We all love our dogs but there is often one question that plagues us: does my dog know I love him?

This guide is split into two sections to help you understand your dog’s needs and the best approach for affection.

The first looks at how to show your dog love through different measures. This include physical affection, talking to them, giving them food and other treat and providing the very best one-on-one time.

Then we will look at some of the issues of doggy behaviour to help you express love in a truly beneficial manner.

How to Love Your Dog With Five Simple Approaches

Physical Affection:

The most instinctive thing to do to show love is to offer physical affection by stroking their fur, giving them tummy rubs and patting them in all the right places.

[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=””] Affection through chin scratching and ear rubs feels particularly good. Your pups ears are particularly sensitive and the right stimulation can trigger the release of endorphins. This is one of the best physical forms of love because there is a direct feeling that is caused by your touch. There is no other way for the dog to interpret it. [/thrive_text_block]

Don’t forget that dog massage is also available for pet owners that want to go further with the pampering.

Talking:

Talking is a great way to express love to your dog because they love the attention and the sound of your voice.

One study placed willing dogs in an MRI scanner to determine their reaction to the sound of their human’s voice. The results showed positive reactions to certain words and tones.

This suggests a strong understanding of the human voice and language. Embrace this with plenty of positive praise for good behavior and take the time to read to them.

Food:

Food is one of the best ways to ensure that a dog feels loved.

Food is more than just a basic need. They appreciate a tasty treat as much as we like to treat ourselves to a piece of cake on a coffee break.

[thrive_text_block color=”note” headline=””] Provide treats during play for good behavior and offer a nice meal with a favorite type of food.[/thrive_text_block]

There are even people that bake doggy cakes and treats. Be careful with the ingredients though. Giving dogs chocolate is not a sign of affection as it is toxic.

[thrive_text_block color=”blue” headline=””] There are also recommendations to feed dogs by hand to improve your bond, especially with puppies. This cements your role as food provider and helps to build trust.[/thrive_text_block]

Treats:

Dogs love treats, and plenty of them. Toys works for the best of us, and dogs are no exception.

[thrive_text_block color=”blue” headline=””] Head out to a dog-friendly pets store where they can pick one out themselves. They will appreciate the gesture that you found this brilliant item for them. Play with them, with the toy to increase your bond.[/thrive_text_block]

You could also consider the “bark box”. This is similar to human monthly subscription packages of toys and goodies, just this time it is for dogs.

Also, consider some new activities that they will love. Plan some car rides to a new beach, a hike in the woods, a camping trip or anything else they will love.

One-on-one time:

It is important to provide these treats and activities through one-on-one time.

Show them they are a loved member of the family through play time, cuddling up on the sofa (if they are allowed on the sofa) and a good walk.

Make sure to schedule time each day for them so that it become part of their routine. Don’t break the house rules because this may confuse them.

These personal sessions are great but social events with other dogs are helpful too. Your dog will love you for taking them to dog parks, to the office or scheduling doggy play-dates.

There are lots of ways to show affection, but are they being appreciated?

The biggest concern for owners is that dogs don’t understand their intentions. Are these signs of affection going unappreciated or misunderstood? Never assume to know what your dog will like and respect them when they show discomfort.

Some like hugs and others don’t. Some hate to be approached directly, even if it is with a friendly hand and a treat.

Understand your dog to ensure they get the best love. You need to know how to show your dog you love him in dog language.

[thrive_text_block color=”note” headline=””]Dogs that lower their head, cower down and lower their tail are not happy. Avoid this behaviour and work at removing any threats that make them feel uncomfortable or stressed. [/thrive_text_block]

Be their protector and a provider of positive feelings.

Another great tip is to get down on their level. This shows that you are equals in play, with no sense of dominance.

Patting them on the head is another sign of dominance that might not be seen as a positive motion.

Does my dog know I love him when I kiss him?

There are plenty of owners that use kissing as a form of affection, without considering what this means to dogs.

[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=””]Kissing on the top of the head can be positive, but be aware that not all dogs will like it. Kissing on the mouth is a pretty bad idea that doesn’t show the same affection and meaning as it does between humans. [/thrive_text_block]

The methods above are much better for showing affection in a way that will be appreciated.

In the end, it all comes down to respecting their feelings and their space.

Personal time with treats, food and ear rubs are wonderful for dogs – but only at the right time.

[thrive_text_block color=”blue” headline=””]They also need their personal space. Give them a comfortable room of their own within the family home.

This means a personal sleeping area with toys, a comfortable bed that is nicely out of the way of others. They need somewhere to retreat and calm down.

Crate training with a blanket over the top creates a sense of a den that may be highly appreciated. [/thrive_text_block]

Do Dogs Know You Love Them?

They do when you take the time to understand their language and provide affection in beneficial ways. Learn what your dog likes and what makes the tail wag.

It is not hard to learn how to show your dog love. Give them your time, touch, voice and attention on a regular basis with personal treats along the way.