How to Show Your Dog You Love Them: 7 Trainer-Approved Ways

The love of a dog is pure and unconditional. Train them well and give them a good, stable, and happy home, and you'll be rewarded with a companion who's loyal, loving and devoted to the end. After all, dogs didn't earn the title of "man's best friend" for nothing! So, if you have a dog or you're thinking of adopting one from a shelter, you want to be able to let your furry family member know how much you adore them. To help you out, we rounded up 7 way to show your dog you love them so they understand, according to a trainer.

Since dogs communicate differently than people do, experts say the way canines can tell if you love them isn't through the same things people need. Because of this, it's important for dog moms and dads to know the right ways to get their message across. So, because we can't tell our dogs that we love them in the traditional sense, it's up to us to demonstrate our love through actions instead.

Therefore, if you're searching for ways to love on your faithful friend in ways that they'll understand, we're here to help. With the guidance of JustAnswer's masterful dog training expert Sally Grottini, read on to see how to show your dog that you love them and how to bond with your dog! Trust us, you'll be closer than ever after you start applying these expert tips.

How To Bond With Your Dog: 7 Tried-and-True Methods That Show Love

While these methods can be applied to dogs of all breeds, dog parents should still tailor their approach to their specific dog. Depending on your dog's breed and background, they may have preferences in terms of activity levels, socialization, etc., that make some of these approaches more effective for them than others. As you incorporate these habits and activities into your daily life, see which ones they respond to the most positively, and lean into those. It's the same idea as with "love languages" in humans!

Setting Aside Daily Quality Time for Them

All of us enjoy quality time with our loved ones. Intentionally setting aside a little one-on-one time for your dog every day allows you to build and maintain a healthy bond with them. But what does "quality time" entail? That all depends on your dog, and that's where paying attention to your dog's interests and activity levels is crucial. By doing so, you'll be able to show your dog you love them in a way they will understand.

"It is important to know your breed because for some breeds, such as Pugs, quality time is just lying on the couch with them, as they are less active," says Grottini. "Whereas other dogs who were bred for jobs, such as Golden Retrievers, will want to do activities they were bred for. For a Retriever, a game of fetch is rewarding to them, and rewarding builds the bond."

Physical Touch

How to show your dog you love them has to do with touch as well. "Many dogs, again depending on their temperament, love gentle pets, and some like excited pets," shares Grottini. "When they are bonded to you, they may jump up, they may brush up against you, lick you, or lie at your feet. The need for touch is important between owner and dog."

Of course, your mileage may vary here depending on how cuddly your dog is. For instance, if you've got a new dog that's nervous and still getting acclimated to their new home, then crowding them (even with a big, friendly hug) probably isn't the best idea. When in doubt, let them approach you first. Dogs aren't shy about seeking out pets, pats, and hugs when they want them!

Giving Them a "Job" (Especially If They're From a Working Breed)

"If a dog was bred for something specific, such as a herding dog or a hunting dog, you want to provide time where the dog is doing something with its skills," Grottini advises. "Something that might be a little different than a daily walk. For example, for hunting dogs or herding dogs, you may want to get a kid's remote-control car, put a stuffed animal on top of it, and move the car around the yard. For hunting dogs, you can also place good-smelling treats inside a toy and hide them around the yard, then give the dog a ‘find it' command. Things like this are very specific to their skills, but they are having fun with you and not really working."

This is not only a good way to demonstrate your love for your dog, but if your dog's from an active working breed, it may be important for their mental health. A lot of dogs from highly active, goal-oriented working backgrounds get "stir crazy" when their innate skills aren't actively engaged, which can cause them to become anxious and act out. If you sense that your dog needs a mental/physical outlet for their energy, try looking up some specific activities that tie into their genetic background, and see how they respond.

Working Out With Them

Are you trying to stay on top of your exercise regimen? Do you have a dog with a ton of extra energy to spare? If so, bring them along on your workout sessions! By doing so, it shows your dog you love them.

"If you are a person who likes to hike, run, or walk, and your dog is an active breed, then take your dog with you," Grottini encourages active dog parents. "This not only gives their bodies a good workout, but also gives them mental stimulation, especially if you take them to different places rather than the same spot every day. This opens their minds to different scents, sounds, and sights, giving mental stimulation. Doing things that the dog has the activity level for brings them closer to you."

Learning How They Communicate

Dogs can certainly learn to "get the gist" of a limited vocabulary from their owners, but they can't talk back to them. However, that doesn't mean they can't communicate-they just do it through body language instead. When you take the time to learn your dog's specific body language, you can better comprehend their feelings and be there for them in whatever capacity they need you.

If you don't know where to begin, Grottini advises starting by watching your dogs as you intentionally engage in activities with them. Are they thrilled to be doing something fun with you, or does this activity seem to bother them? If so, how are they behaving?

"Some dogs are very vocal and cry with glee knowing you are about to do something with them," Grottini explains. "Other dogs show it through body language. A happy wagging tail over the dog's back is very different from an unhappy/fearful tail slowly wagging and pointing down, or a high alert tail that is sticking straight out and stiff. It is important to take note of these body positions so you can learn when they are happy, when they are fearful, and when they are on high alert."

Positive Training

Did you know that dogs can feel love from their owners by the way they are trained? It's true! Training your dog on basic obedience skills is a key part of any dog owner's job-without it, there's no reliable way to redirect them from negative behaviors. However, Sally Grottini thinks that training should go beyond the basics like "sit," "stay," and "heel," as many dogs relish the opportunity to learn something new. However, that extra training should always be couched in positivity: positive reinforcement, positive attitude, and positive feedback, like telling your dog "Good job!" Reward good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior and mistakes, always use a friendly, upbeat voice, and above all else, be consistent!

"Dogs can learn through consistency as well by putting a name to something you are about to do with your dog that you know the dog loves," says Grottini. "For instance, one of my dogs loved people so much that if I used the words 'people walk' and then I picked up his duck, he would cry with delight. He knew a people walk was not an ordinary walk up the street, but a walk through town. He enjoyed it when business owners and patrons came out to the sidewalk and gave him some love. He carried his duck through the streets and then would put his duck on the ground as people approached so he could give them all his attention; when done, he would pick his duck up and continue walking through town until the next group of people came out to say hi to him."

Of course, some dogs are on the shyer side, and your dog's favorite activity may be something totally different. However, if your dog seems open to friendly interactions on "people walks" and other outings, Grottini highly encourages it.

"This is not only a good way to bond between you and the dog, but also to have other humans bond with it," she explains. "Humans always say that when it comes to our children, the more family around to love them, the better. That is the same with dogs who have that human connection."

Being Their Source of Protection

Just like people, dogs get scared sometimes. Even in the most supportive and sheltered environments, scary and unfamiliar things will arise that take your dog out of their comfort zone: a violent thunderstorm, a visiting stranger, a holiday fireworks display. While positive training and socialization can do a lot to build up your dog's emotional resilience, it's also important that they know they can turn to you whenever they're anxious or unsure. That means, clueing into your dog's body language and noticing what scares them. Grottini warns that consistently exposing your dog to something they're fearful of can damage their trust in you, even if it's done completely unintentionally. Because of this, you want to show your dog you love them by letting them know you are their safe place.

"For instance, your dog may really enjoy a walk with you daily, but they are fearful of people or other pets," Grottini explains. "If this is the case, then you don't want to have people walk up to them or take them near someone who is also walking their dog. So when out for a walk with your pup that has this temperament, when you see something that they are getting anxious about, cross the street. When you do this consistently, it will help them learn that you are not going to put it in situations that frighten them. You will soon see that the walks will become more soothing, bonding and enjoyable for your dog."

The Most Important Way How You Can Show Your Dog That You Love Them

At the end of the day, your biggest takeaway should be that to truly show your dog that you love them, you need to understand them on a deep, fundamental level. As Grottini affirms, "It is very important to know your dog's temperament and keep consistent with your dog so it can enjoy and trust your time together."

Like in any other relationship, your dog wants to feel "seen," even if they don't think of it in the same way that we humans do. When you're clued into what your dog likes and dislikes, what excites them and what frightens them, you can provide them with the kind of consistent care that they can rely on. You'll be your dog's rock, with them knowing that they can always rely on you to play with them when they're happy and comfort them when they're down.

Source:

Sally Grottini, JustAnswer's masterful dog training expert

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This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 3:10 AM.