12 Ways Dogs Show Love

While a wagging tail is often thought of as a means by which dogs communicate affection, there are plenty of other signs that 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 10 common signs of affection that dogs exhibit, so you know exactly when your pet is saying, "I love you."

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Holding Eye Contact

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Long, sustained eye contact is reserved for people you love, trust, and feel safe with—and the same goes for dogs.

Maintaining eye contact isn't just a useful tool while you're training your dog—it can help you create a deep bond, too. In fact, when your dog looks at you, their brain releases oxytocin. Known as the "love hormone," oxytocin is the same hormone mothers' brains release when they're first bonding with their babies.

The key is to maintain natural eye contact while you're playing or cuddling. If you force eye contact with your dog, it'll probably get a little uncomfortable and look away.

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Leaning Against You

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Like maintaining eye contact, you're probably not going to lean up against someone you don't know or trust—and neither will 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.

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Sleeping in Your Bedroom

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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?)

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They're Happy When You Get Home

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Does your dog jump up and down, lick your hands and face, bring you a toy, or even "excited pee" a little bit when you get home from work, school, or errands? Yep, they're absolutely thrilled to see you. And, chances are, you're very excited to see your pup, too.

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They Carry Your Shoes and Stinky Socks Around

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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.

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They Check Up On You

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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.

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Seeking Physical Contact

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Physical affection can be important for your relationship with your dog. We're not saying you should pick up your dog and give them a super tight bear hug. Rather, pets, cuddles, leans, and maybe even gentle hugs are strong signals that you and your dog are truly bonded.

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They Pee When It Sees You

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No, it's not a sign that its potty training is regressing. Dogs, especially puppies, may pee a little bit when they get excited, but most dogs grow out of this behavior and are able to hold their urine when they're happy to see you. If your dog doesn't grow out of this behavior, consult with your vet to rule out any medical issues.

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They Bring You Their Favorite Toy

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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?

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They Smile at You

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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.

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They Wag Their Tail

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Tail-wagging is a common sign of happiness or affection in dogs but, according to some studies, it's a behavior that can indicate a range of emotions. A 2007 study published in the scientific journal Current Biology, found that dogs wag their tail slightly more to the right when they express happiness from seeing someone familiar to them.

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Their Ears Are Relaxed

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In dogs, floppy ears is a sign of comfortability. If your dog's ears are sticking upright, they are likely in a state of alertness, while tense or flattened ears signal tension or fear. Loose and relaxes ears mean Fido is loose and relaxed, too (and probably in need of some ear scratches).