Dogs have lived close to us for thousands of years, earning the recognition as "man's best friend" for good reason. But while some people may dismiss a dog's devotion very quickly as simply a relationship based on need, experts say it is untrue.
Dogs don't only love us - they need us, but not just for physical care and food. They need us emotionally. This is why the connection a dog feels for his human is one of deep devotion and is, as has been frequently stated, without condition.
But how exactly can a dog say, "I love you"? keep reading to find out.
Your dog always wants to be close to you.
If your dog is always sitting in your lap, leaning towards you or following you everywhere you go, it's clear your pet is attached to you.
McMillan says a dog's affection is most clear in their desire to be close to their owner physically. This can appear to be clinginess at times, and it isn't usually easy to differentiate positive healthy clinginess from your dog being insecure, but in both cases your dog is attached to you deeply.
Your dog stares into your eyes.
"When you and your dog share a prolonged look, your dog is giving you a hug you with his eyes," according to a professor at Duke Universit, Brian Hare, who studies canine cognition, and research reveals that this "hug" has an emotional effect on both animal and man. When scientists at Japan's Azabu University collected urine samples from dogs and their keepers before and after 30 minutes of interacting, they discovered that the pairs that spent the most of their time staring into each others' eyes exhibited significantly higher levels of oxytocin, the same hormonal response that connects us to human infants.
Also Read: Here is How Dogs Contribute to the Society
Your dog sleeps close to you.
Dogs are pack animals that usually huddle together during the night for protection and warmth, so when your dog curl up comfortably with you, it means he/she considers you to be one of the family members. And these canine cuddles may even help you in getting a more comfortable night's sleep.
You are a safe haven for your dog.
McMillan says much affection in animals and humans relies on how much you can be depended on as a source of support and comfort in scary situations, If your dog desires your comfort during car rides, thunderstorms, vet visits, or other terrifying occurrences, then you are noticing another aspect of his/her attachment bond to you.
Your dog 'reads' you and reacts appropriately.
McMillan says a close bond with your dog may make him/her capable of sensing your mood and respond with affection. Most dogs who sense that their owners are upset or not feeling well will show their affection by spending even more time close to them. They might give you licks or keep their head or paws on some part of your body.
Related Article: If You Talk to Your Dog, Science Says You're Intelligent
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