
Yesterday was Valentine’s Day. A true Hallmark holiday in every sense of the word, but one that is fun to acknowledge with simple acts of love, both to your human companions and four-legged Valentines!
If you are a dog owner or lover, you know many of your dog’s quirks, and strange ways that he or she communicates with you. This is the perfect time to accept their quirky and strange ways your dog shows you love.
It’s pretty obvious that your dog’s ecstatic, butt-shaking, tail-wagging, in-your-face greeting when you get home is saying “I love you”, but there are many more subtle, strange, and even annoying ways your dog communicates this love to you. Check out the endearing and quirky ways your dog shows you love.
Ways Your Dog Shows You Love
- Leaning or pushing into you: Your dog craves physical contact. We’ve all met a dog who’s a leaner, they just have a special way of getting into our hearts-whether it’s our dog or not!
2. Snuggling up to you, especially after eating: This is your dog’s way of saying “Thank you” after receiving a nice meal from you. Our dogs fully depend on us for their food, so this small gesture shows the ultimate trust and thanks.
3. Jumping on you: This act communicates that your dog is happy to see you. It’s also a behavoior that many of us would rather not deal with, especially when we have company. One way to get your dog to stop jumping on you and others is to ignore this behavior or make your dog sit patiently until she is calm enough to greet guests.
4. Chewing on or eating your possessions: I once woke up to Franklin swallowing a pair of my dirty underwear. He looked just like a snake swallowing a whole prey animal. We quickly learned of the peroxide treatment to get him to expel the treasure (this should NOT be a regular fix, and can only be used with certain items-right away), and we kept the dirty laundry out of his reach in the future.
Dogs often eat our things when they’re bored, or they want as much of our scent as possible as is the case with eating dirty socks, underwear, and other things that smell like a beloved owner. Perhaps one of the more dangerous ways your dog shows you love.
5. Sniffing your crotch: We all know this strange behavior is quite common in dogs, and they will mostly allow it with other canines. Why do they do it to us though? Dogs get a ton of information from sniffing. On a walk, dogs can learn about another canine’s sex and general health from sniffing pee spots.
Most of the sweat glands that carry that information in humans are in our genital and armpit areas. Since your dog can’t reach your armpit, the dreaded crotch-sniff is their go-to for gathering information about a new human, or their beloved human. Consider yourself lucky if your dog doesn’t exhibit this trait! Perhaps one of the most annoying ways your dog shows you love!
6. Making eye contact: It’s more than likely the humans in the home who feed your canine companion are the object of his affection. If your dog gazes into your eyes without a reason, (like to get your attention to go outside or for a walk), then it’s likely he’s showing you her undying love. This is a heart-melting one of the ways your dog shows you love.

Who knew what he was thinking, but it sure felt like lots of love!
7. Following you: I notice that when I’m cruising the house on the weekend, trying to get tasks done or cleaning things, my dogs often follow me. Your dog is following you because she loves you to the ends of the earth and would go anywhere with you. How about you? Do you have a dog that must be in the bathroom with you? (Fortunately mine don’t, but I know plenty of pet owners who have that intimate connection with their pet).
8. Resting her head on your lap: When your dog rests her head in your lap, it’s a sign of trust and devotion. Plus, she’s probably in it for some pats too. This is one of the sweeter ways your dog shows you love.
9. Cuddling or leaning: I was recently recovering from a medical procedure. Wally, who is usually cuddly after he’s eaten or during cold weather, turned into a total velcro dog. He did not leave my side or contact with my body for the entire day. Chances are if you have a dog, you’re aware they crave physical contact with you. If your pup cuddles up to you, it’s a sure-fire sign of love and devotion.
10. Licking you: This trait falls under the “somewhat annoying” quirk, but is your dog’s way of kissing you. Whether you like them or not, this way of showing you love is her idea of stinky, sloppy, wet kisses!
11. Rolling over on his back: Evolutionarily, canines in the wild won’t expose their necks or bellies to other canines. Our domesticated dogs probably won’t do this with new dogs unless they’re playing. Lots of dogs are uncomfortble rolling on their back for anyone! If your dog rolls over on his back for you, he’s showing the ultimate trust, relaxation, and enjoyment in your presence. Plus, he’s probably asking for a belly rub!
Meet Lucy!

Lucy is an almost 3-year-old Maltipoo. She loves to snuggle and cuddle on all of her family members’ feet. Lucy is the friendliest girl, greeting most anyone with a wiggle-butt and kisses! Once she really knows you, she’ll show her love by bringing her baby to you; mind you, no taking, but she loves to show you!
Lucy may be small, but she is fierce and fearless, except for when she hears the deep bark of a big boy or girl. Lucy lives the good life (as she rightly should!) eating a variety of tasty food from BFK Turkey meal, filet, and every healthy thing she likes-in moderation!
Lucy is spending her Valentine’s Day with her favorite people, doing her favorite things; snuggling, barking at passers-by on the street, chasing squirrels from the birdfeeders and giving kisses. Happy Valentine’s Day sweet Lucy!
Want your dog featured as the dog of the week? Email me a pic @ support@bestfriends-kitchen.com, along with interesting info like how you met and favorite things and I’ll feature your Best Friend!
Pingback: Meet the Most Famous Science Dog Trailblazers in History -
Pingback: Why Mindfulness with Your Dog is the Best - Dog and human mental health