Dogs can’t write love letters, send flowers, or text us heart emojis (yet), but they have plenty of ways to say “I adore you.” Their affection shows up in thousands of tiny behaviors, some obvious, some hilariously subtle, and some we humans often misunderstand.
In this fun, science-backed guide, we’re unpacking 20 of the most common ways dogs show love, along with what those behaviors really mean. Spoiler: your dog might be saying “I love you” way more often than you think.
Bonus challenge: Keep a tally of every behavior your dog does. At the end you’ll get a playful “love score.”
1. Tail Wags
A wagging tail isn’t just a silly, happy metronome, it’s one of your dog’s biggest communication tools. A loose, full-body, side-to-side wag usually means your pup is relaxed, excited, and thrilled to see you.
BUT… a wagging tail does not always mean a happy dog.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions in dog body language. A stiff tail, a high tight wag, or a super-fast “helicopter” spin can signal uncertainty, arousal, or even stress. Some dogs will wag while feeling conflicted or nervous.
That’s why it’s essential to look at the entire body, not just the tail.
Soft eyes + relaxed face + wiggly body = probably happy.
Tense posture + stiff tail + tight mouth = probably uncomfortable.
2. Acting Like Your Shadow
If your dog follows you everywhere, kitchen, bathroom, hallway, you name it, they’re saying “you’re my safe place.” Shadowing is a sign of trust and attachment, not clinginess. Many dogs simply feel happiest being wherever their person is.
3. Giving Kisses (Licking)
Licking is one of your dog’s earliest bonding behaviors. Puppies lick their mothers; adult dogs lick each other for grooming, reassurance, or affection. When they lick you, they’re engaging in that same instinctive bonding practice (sometimes mixed with “you taste interesting”).
Did you know licking is also a calming behavior? Learn more about the Trifecta of Calm
4. Jumping to Greet You
Is it ideal? Not always. Is it affectionate? Definitely. Dogs jump because they’re excited, overwhelmed with joy, and want to get close to you.
Learn how to train a calmer greeting while still appreciating the sentiment.
5. Initiating Play
Whether they drop a toy in your lap or explode into zoomies, initiating play is a major “I like you” move. Dogs don’t play with those they don’t trust. Play is bonding, stress relief, and joy all rolled into one wiggly package.
🐶Related Reading: Does My Dog Play More When I'm Watching? | Pupford
6. Sleeping Near You
Sleeping is when dogs are most vulnerable. If your pup naps near you, or better yet, ON you that’s pure trust. Conflicted about letting your dog sleep in bed with you? Learn about the pros and cons of co-sleeping.
7. Caring for You When You’re Sick
Many dogs become calmer, quieter, or more attentive when their pup parent isn’t feeling well. They may rest their head on you or stick close. Dogs can detect subtle changes in human scent, posture, and energy, and they respond to protect and comfort you.
This is what makes dogs so great at medical alerting! Learn about service dogs here
8. Leaning Their Body Into You
A full-body lean means, “I want to be close to you.” It’s like the dog equivalent of a hug. Some pups lean for comfort, some for attention, but all of them do it because they trust you.
9. Rubbing Their Face on You
Dogs have scent glands in their cheeks. When they rub their face against you, they're mixing their scent with yours, a sign of bonding, comfort, and “you’re part of my family.”
10. Smiling
A soft, relaxed, open-mouth “smile” is a sign your dog is happy and content. (Just make sure it’s not a tense smile, humans often confuse bared teeth with friendliness when it’s actually stress.)
💖Ready to become a dog body language expert? Sign up for Pupford’s Dog Body Language Course
11. Sniffing You… in “Weird” Places
Okay. Let’s talk about crotch sniffing.
While awkward for humans, this is fully normal for dogs. It’s their way of gathering info: where you’ve been, who you’ve seen, what you ate, and even your hormone levels. It’s weirdly affectionate, think of it as “dog detective work.”
12. Getting Excited When They Hear Your Name
If your dog’s ears perk up, tail wiggles, or they come running when they hear your name, that means they’ve formed a strong positive association with you. You = good things!
🦴Related Reading: You're a Better Pup Parent Than You Think - Here's Why | Pupford
13. Trusting You to “Fix” Their Toys
When a dog brings you a broken toy, it’s not random. They’re handing over something precious because they trust you to help. That’s love and teamwork.
14. Herding You
Herding breeds (Border Collies, Heelers, Aussies) often show affection by circling, nudging, or “guiding” you. They’re not trying to control you, they’re trying to keep you safe and close, just like they would with their flock.
15. Staring Into Your Eyes
Gentle eye contact between a dog and their human releases oxytocin, the same bonding hormone shared between parents and babies. Soft, relaxed eye contact = “You’re my person.”
16. Bringing You Gifts
Sticks, toys, socks, leaves… dogs love to share what matters to them. When they offer you something, they’re saying, “This is important to me, and so are you.”
17. Sensing Your Stress or Sadness
Dogs are emotional sponges. Many will comfort their pup parent with nudges, snuggles, or simply by staying close when something feels off. They’re incredibly tuned into human emotions.
🐶Related Reading: Can Dogs Have Bad Days? | Pupford
18. Cuddling
Some dogs are snuggle machines, others are more reserved. But when your dog chooses to press against you, curl up with you, or rest a head on you, that’s wholehearted affection.
19. Nudging You With Their Nose
A nose nudge can mean “pet me,” “look at me,” or “I love you.” It’s one of the gentlest ways dogs initiate connection.
20. Asking for Belly Rubs
A dog exposing their belly is showing major vulnerability. If they roll over and invite you in, that signals deep trust and comfort. Belly rubs are both affectionate and bonding.
🐾 So… How Much Does Your Dog Love You?
Count how many behaviors your dog does:
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0–5: The quiet lover — they show love in subtle ways.
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6–12: Connected and comfortable — strong bond incoming.
- 13–20: Certified obsessed. Your dog is basically your furry soulmate.
Let us know in the comments your score! (Just for fun — all dogs love in their own unique ways.)
Why Understanding These Behaviors Matters
Recognizing how dogs show affection helps you:
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Strengthen your bond
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Respond to their needs more accurately
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Understand their body language
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Identify stress before it escalates
- Build trust through positive reinforcement
When we learn their language, we love them better, and they feel safer with us.
Recap: How Do Dogs Show Affection?
Every lick, tail wag, lean, or toy drop is your dog’s way of saying, “You matter to me.” Dogs may not speak, but their actions speak loudly and often. Pay attention, celebrate their love languages, and keep building that incredible bond.
