Astonishing Ways Your Dog Shows Loves Unconditionally 💞

Your dog's heart dances to the tune of your affection—literally! They're able to notice your mood and feelings and to react accordingly to soothe you. There's a reason why dogs are therapy pets the world over.

Research shows their ticker speeds up when they hear those magic words: "I love you." And during cuddle time? Their heartbeat slows, syncing with your calm presence.

It's a physical sign of the deep emotional connection you share.

You can work to increase your connection in several ways:

Cultivating the Connection 💕

• Practice gentle, soothing pet massages and find where your dog loves to be massaged the most.
• Use a loving, soft voice when you talk to them instead of a demanding or bearing tone.
• Create a positive training routine where you teach them fun cues and tricks without any punishment.

Connection Companions 🫂

• You too can give them emotionally soothing time, even without you, using plush toys with soothing heartbeat sounds.
• Offer them a durable chew for relaxation and stress relief.
• Prepare a variety of lickable mats for anxiety-busting fun they can taste.

4. They Spend Treat Time Together With You

When you're munching on a snack and spot those pleading puppy eyes, know this: it's not just about the food.

Studies show dogs prefer treats from human hands over solo snacking. Yep, that's right. They don't always just want your food, although it might look that way.

Sharing food is their way of saying, "I cherish our bond more than the treat itself!" You know the saying—the company makes the meal.

Want to increase your love through food time? It's easy and fun.

Here's how to do it:

Strengthening the Bond 💕

• Use treats for training time where you add an element of fun and learning together, with the reward being you and the treat. 
• Share dog-safe human snacks occasionally, such as sliced apples or baby carrots. 
• Create special treats just for your dog, with all the ingredients you know they'll love!

Interactive Treat Tools 🫂

• Toys such as treat-dispensing balls keep them excited to play and earn those treats.
• You can create a lick-mat of your pup's favorite treats for an interesting taste adventure.
• Play a fun food puzzle with them so they have your company and use teamwork for their treats.

5. Sharing Their Treasures

When your pup brings you their favorite chew toy, it’s actually an offering for you to enjoy with them. Seriously, they’re sharing their most prized possession with you, inviting you into their little world. 

Think about it: dogs usually guard their toys like treasures. So when they hand one over to you, it’s a big deal! It’s their way of showing trust and wanting to connect. It’s a clear signal that they want to play and hang out with you.

To help build on their desire to show you their love through play, try this:

Encouraging the Gesture 💕

• Show genuine excitement for their "gifts" when they bring them to you (don't fake it).
• Initiate playtime with their favorite toys frequently during the day.
• Keep their toy box fresh and exciting by rotating their toys and occasionally buying them a new one to test out.

Bonding through Play 🫂

• Most dogs love tug, so keep a few sturdy rope toys for together-time tugging.
• Squeaky plush toys, especially saving these dinos from eternal doom, keep dogs happily enjoying their playtime.
• Take time each week for extended play sessions where you add an extra 10 to 15 minutes of fun time together.

6. They Give You Emotional Support

Dogs have an uncanny ability to read our emotions, often before we even realize what we're feeling. They can sense our moods through body language and even scent. You could even say they have a sixth sense for our ups and downs.

When you’re feeling blue, your dog becomes your little therapist. They offer comfort just by being close, curling up beside you or resting their head on your lap.

In those moments, it feels like they understand everything without a single word being said.

Try some of these ideas to increase the emotional bond with your dog:

Nurturing the Emotional Bond 💕

• Acknowledge their comforting efforts by giving them gentle pets and soft words of appreciation when they snuggle up to you during tough moments.
• Create cozy, safe spaces for both of you by setting up a comfortable spot with blankets and pillows where you can enjoy quiet time.
• Spend quiet time together by sitting in a quiet room, gently stroking your dog while listening to soothing music or nature sounds.

Comfort Companions 🫂

• Keep a Smart Pet Camera on when you're away, so you can check in and talk to your pup and help ease their separation anxiety.
  
• Play dog-friendly music to fill the house with soothing sounds to remind your dog of your presence even when you're not home.
• Use a cozy dog bed with raised sides to give your pup a snuggly, secure space that mimics cuddling next to you.

7. They Love to Steal Your Stuff

Hey, ever noticed your dog swiping your stuff?

It's actually pretty sweet when you think about it. Your pup's not trying to be a thief - they're just crazy about you!

When they grab your socks or shoes, it's because those items smell like you. It's their way of keeping you close, even when you're not around. 

Sometimes, they're just curious about the things you use every day. The next time you catch your dog with your favorite shirt, remember: it's not about the item, it's about you.

Help your dog to bond through your scent with these tips:

Encouraging Positive Scent Association 💕

• Provide your dog with safe, scented items like old t-shirts to give them comfort when you’re not home.
• Create "scent stations" by placing worn clothes in different areas, which may help your dog feel connected to you.
• Incorporate your scent into games by hiding treats in items that smell like you, encouraging your dog to use their nose to find them.

Scent-sational Toys and Games🫂

• Hide treats in stuffable toys infused with your scent for a fun and engaging playtime.
• Use stuffable toys filled with your worn t-shirt to give your dog a comforting and familiar smell.
• Create a scent trail using a piece of your worn clothing, leading to a hidden treat, so your dog can follow the familiar smell and enjoy the thrill of the hunt while feeling close to you.

The Bottom Line 👈🏻

Dogs show love in countless ways, big and small.

From tail wags to cuddles, they're always expressing their affection. Noticing these signs deepens your bond and makes your time together even more special.

They're your pup's way of saying, "I love you!"

Keep an eye out for these sweet gestures:

• Staring: When your dog locks eyes with you, it’s their way of saying “I love you” and boosting those feel-good hormones.
• Seeking Your Company: If your pup chooses to be by your side over anything else, it shows their loyalty and that you’re their favorite human.
• Heartfelt Reactions: Your dog’s heart races when you say "I love you," and it calms down during cuddles, showing how much your affection matters.
• Snack Time Together: Dogs prefer getting treats from you because they crave the love and interaction that comes with it.
• Bringing You Their Treasures: When your dog shares their favorite toy, it’s a sign of trust and a desire to include you in their world.
• Emotional Support: Dogs can sense your feelings and often lean on you or snuggle close when you’re feeling down.
• Stealing Your Things: When they "steal" your socks or shoes, they’re seeking comfort in your scent, which makes them feel secure.