11 surprising ways your dog is showing that they love you, according to veterinarians

Sophia MitrokostasAug 13, 2020, 19:33 IST

You can typically tell whether or not a dog likes you.Shutterstock

Insider asked veterinarians about the surprising ways you can tell that your dog loves you or trusts you.
Guarding and herding are two subtle affectionate behaviors.
Dogs will often cuddle with or try to protect those they love.

Though they can't put their love into words, dogs have an unexpectedly large repertoire of ways to show they care.

From subtle body language to over-the-top displays of affection, your pooch is probably showering you with devotion in plenty of surprising ways.

Here are some ways dogs show they love or trust someone, according to veterinarians.

A dog that loves you will likely recognize your name — and be visibly excited when they hear it.

If a dog seems excited to hear your name, that could be a sign they like you. Shutterstock

Dogs can show trust by bringing you items that need "fixing."

It's a sign they trust you to solve problems. Shutterstock

A dog may show they are devoted to you by guarding you while you eat.

Dogs want to make sure they protect those they love. Shutterstock

Some dogs show affection by herding their owners.

Some dogs are known for their herding tendencies. Shutterstock

Dogs will often rub their faces on people they adore.

Your dog is potentially trying to mark you as theirs. Shutterstock

If your dog gets agitated when you lie down, they may just be worried about you.

If this happens often, you may not want to share a bed with your dog. Shutterstock

If your dog likes to gaze deeply into your eyes, it could mean they are attached to you.

Dogs are often adept at reading nonverbal cues, such as eye contact. Shutterstock

Some dogs can express affection through their faces.

Though dogs can't smile quite the same way that humans can, they still try to communicate through their faces. penguiniz/Shutterstock

Sharing toys is another way that dogs express love.

If your dog brings you a tattered toy, it may mean more than you think. Shutterstock

If your dog can tell when you need comfort, it could be a sign they care about you.

Your dog might climb onto your lap if they sense you are unhappy. Giorgio Cosulich/Getty Images

Dogs can use cuddling to bond with their owners on a chemical level.

Snuggling can strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners, which is a great excuse to curl up on the sofa with your favorite furry friend. Getty/Klaus Vedfelt

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