How Can You Tell When Your Dog loves You?

The little white fuzzhead in the cover photo is our pet. He was a rescue dog a few years ago. He doesn't jump in our laps or lick our faces, but we've learned over time that he shows his love every day in more subtle ways. How can you tell when your little furry friend is showing love? Here are some of the main indicators:

YOUR DOG BECOMES VERY ACTIVE WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN GONE AND COME BACK

This one is very obvious. They go temporarily insane when when we come home. Dogs are pack animals and their leader is back. Hallelujah!!

THEY LICK YOUR FACE

Experts have a couple of reasons for this. The mother cleans her pups after birth and continues to groom them as they mature.  Back to the pack thing -- your pet returns affection to the one he loves. There's also a theory that the pups learn to eat solid food by licking the mother's face to get scraps of food. Maybe your dog loves you because you are just a sloppy eater.

YOUR DOG LOVES TO SLEEP WITH YOU

Your pet was descended from wild animals that had to be very careful where they went to sleep. What better show of trust and love than to lay down and go unconscious with someone and be sure that person will protect them.

THEY SHOW THEIR TUMMY

This is a big one. When an animal shows the most vulnerable area where all its vital organs are located, it is again showing complete trust and submission.

THEY BRING YOU ONE OF THEIR TOYS

Dogs don't have a lot of possessions and when they bring one to you, it is a great show of affection.

THEY STARE AT YOU

Eye contact among wild animals is not looked upon as affection. It is usually a challenge. With our domesticated pets, it is usually done to get our attention. Your little friend is trying to tell you something. My little fuzzhead sits and stares when it's dinnertime or when he wants to go out. I've learned to read the "look" and take action.

If your little furball has special ways of communicating with you, please leave a post and tell us about it.

One final thing--Your pet doesn't require very much. A safe place to sleep out of the weather, food, water and some attention from you is all they need. It's those extra little things like playtime and cuddling on the couch that win their hearts.