How Do I Say "I Love You" in Dog Language?

When humans finally discovered that our dogs dream about us, it made our hearts melt, and it also confirmed that our dogs are thinking of their humans. It is effortless to determine that our dogs love us. But is there a way of making them feel that we love them back? According to rover.com, the best way to tell our dogs that we love them is through mimicry. Since dogs rely significantly on our body language and facial expressions, we can better sympathize and bond with them.

How can I make my dog feel that I love him?

Dr. Brian Hare, a professor in Evolutionary Anthropology and an expert in dogs, has created studies that would help strengthen the bond between humans and dogs. He also confirmed that our dogs indeed know how much we love them. Playing, petting, and even staring lovingly at your dog will cause a spike in their oxytocin levels, which makes both of you feel good. Constant interaction will also reinforce your bonding and connection. If you ever wonder why your dog is staring at you for a long time, this is their way of saying "I love you" with their eyes! It wouldn't hurt if you'd also do the same for them. 

What can I do if my dog is depressed?

Dogs also form a great attachment to their owners, and their owner's absence will significantly affect them. Sometimes, dogs experience depression when they miss you, so make sure that they will never be left alone and assure them that you'll come back soon. Since dogs are wired with empathy, they can also sense if their humans are sad or depressed, which explains why your dog clings to you more when you are upset. 

Can I talk to my dog?

Absolutely! Research and MRI technology show that dogs understand human language. If you are talking to your dog with your high-pitched friendly voice, continue doing it as your dog loves it very much! Also, continue saying the good dog words: treat, walk, good, and your dog will surely love you for it. Research show that anxious and high-strung dogs respond positively to you reading to them as it helps them calm down. 

Does eye contact help in communicating with my dog?

As we mentioned earlier, dogs use eye contact to tell you that they love you. We can also reciprocate by giving them loving gazes and reinforcing eye contact. Remember that while a prolonged loving stare is good, staring down on a dog in a forceful manner can be interpreted as aggression.

Can my dog read my facial expression?

Dogs can discern our feelings. We can almost never hide it from them because they are incredibly sensitive to our emotional states. This being said, being intentional in greeting your dog while you are smiling will tell him that you are happy to see him! 

Can I lean towards my dog to show that I love him?

Yes! Have you noticed that sometimes our dogs lean towards us? Leaning is their sign of love and affection, and we can do the same to make them feel that we love them back!

Does my dog like physical contact?

Dogs love to be together with their pack. They love doing things together and cuddling together too. If you can give your dog "cuddle time" each day, that would be great as it would also increase your connection.

Will I get closer to my dog when we go on walks?

Absolutely. Dogs need exercise, and walking them the right way will significantly help to keep them healthy. Your regular walk schedule will strengthen your connection to your dog, which is an excellent thing if you want to build closeness to your pet. 

Is Positive Reinforcement necessary in dog training?

Dogs love to learn. After all, they are brilliant creatures, and it's your role as their fur parent to train them as a way of communication. Whenever you give your dog some treats, praise, or play with them when they did something you wanted them to do, then your dog will see you as a kind pack leader who rewards him with the things he loves most. He'll understand when he makes you happy, and you reward him to make him happy in return.

 

Sources:

https://www.rover.com/blog/show-love-dog-language/

https://people.com/pets/dogs-mentally-understand-how-much-we-love-them-canine-cognition-expert-assures/

https://brianhare.net/

https://www.fetchpetcare.com/blog/5-ways-to-tell-your-dog-you-love-them-in-their-own-language/