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By Maria Azzurra Volpe
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Dogs may not be able to talk, but they sure have their special ways to show you how grateful they are for being part of your family.
From following you around the house to looking at you with loving, soft eyes, these are some of the behaviors that canines commonly exhibit when they are happy with their family.
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Looking Out for You
Dr. Jamie Richardson, chief medical officer at Small Door Veterinary, told Newsweek that, if your dog is looking for you all the time, and checking to make sure you are there when in crowds, for example, during a family party or at the dog park, they love you very much.
They Follow You From Room to Room
While sometimes following you can be a sign of anxiety or uncertainty, especially if there has been a change in routine, a new home, or the dog is new and still settling in, it is often a sign that they feel happy with you and just want to be near you.
Canines are social animals who enjoy your company and feel secure and close to you, so following you around just comes naturally to them.
The ‘Lean’ or Gentle Touch
Dogs lean on people to feel safe, supported, and loved, and to show trust and closeness.
This behavior may also mean they are seeking attention or comfort, especially when things feel new or stressful. It is a natural, affectionate gesture that shows your pup feels secure and bonded with you.
Sleeping in Your Space
When dogs sleep close to you, it is not just because they want to steal half of the bed and make it hard for you to turn around in your sleep. It is because they feel safe around you, and because they want to demonstrate their trust and strengthen the bond of your relationship.
Bringing You Their Favorite Toy
Dogs often bring you their toys to show trust and appreciation—by offering something they value, they are essentially saying you’re part of their "pack."
Pups may also do it because they want to play, wanting you to join them in a game or spend some fun time together. Sometimes, it is their way of asking for attention or seeking comfort—the toy becomes a bridge to connect with you emotionally.
Relaxed Body Language Around You
If your dog looks at you with soft eyes, has a loose tail, and some belly-up moments, it means that they feel happy and satisfied around you, and that they know you will keep them safe no matter what.
Joining Family Activities Without Prompting
Sitting in the living room during movie night or at the table while you are having dinner is not just a way for your pup to sneak some pets or free treats, but it is also a way for them to feel included, and spend time with the people they love the most in the world.
Responding to Your Emotions
When you pup feels connected to you, they will not only understand your emotions, but also try to offer quiet support, even if just by being there for you.
Dogs use behavioral and chemical cues to determine human emotions, and respond appropriately to their humans’ moods. They can even understand our facial expressions and recognize our emotions based on this.
Seeking Comfort During Stress
While dogs often comfort their owners when they are sad, pups who are truly connected with their humans will also turn to them when they are stressed or anxious. This behavior is indeed proof of strong attachment with their owners.
The Happy Sigh
If your dog sighs when you hold them in your arms, or scratch them behind their ears, it means they are feeling genuinely happy and content with you, and that being with you makes them feel safe and loved.
Barking for Your Attention
While barking is often seen as a bad behavior, it is not always so.
Barking is one of the main forms of communication for dogs, and so when they do so because they want to play with you or because they want you to pet them, it is just another way to show you their endless and unconditional love.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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