You’ve probably witnessed your dog doing some pretty weird stuff – from raiding your dirty laundry to staring at you like you hung the moon. What you might not realize is that many of these seemingly odd behaviors are actually your furry friend’s way of saying “I love you.” Let me walk you through twelve strange things dogs do that are basically love letters written in doggy language.
They Steal Your Stinkiest Socks and Clothes
If your dog raids your dirty laundry for your smelliest clothes, dirtiest shoes, and stinkiest socks, it’s a sign of love. It shows that they missed you while you were away and can’t get enough of your unique smell. Think about it – to your dog, your scent is like the most comforting perfume in the world. Dogs gather so much information via scent, and to have the scent of their favourite human next to them when they’re alone is very comforting. While this can be particularly frustrating if they are taking your clothing from your laundry basket, this is a sign that they want to feel closer to you and are looking to keep your scent close. So the next time you find your favorite shirt missing, remember that your pup basically wants to cuddle with “you” even when you’re not there. It’s like their security blanket, except it smells like your morning jog.
They Stare at You with Intense, Lovesick Eyes
Another sign your dogs love you is if you catch them staring at you from across the room. Eye contact can be very intimate and create a deeper bond. “Just like humans gaze into each other’s eyes to show love and affection, so does your dog,” says Gary Richter, DVM, a veterinary health expert on Rover’s Dog People Panel. Best of all, dogs stare as an expression of affection. In fact, when dogs and people look into each other’s eyes, oxytocin—also known as the love hormone—is released in their brains. This hormone plays a role in bonding and triggers feelings of love. Your dog isn’t being creepy – they’re literally getting high off love! That intense gaze is them basking in your presence like you’re their personal sun.
They Give You Those Manipulative Puppy Dog Eyes
According to a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, dogs have evolved a special eye muscle to better communicate with humans. They are able to move their eyebrows and make that sad, sweet puppy dog face that tugs at our heartstrings. Those puppy dog eyes are for real. A Proceeding by the National Academy of Sciences study shows years of domestication have taught dogs to use their eyebrow muscles to communicate with humans. So, when they make those sad puppy dog faces, they are trying to pull at your heartstrings. This isn’t manipulation in a bad way – it’s love-driven communication! They’ve literally evolved to make you melt, which shows how deeply they want to connect with us humans.
They Follow You Around Like a Furry Shadow
“Follow you around like a puppy dog” isn’t just a saying; it’s a sign that your dog loves you. Dogs are pack animals, and you’re a favorite pack member. Knowing they feel safest by your side is nice. A canine who loves you will want to be with you 24/7, which is often referred to as “velcro dog syndrome.” This means following you from room to room. Sure, it might feel like you have a four-legged stalker, but this behavior comes from pure devotion. You’re basically their favorite person in the entire world, and they can’t bear the thought of missing out on a single moment with you. Think of it as having your own personal bodyguard who’s also your biggest fan.
They Lean Their Full Body Weight Against You
When your dog comes up to you and leans their full weight against your legs, they’re showing you they trust and love you implicitly. For many dogs, the lean is akin to hugging. When dogs lean their full weight against you, it signifies complete trust. This means your dog sees you as a protector. Your dog may do this for comfort, but when they lean against you, it is the equivalent of a full-body hug. It’s their way of saying, “You’re my safe place.” The fact that they’re willing to make themselves vulnerable by literally putting all their weight on you shows incredible trust and affection. Plus, who doesn’t love a good dog hug?
They Bring You Their Most Treasured Possessions
Toys are valuable to many dogs. If a dog brings you their toy and shares it with you, consider yourself lucky. They aren’t just inviting you to play. Presenting you with their prized possessions is a major sign of affection. They could be bringing you gifts since they see you as the head of the household. If the toy is broken, they may see you as an intelligent who can fix it for them, a sign that they trust you with this important task. When your dog drops their slobbery tennis ball in your lap, they’re essentially giving you their crown jewels. It’s like when a little kid shows you their favorite rock collection – it means you’re special enough to share what matters most to them.
They Sleep Right Next to You (Or On You)
Where a dog chooses to sleep gives owners a clear indication of how their furry friends feel about them. Because dogs are most vulnerable when sleeping, if they decide to be near you, it means they feel safe and comfortable. They might choose to snuggle on your lap or be within your reach. Both are signs of their love and trust. Sleep is when we’re all at our most defenseless, so the fact that your dog chooses to crash next to you speaks volumes. They’re saying, “I trust you with my life.” Plus, you’re like their personal heated blanket and security system all rolled into one. No wonder they want prime real estate next to you!
They Go Absolutely Bonkers When You Come Home
How great is it to come home and find your pup excitedly waiting to welcome you? Your dog isn’t only excited because they know you are ready to feed them or take them for a walk. They are genuinely happy to see their good friend. A lot of times you can just feel that your dog is excited to be around you. Whether it’s through tail wags or body wiggles, or just a general sense of enthusiasm, a dog who loves their human won’t hesitate to show it. That enthusiastic welcome isn’t just about routine – it’s pure joy at your return. They’ve basically been counting the minutes until you walked through that door, and their excitement shows just how much they missed you.
They Lick You with Passionate Intensity
Dogs love to lick. When a dog licks you, they’re giving you kisses. Kissing is a universal sign of affection, even among dogs! There are a few reasons why dogs lick their human companions, but one of the most heartwarming is that it’s a natural continuation of their puppyhood experience. Puppies lick to maintain relationships with their mother and littermates, and your dog does the same now with you because you’re their family. Those wet, slobbery kisses might not always be welcome, but they’re coming from a place of pure love. Your dog is literally treating you like family – the most important family member, in fact. It’s their way of grooming you and showing affection, even if it leaves you a little damp.
They Flash You Their Doggy Smile
If you have ever seen your companion flash their teeth at you, that’s a smile. Most people don’t notice it, but it is a way of expressing affection. You may see what looks like a smile creep across your dog’s face and wonder, “Is that a smile?” Yes, it truly is. Just like a human, a dog will smile to show they are content. It also expresses affection. That goofy grin isn’t your imagination – your dog is actually smiling at you! It’s their way of showing they’re happy and content in your presence. When your dog flashes those pearly whites your way, they’re basically saying “You make me smile.” How sweet is that?
They Get Jealous When You Pay Attention to Others
Your dog may get mad when other pets or people are in the home. They may bark or jump around for attention, or they may even become aggressive toward other animals or people. This type of behavior is not condoned, but it is your dog’s way of telling you they love you. While jealousy isn’t the most attractive trait, it does show how much your dog values their relationship with you. They’re essentially saying, “Hey, I’m your number one fan here!” It’s like having a possessive best friend who doesn’t want to share you with anyone else. Of course, you’ll want to work on this behavior, but it does come from a place of deep attachment.
They Mirror Your Emotions and Yawn When You Do
Many studies have been done to explain and understand yawning in dogs and humans. Often, when we yawn, others yawn around us, and so do our dogs. This could mean they are just showing their connection and empathy towards us. Their love maybe. Dogs may not understand every word you say, but they become attuned to your tone of voice and body language. That’s why they make such fantastic service animals. They lend a therapeutic ear that offers comfort in troubling times. When your dog yawns after you do, they’re not just copying you – they’re showing empathy and connection. They’re so tuned into you emotionally that they mirror your actions and moods. It’s like having a furry emotional support system that’s always in sync with how you’re feeling.
Your dog’s weird behaviors aren’t random quirks – they’re love letters written in a language that’s uniquely theirs. From sock theft to slobbery kisses, these strange habits are their way of saying “You’re my person, and I adore you.” A study by Canine Cottages revealed that a dog’s heart rate will increase by about 46.2 percent when they hear those three magic words. The next time your dog does something that makes you scratch your head, remember that it might just be their way of showing how much they care. After all, love makes us all do a little crazy sometimes – even our four-legged family members. What strange thing does your dog do that you now realize is actually a declaration of love?
Linnea is a born and bred Swede but spends as much time as possible in Cape Town, South Africa. This is mainly due to Cape Town’s extraordinary scenery, wildlife, and atmosphere (in other words, because Cape Town is heaven on earth.) That being said, Sweden’s majestic forests forever hold a special place in her heart. Linnea spends as much time as she can close to the ocean collecting sea shells or in the park admiring puppies.
