I'm a vet – the 10 secret signs your dog really loves you, and it's good news if they always jump up

The Irish Sun

17-05-2025

EVERY dog owner has a special bond with their pooch, and now experts have revealed the tell-tale signs your pet loves you.
From the classic tail-wagging to mimicking their human, canines show their affection in a number of ways.
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A canine expert has revealed the tell-tale signs that your pooch loves you (stock image)
Credit: Getty
While sometimes it might feel as though your furry friend is more interested in the treats you supply or the walks you take them on, animal experts have revealed they do in fact love you.
And there's 10 ways you can confirm your special bond.
Natasha Watson, who works as a vet at
"Dogs have a unique way of expressing their love and affection," she explained.
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"From wagging their tails to giving you gentle cuddles, their actions speak volumes.
"They are very social animals who are great at understanding human emotions and will often learn to mirror them.
"By recognising the signs your dog shows to let you know just how much they adore you, you can deepen your bond with your furry companion."
WAGGING TAIL
If your dogs tail is a blur of wagging when they greet you, this is a sure fire way to tell they love you.
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A slightly upright side-to-side slow wag may indicate happiness and contentment, according to the canine pro.
If you're blessed enough to get a "helicopter" tail - where a dog's tail moves in a rapid, circular motion - then your pooch is more than a little excited to see you.
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EYE CONTACT
Who among us hasn't stared lovingly into your dog's eyes at one point or another?
Dogs who make prolonged eye contact with their owner are said to feel trust and affection in their home.
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And research has found that when a dog looks at you, it can trigger the release of oxytocin, the "love hormone", in both the dog and the owner.
So, if your pooch ever looks at you with gentle eyes, it's a clear sign of their love.
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According to the vet, your dog giving you eye contact is them showing their trust in you (stock image)
Credit: Getty
PRESENTING WITH TOYS
While your dog bringing you a toy might just seem like they want to play, experts say the action is deeper than that.
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Britain's favourite dog breeds
HERE are the top ten dog breeds in the UK....
Labrador Retriever
Renowned for their friendly and outgoing nature.
Popular as both family pets and working dogs.
French Bulldog
Known for their distinctive bat-like ears and affectionate temperament.
Ideal for city living due to their small size.
Cocker Spaniel
Beloved for their playful and loyal disposition.
Excellent companions for active families.
Pug
Recognised for their charming wrinkled faces and sociable nature.
Adaptable to various living environments.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Valued for their courageous and loving character.
Strong and muscular build, yet gentle with children.
Dachshund
Adored for their distinctive long bodies and lively personality.
Comes in a variety of coat types: smooth, wire, and long-haired.
Border Collie
Celebrated for their intelligence and energy.
Excellent working dogs, especially in herding.
Golden Retriever
Known for their friendly and tolerant attitude.
Great family pets and skilled in various service roles.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cherished for their gentle and affectionate nature.
Small size makes them perfect for lap dogs.
German Shepherd
Admired for their loyalty and versatility.
Commonly used in police and military roles due to their trainability.
According to research carried out by Tesco Insurance, 31% of dog owners report their pooch sharing their toys with them.
Most dogs are good judges of character so you can consider it an honour when they share their prized possessions with you.
If your furry friend brings you a toy to play with, then it is a sign that they trust and love you, so make sure to play with them!
BEING CLOSE
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Dogs often cuddle with their owners as a way of showing their affection (stock image)
Credit: Getty
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Dogs often cuddle into and lean on people they feel the most comfortable with.
So don't be offended when your pups pushes at you with their paws, they're simply petting you back.
A total of 39% of dog owners report that their dog will give them cuddles and kisses, with 41% confirming this experience when they are upset.
Cuddles bring back feelings of maternal closeness and release pheromones that soothe your dog.
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THEY FOLLOW YOU
Have you ever left the room to have your dog immediately follow you as if you are both embarking on an adventure?
Well don't worry about dashing their expectations, because they're likely just showing you affection by shadowing you.
This behaviour shows they want to be near you and as a pack animal, this is a dog's sign of attachment or loyalty.
However, your dog should still be able to have some alone time while at home.
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PROTECTIVENESS
Dogs are naturally protective of those they love, particularly female dogs with maternal instincts.
The canine expert explained that if your dog shows signs of guarding you or their home, this can be a sign of affection.
They want to keep you safe and are demonstrating loyalty and love.
However, make sure to teach your pooch how to correctly interact with strangers too.
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'TALKING' TO YOU
We've all wondered whether or not our dogs can truly understand what we're saying to them.
Canines communicate with their owners in various ways, with vocalisation being one of them.
Many dogs have been known to "talk" to their owners with barks or whines to get attention or express emotions.
If your dog barks or makes other excited sounds when they see you, it's another a sign of love and attachment.
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JUMPING UP
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While your dog may jump up to show their excitement, they are also known to do it to show their fondness for you (stock image)
Credit: Getty
Dogs are known to jump up when they are excited or looking for attention.
But this is also a common way for them to show their affection.
When your dog jumps on you, they may be expressing their joy at seeing you or seeking closeness.
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Similarly, 45% of dog owners say their pet sits on them when they want attention.
TRAINING
According to the expert, dogs that respond well to recall and commands are often eager to please their owners.
While you may wonder if this obedience is simply a way of receiving a treat, this isn't entirely the case says the vet.
You pet's willingness to obey shows trust as well as a desire to make you happy.
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Training helps to strengthen your bond with your dog as they enjoy positive reinforcement and the satisfaction of making you proud.
So next time they come back when called or do another trick, make sure to show the same love back to them.
MIRRORING EMOTIONS
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If you're feeling sad, your dog is likely to come and sit with you as a way to comfort you (stock image)
Credit: Getty
Dogs are known to empathetic creatures and may often mimic their owner's emotions.
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This, according to the vet, is another sign your pooch loves you.
She pointed out that your pet may sense when you're upset or happy and adjust their behaviour accordingly.
For example, if you're feeling down, your dog might come and sit by you or offer comfort and if you're excited, your pooch will easily get on board with the elation.