Puppy love: I’m a vet - the 10 secret signs your dog really loves you, and it’s good news if they always jump up

Little signals from your pooch can show their true affection for you.

Every dog owner has a special bond with their pooch, and now experts have revealed the tell-tale signs your pet loves you.

From the classic tail-wagging to mimicking their human, canines show their affection in a number of ways.

While sometimes it might feel as though your furry friend is more interested in the treats you supply or the walks you take them on, animal experts have revealed they do in fact love you.

And there are 10 ways you can confirm your special bond.

Natasha Watson, who works as a vet at Vetfone, spoke to the Daily Mail about the signs that your pooch is obsessed with you.

"Dogs have a unique way of expressing their love and affection," she explained.

"From wagging their tails to giving you gentle cuddles, their actions speak volumes.

"They are very social animals who are great at understanding human emotions and will often learn to mirror them.

"By recognising the signs your dog shows to let you know just how much they adore you, you can deepen your bond with your furry companion".

Wagging tail

If your dogs tail is a blur of wagging when they greet you, this is a sure fire way to tell they love you.

A slightly upright side-to-side slow wag may indicate happiness and contentment, according to the canine pro.

If you're blessed enough to get a "helicopter" tail - where a dog's tail moves in a rapid, circular motion - then your pooch is more than a little excited to see you.

Eye contact

Who among us hasn't stared lovingly into your dog's eyes at one point or another?

Dogs who make prolonged eye contact with their owner are said to feel trust and affection in their home.

And research has found that when a dog looks at you, it can trigger the release of oxytocin, the "love hormone", in both the dog and the owner.

So, if your pooch ever looks at you with gentle eyes, it's a clear sign of their love.

Presenting with toys

While your dog bringing you a toy might just seem like they want to play, experts say the action is deeper than that.

According to research carried out by Tesco Insurance, 31% of dog owners report their pooch sharing their toys with them.

Most dogs are good judges of character so you can consider it an honour when they share their prized possessions with you.

If your furry friend brings you a toy to play with, then it is a sign that they trust and love you, so make sure to play with them!

Being close

Dogs often cuddle into and lean on people they feel the most comfortable with.

So don't be offended when your pups pushes at you with their paws, they're simply petting you back.

A total of 39% of dog owners report that their dog will give them cuddles and kisses, with 41% confirming this experience when they are upset.

Cuddles bring back feelings of maternal closeness and release pheromones that soothe your dog.

They follow you

Have you ever left the room to have your dog immediately follow you as if you are both embarking on an adventure?

Well don't worry about dashing their expectations, because they're likely just showing you affection by shadowing you.

This behaviour shows they want to be near you and as a pack animal, this is a dog's sign of attachment or loyalty.

However, your dog should still be able to have some alone time while at home.

Protectiveness

Dogs are naturally protective of those they love, particularly female dogs with maternal instincts.

The canine expert explained that if your dog shows signs of guarding you or their home, this can be a sign of affection.

They want to keep you safe and are demonstrating loyalty and love.

However, make sure to teach your pooch how to correctly interact with strangers too.

‘Talking’ to you

We've all wondered whether or not our dogs can truly understand what we're saying to them.

Canines communicate with their owners in various ways, with vocalisation being one of them.

Many dogs have been known to "talk" to their owners with barks or whines to get attention or express emotions.

If your dog barks or makes other excited sounds when they see you, it's another a sign of love and attachment.

Jumping up

Dogs are known to jump up when they are excited or looking for attention. But this is also a common way for them to show their affection.

When your dog jumps on you, they may be expressing their joy at seeing you or seeking closeness.

Similarly, 45% of dog owners say their pet sits on them when they want attention.

Training

According to the expert, dogs that respond well to recall and commands are often eager to please their owners.

(Article source: The Sun)