9 Ultimate Ways To Tell Your Dogs You Love Them In Their Own Language

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Dog owners understand that their pets love them deeply, though the way dogs show affection can differ greatly from human expressions. While people often use hugs as a sign of love, research has shown that many dogs actually feel uncomfortable or stressed when embraced. This discovery has been disheartening for some pet parents who assumed their dogs enjoyed those close squeezes.

However, a dog’s discomfort with hugging doesn’t mean they don’t crave connection. In fact, dogs thrive on affection—they just prefer it in forms that align with their instincts and comfort levels. Belly rubs, tasty treats, gentle petting, and shared playtime are all meaningful ways to show your dog how much you care. These actions not only make them feel safe and appreciated but also strengthen the special bond between you. By tuning into how dogs naturally give and receive affection, we can love them in the way they understand best.

Gaze Deeply Into Their Eyes

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Dr. Brian Hare, a Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Duke University, and author of the New York Times bestselling book The Genius of Dogs, has offered fascinating insight into the emotional world of our canine companions. In a conversation with Anderson Cooper this past spring, he explained that when your dog looks into your eyes, he’s actually “hugging you with his eyes.”

This tender gesture carries deeper meaning than it might seem at first glance. However, it’s important to remember that not all eye contact is welcomed—especially not from unfamiliar dogs or those in high-alert environments, such as a guard dog at a junkyard. In those cases, direct eye contact can be seen as a challenge or threat.

With your own dog, though, a quiet, gentle gaze can be a powerful bonding moment. When you’re both calm and relaxed, try softly speaking to your dog, gently petting him, and holding his gaze. According to Dr. Hare, this interaction can trigger the release of oxytocin in your dog’s brain—the same hormone that helps bond mothers to their babies. These peaceful moments help strengthen the connection between you and your pet, offering a glimpse into just how deeply dogs are capable of feeling love and trust.

Raise Your Eyebrows

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A Japanese study published in the September 2013 volume of Behavioral Processes found that dogs raise their eyebrows – especially the left one – when greeted by their owners. Using a high-speed camera, they scrutinized the dogs’ facial movements when seeing their owners vs. strangers.

When the strangers came along to greet them, the test dogs displayed far less facial activity, most of which was right-sided. The significance is that the right brain controls the left side of the face and is tied to emotion, while the left brain controls the right side of the face and is tied to analytical behaviors.

The more facial activity you display when greeting your dog, the more they know they are loved. If you can raise one eyebrow (sadly, I cannot), then make it to the left one. Your pup will really feel special!

Lean On Them

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Not just figuratively, but press your weight against your dog physically. Not to the point where he feels cornered (or crushed!), but just a little to show you trust him. Our pups do this to display their affection for us, which is often overlooked.

Have you ever had your pooch press up against the backs of your legs while you’re busy in the kitchen? That’s a type of dog hug! Try giving him one right back.

Let Them Sleep With You

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Emory University neuroscientist Gregory Berns is the author of How Dogs Love Us, and he has spent decades studying the canine brain using MRI. According to his research, sleeping with a human is the ultimate display of love and trust our dogs can give because that is when they are most vulnerable.

It also shows that they consider us a member of their pack. If you have a No Dogs in Bed policy, try snuggling up on the sofa or floor for a few minutes daily to show affection.

Rub Their Ears

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A pat on the head might feel natural to show praise, but rubbing your dog’s ears may express more love. When you rub your dog’s ears, their bodies produce endorphins. Endorphins are hormones that cause pleasure for your pup. A gentle ear massage in a circular motion is enough for your dog to know how you feel.

Spend Quality Time Together

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Engaging in fun activities with your dog is a great way to help your bond grow. Going for walks, playing fetch, or working on training are all ways to show your dog you care. These activities bring you and your dog closer together.

When your dog sees you having fun, they’ll feel happy too. In addition to feeling loved, your dog will get the exercise and mental stimulation they need.

Keep Using the “Baby Voice”

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We all do it! As dog parents, it’s hard to resist having conversations in a high-pitched voice with our dogs. It might be embarrassing to admit, but dogs enjoy it. They respond well to the exaggerated emotions in your voice, and it helps them know you’re addressing them.

So, there’s no need to feel crazy if you talk to your dog. Odds are, their love for you grows even stronger when you do. Reading to dogs is another special way to bond with them.

Give Them a Loving Touch

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Not every act of love has to be grand. You can show your dog you love them just by petting them. Touching a dog releases oxytocin, a hormone that makes you feel good. So, if your dog enjoys it, there’s no reason to hold back on the pets and belly rubs.

Adding an extra touch to your dog’s routine, such as a massage, grooming session, or extended petting time, might make your dog feel more loved. Most dogs will happily welcome the extra attention.

Just Be Yourself

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Throughout his extensive research Dr. Berns has found that although it’s sometimes hard for us to tell what our dogs are thinking, they definitely do not have the same problem reading our emotions! If your love is true for your pups, they know it by reading your voice, body language, and actions. So just keep doing what you’re doing, and your dogs will reward you by showing affection in their own special ways.