loyal pooch staying by your side, try not to get annoyed — it just means they want to spend every waking moment with you.

The love of a dog is one of the most powerful things in the world. If you adore your pup, you can rest assured that your feelings are returned tenfold. There are many different kinds of love you'll feel in your life, but the love you'll get from your four-legged friend is unmistakable and one of the greatest treasures on Earth.

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