14 Ways to Tell Your Dog 'I Love You' so They Can Understand

Reciprocating a dog’s unconditional love is not about comfy beds, treats, and fancy collars.
In this video, we will show you 14 ways to tell your dog you love them in their own language.

Surprise them with their favorite food.
Dogs own a remarkable appetite, and something homemade will be an extra-special treat for them.
Take the time to prepare some exquisite homemade food for your canine as a nice surprise.
Feeding and love go together hand-in-hand when it comes to showing your dog you love them.
Lean on them
Did you know that a dog will lean their body weight against you as a sign of love and trust?
The best way to tell your dog you love them is to lean into them - and let them lean on you.
Even though it’s tempting, full-body hugs aren’t good for dogs.
Take time to cuddle
Dogs are pack animals, and close contact makes them feel safe and secure. Allowing your pup to sleep with you demonstrates to them that you are part of their pack.
Talk to your dog using your dog voice
It might sound silly at first, but talking with your dog is a great way to express your love.
Studies using MRI technology have shown that dogs do possess a cursory understanding of human language. Your dog may not understand exactly what you’re saying but they will pick up on your tone and affection.
And that high-pitched voice you use to talk to your dog? Dogs actually love it.
Put down your phone
Your dog needs some face-to-face interaction with you when you come home. A great way to tell your dog you love them is to give them your full attention when you walk in the door.
Respect your dog’s nature.
Many dog owners confuse caring for their dogs with treating them like babies.
Many dog owners discourage their dogs from certain inherent behaviors such as eating dirt, sniffing urine and sniffing each other from behind. In these situations, we are not caring for our furry friends, but preventing them from expressing their own nature. This can cause anxiety and confusion.
It is important that you love your dog for who they are.
Rub their ears
Dog experts say that the ears of a dog are one of three nerve centers in their bodies. Gently scratching the spot that is right behind a dog’s ears triggers impulses throughout their entire body thus releasing endorphin hormones. This is extremely relaxing.
And when you pet your dog, it’s important that they know that they have your full attention. A few absentminded head rubs are nice, but they’re not going to mean nearly as much as when you’re really invested in petting your pooch.
Learn What Your Dog Is Saying
Your canine companion can express a lot through their body language if you know what to look for. By understanding how dogs communicate, you can help prevent stress and make them feel at ease. This will build your loving relationship and increase their trust for you. Dogs can’t tell us how they are feeling, so it is up to us to watch and protect them.
Loving gazes
One way to show your dog you love them is through eye contact.
Studies have shown that making eye contact while cuddling with your dog releases a hormone in them known as oxytocin.
So the next time you and your dog are snuggling – look them right in the eye. They will bond with you like you never thought possible.
Dedicate quality time for them
We all have things that keep us distracted or busy throughout the day. But dog parenting is more than just picking up a dog, feeding them, and taking them for granted. You are everything to your dog, so take some time every now and then to show them that they matter.
Dogs are pack animals that crave companionship. Although they get excited to see you come home from a long day at work, being out all day or not giving much attention to them will not create that special bond between you.
Raise your eyebrows when you see your dog.
Scientific studies have shown that dogs can differentiate between human emotions from facial expressions. Letting your furry friend know you love them is as easy as acting normal and letting those emotions shine through. So greeting your dog at the door with raised eyebrows and a relaxed smile shows your canine how happy you are to see them.
Take Your Dog on Vacation
Instead of leaving your dog at a pet sitter’s home, plan a dog-friendly vacation. There are many hotels that are pet friendly. If you have a small dog, air travel is easier. For larger dogs, you can consider a road trip. Maybe rent an RV and head for the coast.
Hang out together
Canines have been our companions for centuries. They love hanging out with us around the house and even running errands with us. If you really want your furry friend to feel like a part of the family, let them hang out with you as much as possible.

[randysnewbiebluesrockguita]

I'm unlucky to be a disabled person, but I am more than lucky to have a loving service dog who I love more than anything else. We are together 24/7 365 and I couldn't make it without him. His name is "Farley" the Scotts American bulldog and he is my world. I try to take the best possible care of him that I can and I love doing it even if it costs me almost everything I make in a month but he deserves it because he is the most loyal being on Earth and I know that he loves me and he knows I love him. He sleeps with me and eats with me and we go on walks all over the place. He watches my eyes to warn me if I am going to have a seizure and I play guitar and that is something he doesn't like because it's hard for him to see my eye's but he makes sure I look at him every few minutes by nudging my leg and looking at me. He sleeps right next to me so he can feel my heart beat and if I move he always schootches right up to me. LOL he is the Love of my life.

[joepverweij]

Having a dog is one of the best things in this world

[Toastification]

The more people I meet, the more I love my dogs. (3!). Watching them play, and playing with them is the best medicine... ever

[esieffer]

When my dog was sick a few years ago, I never left her side. She meant so much to me. We always looked deeply into each others eyes and I do that now. I ache at the very thought of losing them, they bring us such joy.

[johnnycorn]

I swear my lab Max has pulled me out of the deepest darkest depression of my life like everybody said he would. Best decision of my life love him

[roddychristodoulou]

You will never ever experience true love until you have owned a dog .

[leolovell]

My sweet little puppy has taught me more about love than any human being.

[stefanieb]

I just took my 4 year old Australian Shepherd on a 10 day road trip to Tennessee hiking last week. He loved spending so much time with me as I did with him. I take him everywhere I go except work and then he goes to daycare a couple times a week. I run him every morning. He is the only family I have except a niece so without him I do not know what I would do. He is also the best snugger ever. He snuggles like a human ! 🐶♥️

[kc]

So much sadness and depression could be reversed if people would open their home and heart to the Unconditional Love of a dog. They have mastered it.

[TOHL]

I wrestle with them, the whole nine yards! Pins, leg sweeps, body grabs, pushes (relative to size of course), then of course finish with belly rubs, scratches, and of course cuddles. It's a great balance!

[benjamintaylor]

A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart, and he will give you his.

[amandavanheerden]

I loved my magical, beautiful dog for 17 years. Not a day went by that I did not tell her I love her. And I did - more than anyone on this earth. She knew that, loved me back and protected me. Without her my life is empty now. The house is like a mausoleum. The pain of losing her was unbearable. I'll never love anyone like that again. It's a bond that goes beyond death. Dogs are magical, sensitive beings. I cannot bear it when people abuse, neglect, abandon or ignore them. I now simply try to help where I can - feeding or getting dogs that suffer into care. If we can help an animal in distress, we should. Sometimes you may be their only hope.

[Hanumansapprentice]

Just the best friend you will ever have. You can learn a lot by hanging out with your dog.

[ElephantPatronus]

I totally agree with traveling with your dog! Our family of 6 took a cross country road trip with our 2 dogs last summer, coast to coast and back. We have pics with them at all the major National parks (Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Sequoia, Yellowstone). Memories that will last a lifetime. Our male is almost 13, so I know we will cherish these memories after he has left us. Our time with them is so precious. ❤️

[johnpelliccia]

I had a beautiful Australian Shepherd, Guinness, for 15 years before he passed. I was devastated. The best breed I have ever experienced in my life! They are extremely intelligent and understand more than they get credit for. They do need a job to keep them satisfied and for Guinness, he would recycle paper and plastic in bins. He knew how to separate them. It's in my tribute video of him. He loved to cuddle and sleep up against me. He could also say, I love you". They love hiking or long walks. It's been one year today that I lost him and it still hurts.

[laudetango]

I have 2 dogs. For one of them (the boy), toys are definitely a sign of love to him. He tends to get a new one every 6-8 weeks and he loves them. Every time I come home from grocery shopping, he sniffs all the bags in search of new toys. 🥰

[samkangal]

One thing's for sure, dog owners always have love and company .
I couldn't imagine a life without a dog .

[juttajanssenluckas]

I take my dog everywhere it's allowed, even across the Atlantic. She loves it, so do i.

[JustinSmith-ihme]

I rescued my dog from a couple training him to fight, I had heard about the horrible things he had been put through and when I was able to offer them money for him I quickly gave them the money and I have raised him the way he deserves to be raised/treated and isnt aggressive at all. Hes definitely my best friend, always with me at home or if im running errands he's always ready to go for a car ride and I know he loves me as much as i love him. I know he'd do anything to protect me and I'd do the same for him. I don't know what I'd do without my dog, hes definitely helped me through some tough times. Dogs are amazing animals and companions.

[Lamby]

My dog is the only thing that makes me smile in this shit world