12 Ways Dogs Express Affection Discover how your canine friend communicates their affection through body language and behavior. By Christina Donnelly Christina Donnelly Christina Donnelly is a small animal expert focusing on dogs and writer with over 12 years of experience in animal welfare. She has volunteered for shelters and organizations, including the ASPCA and Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 09/17/25 Reviewed by Alycia Washington Reviewed by Alycia Washington Alycia Washington is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) with nearly a decade of experience as a small animal emergency veterinarian. She currently works as a relief veterinarian for various emergency and specialty hospitals. Dr. Washington recognizes the importance of education and also works as a veterinary writer. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Veterinary Review Board Credit: The Spruce / Charlotte Engelsen Key Takeaways Dogs show love through sustained eye contact, which releases the "love hormone" oxytocin in both humans and dogs.Physical contact like leaning against you or bringing you their favorite toy signals trust and affection from your dog.Behaviors like tail wagging, having relaxed ears, and getting excited when you return home are clear signs of joy and emotional attachment. While a wagging tail is often thought of as a means by which dogs communicate affection, there are plenty of other signs your dog loves you. Your furry friend might not be able to hug you, but they can show affection by doing things like leaning on you, bringing you a toy, or carrying around some of your favorite possessions (or, at least, your most worn socks). Dogs exhibit other signs of love, too—like wagging tails or a paw held aloft. In fact, dogs express their emotions via body language in a variety of ways, ranging from super subtle to totally obvious. It's not always easy to tell how pets are feeling based on their behaviors, but there are some surefire ways to determine that they feel safe and loved—and want to reciprocate the feeling. Here, we rounded up 12 common signs of affection that dogs exhibit so you can know exactly when your pet is saying, "I love you." 01 of 12 Holding Eye Contact Credit: @wagonzalez / Instagram Long, sustained eye contact is reserved for people you love, trust, and feel safe with—and the same goes for dogs. Maintaining eye contact is a useful tool during dog training and helps create a deep bond. When your dog looks at you, their brain releases oxytocin, often called the "love hormone," the same hormone mothers release when bonding with their babies. The key is to maintain natural eye contact while playing or cuddling with your dog. Forcing eye contact can make them uncomfortable, causing them to look away. Continue to 2 of 12 below 02 of 12 Leaning Against You Credit: @brodybythebeach1 / Instagram Similar to eye contact, you're unlikely to lean against someone you don't know or trust, and the same is true for your dog. Whether you're sitting on the floor or couch, if your dog leans against you, it means they feel safe, secure, and totally comfortable (and they are probably looking for some pets or attention). Sometimes dogs will lean against their humans when they're feeling scared or anxious, but that could mean they see you as their protector. Continue to 3 of 12 below 03 of 12 Sleeping in Your Bedroom Credit: @wokedabba / Instagram If you don't allow your dog to sleep in your bed, but they still like to sleep in your bedroom, they really love you. Why? Wanting to be close to you while you're sleeping signals that your dog is totally loyal and doesn't want to be separated from the pack. (And if you're not going to allow your pup in the bed, why not invest in a super comfy dog bed?) Continue to 4 of 12 below 04 of 12 They're Happy When You Get Home Credit: @dovergirl195 / Instagram Does your dog jump, lick your hands and face, bring you a toy, or even "excited pee" when you return home? These behaviors indicate they are thrilled to see you, and chances are, you feel the same way! Continue to 5 of 12 below 05 of 12 They Carry Your Shoes and Stinky Socks Around Credit: @ziva_jo_ / Instagram Pooches who are attached to their owners also love their owners' scents—and may raid your shoe pile or laundry basket for stinky socks, T-shirts, or even underwear. Stealing shoes and dirty clothes aren't always the best thing—especially if your dog likes to chew—but you can prevent inappropriate chewing by giving your dog plenty of engaging toys or safe chew toys. Continue to 6 of 12 below 06 of 12 They Check Up on You Credit: @pawprintsdogs / Instagram More independent dogs may not always be right at your side or curled around your feet, but that doesn't mean they don't love you. If your dog "checks in" on you from another room, during a walk, or in a new environment, they're making sure you're nearby. Continue to 7 of 12 below 07 of 12 Seeking Physical Contact Credit: @charli_the_chair_dog / Instagram Physical affection plays a crucial role in bonding with your dog. Although bear hugs aren't necessary, gentle pets, cuddles, and even soft hugs can indicate a strong bond between you and your dog. Continue to 8 of 12 below 08 of 12 They Pee When It Sees You Credit: @zoracabra / Instagram It's not a regression in potty training. Dogs, especially puppies, may pee slightly when excited, yet most outgrow this as they mature. If this behavior persists, consult your vet to exclude medical issues. Continue to 9 of 12 below 09 of 12 They Bring You Their Favorite Toy Credit: @wagonzalez / Instagram If your dog brings you their favorite toy, it doesn't just mean they want to play—although wanting to play is a major sign of puppy love, too. As your pup's pack leader, it's presenting its most prized, most beloved possession to you. Talk about an honor, huh? Continue to 10 of 12 below 10 of 12 They Smile at You Credit: @christiedonnelly / Instagram Nope, it's not your imagination! Some dogs actually learn how to "smile" by pulling their lips back to reveal a big, wide, toothy grin. Reciprocating with a big smile and happy voice will show your dog you love it, too. Continue to 11 of 12 below 11 of 12 They Wag Their Tail Credit: The Spruce / Missy Schrott Tail wagging often signifies a dog's happiness and affection. Per some studies, dogs tend to wag slightly more to the right when they are pleased to see someone familiar. Continue to 12 of 12 below 12 of 12 Their Ears Are Relaxed Credit: @texascattledogrescue / Instagram For dogs, floppy ears indicate comfort, while upright ears suggest alertness. Tense ears signal anxiety or fear, whereas relaxed ears mean your dog is content and probably eager for some ear scratches. Explore more: Dogs Dog Training Tips Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Quaranta A, Siniscalchi M, Vallortigara G. Asymmetric Tail-wagging Responses by Dogs to Different Emotive Stimuli. CB/Current Biology. 2007;17(6):R199-R201. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2007.02.008