10 scientific ways to know your dog loves you so much
Dog cognitive science has come a long way over the past two decades. Wagging tails, persuasive looks and the shape of ears yield all kinds of information about a dog’s intentions and emotional state.
The way dogs develop human-like behavior has been the subject of many scientific studies.
Research has shown that dogs have the same brain structures that produce emotions in humans, and there are several ways in which dogs demonstrate their love and affection.
So let’s look at 10 proven ways that dogs show their love.
#1. Your dog yawns with you
if a dog yawns when you do - it’s actually a form of social bonding.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have shown that, just like humans, dogs yawn contagiously, but they're more sensitive to the yawns of their owners than those who they don't know.
Since contagious yawning in humans is linked to empathy, some scientists believe this might be the case with canines too.
#2. Your dog gazes into your eyes when you look at them
Dogs can’t talk with humans in a verbal fashion so they use many non-verbal ways of communicating.
One of the ways in which dogs show their love is gazing directly into your eyes.
According to a research published in the journal of Science, dogs develop strong emotional bonds with humans by staring into our eyes.
This non-verbal way of communication increases level of social hormone called oxytocin in both dogs and their owners.
#3. Your dog raises their eyebrows
When dogs stick out their tongue at the same time as they raise their eyebrows, they are trying hard to mimic your facial expressions in the best way they can.
They won’t do this with other dogs. But they will with you.
According to a research published in Scientific Reports journal, dogs produce significantly more facial movements when humans are paying attention to them than when they are being ignored.
#4. Your dog cuddles up with you after you feed it
This is the surest way to know your dog loves you.
Even though you feed them every day, your dog doesn’t just see you as a feeding machine. They want to cuddle with you after they eat because they want to show you that they love you for more than just their daily meal.
Cuddling also releases endorphins that make them feel better.
So, does your dog want to play alone, or cuddle up with you, after eating?
#5. Your dog brings you its favorite toy
Dogs are possessive about their bones, toys and other chews. So when your dog jumps in your lap and brings you their chewed-up and worn-out favorite toy or bone, be glad!
Because they are displaying two types of behavior that are rooted in their love for you.
First, they are giving you an offering. Second, they believe that you will keep their most prized possession safe
#6. Your dog lets you touch its head
Many dogs don’t like being petted on the top of their head because they perceive it as a threat.
Especially if you are towering over them as a human, they do not like being patted on the top of their skull.
It is much better to get down on their level and scratch them under the chin or at the base of their tail.
So if your dog lets you touch the top of their head, you are their special one.
#7. Your dog gets into your laundry and carries your socks around in its mouth
If your dog sleeps on your clothes, it means it loves you. Your clothing has your scent on it and dogs always want to feel closer to you.
#8. Your dog wags its tail
Your dog will wag its tail to communicate with you.
But it doesn’t always mean it is happy. While wagging its tail in the natural position may be a friendly greeting, be aware of other positions.
If a dog gets nervous, it will wag its tail in a lower position. And if a dog wags its tail held high, it is curious or aroused by something. A slow or stiff tail means that it is about to get aggressive.
your dog is definitely trying to tell you something when it is wagging its tail.
The position of the tail varies by breed.
The best thing is to do in this case is research the breed of dog you have. Then you will know much more about why they are wagging their tail. And what it means.
#9. Your dog goes crazy when you get home late
Studies have shown that dogs’ reunion with their beloved owner has a significantly positive effect on them, increasing the level of social hormone oxytocin, and lowering the level of stress hormone cortisol.
They are also probably wagging their tail in the upright position - as they are overexcited and curious as to what new treats you are bringing home to them.
And they will reassure you that they love you too. Probably by licking your face.
#10. Your dog follows you around even when you don’t need them to your dog will follow you around even when you want to be alone.
If you have ever given your dog treats, they may follow you around thinking there are always treats on you.
It’s called imprinting.