16 Ways To Show Your Dog Love (They’ll Actually Understand)

We’ve all heard the saying, “A dog is man’s best friend” and anyone who owns a dog will know how true that is. Dogs are always loyal and they know just how to brighten up your day with a wag of their tail.

16  Ways To Show Your Dog Love

15  Ways To Show Your Dog Love (They'll Actually Understand)

One way you can show your dog some love is by learning some ways to make them happy. These 15 ways include treats, cuddles, walks, and more!

1. TAKING YOUR DOG ON A LONG WALK 

Exercise is important in order to keep your dog healthy. Dogs love to walk, especially on nice, sunny days. If you want your dog to be happy, take them for a walk or two every day. A long walk gives your dog a chance to stretch its legs, relieve its stress, and get some fresh air while also bonding with you.

2. LET YOUR DOG PLAY WITH YOU 

Another way you can make your dog happy is by playing with them! Playing with your dog isn’t just fun for you, though; it also releases stress hormones in dogs, making them less anxious and more relaxed.

Playing with your dog can go a long way toward drawing your dog out of its shell. You can play fetch with them and take turns bringing back the ball while they race after it. This is a very active game that will keep both of you in shape!

3. POINTING OUT THINGS TO YOUR DOG 

Pointing things out to your dog is a great way to bond with it and make it happy too. Don’t just point out everyday things; try pointing out a bird or a butterfly, or even flowers, so that your dog pays attention and learns more about the world around him.

Pointing out exciting things will also help ease your dog’s loneliness if you are gone for extended periods of time during the day.

4. OFFERING TREATS 

Although “treats” and “toys” are both things that make dogs happy, treats differ from toys in one major way: they’re not meant to be played with! Treats are intended as rewards; they come after a job well done, not while the job is being done.

Treats are a great way to show your dog love; they’re also good for training, so don’t forget to give them some treats as well!

Your dog will be eager to learn and do whatever you ask it to do if it gets a treat for a job well done, so try using treats when you train your dog.

5. SNUGGING UP WITH YOUR DOG 

There are times when your dog looks at you with those eyes and you just can’t help but bring out the cuddle. There’s nothing wrong with a little snuggling time, especially if your dog is tired or sick.

Dogs appreciate the fact that they can act like puppies at times and play with toys and get belly rubs! Even if your dog doesn’t like to play, relaxing with them for a little while will make them feel loved.

6. GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DOG’S PERSONALITY 

Some dogs are more outgoing and some are shy, but you will quickly learn your dog’s personality once you spend enough time with them. Even if your dog is shy, spending more time with them will help them come out of their shell and feel comfortable around you.

Once they trust you and are comfortable being around you, they’ll appreciate the fact that you’ve taken the time to get to know them.

7. PETTING YOUR DOG 

Pets love to be petted. If you want to make your dog feel loved, getting up and petting them will do the trick.

You may have a dog that doesn’t like being touched, but it’s still important to make sure they know you care about them.

Petting your dog is a great way to show them they’re important and they’ll appreciate being able to relax with you and making them feel pampered!

8. GIVING THEM A NEW TOY 

Giving your dog a toy will make them feel loved because it shows that you care about their happiness. You can have your dog try out new toys on their own or you can play with them together!

No matter what game you play, getting your dog a new toy is a great way to show them that they’re special and important.

Dogs love to play and you can pick out a new toy that they have never seen before. This will help engage them and make them feel loved!

9.  PRAISING YOUR DOG 

Dogs are intelligent and they will pick up on things quickly. If you give your dog praise when they’ve done something good, you’re showing them that doing good things is how you act.

There are some dogs that feel overwhelmed and just want to be left alone, but it’s important to show your dog gratitude for their efforts! Whenever you have done something for your dog, give them a little pat on the head, out of the blue.

This will make them feel loved and cherished and you’ll see that in their eyes. Don’t give them a pat unless they’ve earned it!

10. SITTING WITH YOUR DOG 

Sitting with your dog can be a great way to show them how much you care. It’s very important to make sure you’re spending one-on-one time with your dog when you’re home.

If you have a pet that loves spending time sitting around, it’s a great idea to take advantage of this by sitting together and just chatting! If your dog likes playing, sit and watch them play which will let them feel like they’ve won the game!

11. TALK to Your Dog 

It’s important to keep in mind that dogs don’t speak English, so you need to be careful when you talk. Dogs are very good at listening, but if they feel like you’re talking down to them, they may never want to come near you again.

Because of this, it’s important for owners to not only talk with their dogs but also make sure they’re looking at them when they do so. If you talk to your dog with a loving tone, it may even help soothe them when they’re sick or alone!

12. LEAN on Your Dog

If you have a dog that loves to lean on you, there’s nothing wrong with this! While they may not be your personal pillows, they enjoy being able to rest their head on your lap or having their ears scratched.

If you have dogs that love this kind of attention, you’ll notice them wiggling around when your lap is open for business. Your dog wants to be close to you just as much as you want to be close to them!

13. KEEPING THEM BUSY 

When your dog is bored, they usually have a tendency to be destructive. The best way to keep your dog busy is to give them something to do. You can teach them tricks or you can play fetch with them.

You can also teach them to solve puzzles which will not only be fun for you and your dog but it will also give them a sense of accomplishment!

14.  RUB Your Dog Behind the Ears

This is a very calming action that most dogs will enjoy. It helps them relax and might even work to lower their blood pressure. It’s a way for you to get in touch with the more natural side of your dog and help them feel loved and relaxed!

15. GIVE BELLY RUBS

One of the best ways to show your dog you love them is to rub their belly. The feeling of being belly-rubbed will make him feel warm, happy, and loved.

There’s a reason dogs love receiving belly rubs, and it isn’t just for attention. Dogs have sensitive skin, and oftentimes it isn’t enough to just pet your dog.

Give your dog some extra attention by rubbing their belly. It will make them feel loved and help them to relax on those days when they’re feeling stressed or upset.

16.  MASSAGE THEIR SNOUT

Your dog will appreciate a good massage, particularly on their snout. The nose is very sensitive and it’s an easy way to show them some love. If your dog is feeling a little under the weather, massage can provide them with some relief.

Related Post: How to Massage Gas Out of Dog?

You’ll notice they’ll often stick out their tongue after a face massage, so if you want to give them a kiss you can!

Final Thoughts

Dogs are amazing, loving creatures that deserve to be treated as royalty. Many people, myself included, have dogs that we love dearly. They’re the best friends we could ask for in a life of loneliness and stress.

Recommended Articles:

Sharing is caring!

Dog trainer, Author & Life coach at SmartDogMom.com

Leave a Comment