If you show your dog you love them this way, they will understand perfectly: hugging and kissing are not the best idea

For humans, it is obvious that when we hug or kiss someone, we do so to express our love. In interpreting emotions, however, dogs rely primarily on body language and facial expressions.

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In order to build a truly intimate relationship with your companion, you must learn to speak in their language of love. It may sound complicated at first, but we have a few tips for you. If you express your affection towards a dog in the following ways, it will certainly reach its target!

Play and time spent together are the most beautiful gestures for any dog

The dog’s genetic heritage

Before domestication, the pack provided safety; their relationships formed and developed exclusively within it. We can translate this into the modern human–dog relationship by approaching our companion through behavioural patterns that exist within a pack.

Play, daily walks and training brilliantly simulate hunting. Physical contact plays an equally important role, as within a wolf pack, touch, mutual grooming and other forms of physical closeness function as a powerful social glue. Therefore, after a walk or play session, shared napping or relaxing together may seem like an unmissable opportunity. Hugging is less easily interpreted by a four-legged companion and may even feel threatening in some cases, but stretching out together on the sofa with a little stroking is pure canine heaven on earth.

Instead of hugs and kisses, show your dog how much you love them like this

1) Those soft little ears

There is a spot behind the ears – yes, that very spot – which contains a nerve centre, and gently rubbing, scratching or stroking it releases a great deal of wonderful happiness hormones in the dog. Endorphins act as pain relievers, and oxytocin is often nicknamed the “love hormone”. After a thorough ear rub, not only will your dog feel better, but we are certain you will too.

2) You don’t even have to be ashamed of baby talk!

It has happened to everyone that, overwhelmed by elevated emotions, they have indulged in the smoochy, cooing, “I love you so much I could eat you up” kind of cuteness. We have good news: dogs love this! Research proves that dogs understand even more human words than previously thought. So if you catch yourself having spent ten minutes after coming home from work telling Morzsi about the trying tribulations of your morning meeting, and how your chocolate bar got stuck in the vending machine again – don’t stop! In fact, you can even share your bedtime reading with them; reading aloud can be particularly helpful in calming hyperactive four-legged companions.

Expressing your love towards your dog – in a way they understand – may be simpler than you think.

3) Can’t take my eyes off you…

We immediately thought of the spaghetti romance from Lady and the Tramp. If you notice that your dog is gazing at you with loving eyes, don’t hesitate to return the look! This kind gesture raises oxytocin levels not only in dogs, but in humans as well.

4) Your face is also suitable for expressing love towards your dog

You have surely noticed that your dog immediately reacts to your mood. Studies confirm that these little detectives map our feelings and moods based on our facial expressions. What’s more, Japanese behavioural researchers have even revealed that if a dog feels connected to a person, they raise their eyebrows supposedly the left one slightly higher than the right. When you come home from work, instead of a kiss, greet your little companion with a kind smile and slightly raised eyebrows. Just the way you look at babies in their prams.

5) Food is not love!

Although it is tempting to express your bond with treats – saying that after a difficult day you also enjoy a slice of cake – in the case of dogs it is worth reserving treats for training time. Just like kisses and hugs, special delicacies should rather be saved for family and friends.

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