A dog’s tail says a lot. However, it can also be a way for your dog to explore their environment, so how do we know when there is meaning behind the tail wagging?

A dog’s typical, happy body will appear relaxed with their ears in a natural position. A dog’s mouth will typically be open and relaxed when comfortable, and their hair will lay smoothly on their body. These are physicalsigns your dog loves you. If your dog sleeps with their head on top of their paws, this is a good indication of a dog that is protective and loyal to you. In this position, a dog can relax but still be ready to jump into action at any time. Like humans, different dogs show and feel love in different ways. Today, we’re going to discuss the popular five human love languages and how they may show up in your dog, and how to identify what your dog responds best to. Additionally, Gregory Berns, a neuroeconomist at Emory University, found that parts of dogs’ brains light up when they hear their pet parents’ voices. The interesting part? In humans, this part of the brain is the same part that lights up when we think of something we love or are fond of.Is your pup thrilled to spend time lounging on the couch with you or hiking with you for hours on end? Do they love being in the same room with you constantly, maybe to the point where they follow you to the bathroom?

Another study showed that dogs’ brain activity went through the roof when they listened to happy sounds, like praise. The same study also showed many similarities between the way both humans and dogs process sounds. When a dog tilts their head, this can help dogs adjust their ear flaps or move their ears in the direction of a sound. This allows the dog to better assess the source and distance of the sound. One study found that like human babies, dogs that stare into our eyes activate the same hormones that help us to bond with them. Research has also found that mutual gazing and petting i ncreased oxytocin in both the participating dogs and humans studied, demonstrating that dogs love us. Take a moment to analyze your dog’s overall body language rather than depending solely on their smile because it’s not as consistent of a sign your dog loves you as it is in humans.A dog’s sleeping position can give us insight into their behavior and if they feel safe and comfortable in their environment. Here are a few of the most common dog sleeping positions, what they mean, and if they’re signs your dog loves you: