Dog expert names signs you have a ‘special bond’ with your pet

An expert has revealed the top five signs that your dog adores you. Showing affection to your furry friend can be done in numerous ways, from indulging them with their favourite treats to taking them on extended walks and showering them with attention.

But how do you know if your pooch reciprocates the love? Caroline Clark, a Clinical Animal Behaviour Counsellor at Aldgate Veterinary Practice, has identified the key indicators of canine affection, stating: “Those of us who are lucky enough to have a dog in our lives know only too well that they are capable of developing strong emotional connections with us. This is built on trust, companionship, and care. However, unlike humans who tend to express love using words and tactile communication, dogs tend to show their affection in different ways.”

1. Greeting you excitedly

Caroline elaborated on the first sign of your dog’s love: “A full body wiggle when you return after a period of absence and a big doggy ‘smile’ and a loose or whirling tail, sometimes referred to as the ‘helicopter tail’, are gestures that some dogs reserve for extra special humans in their life.”

2. Making relaxed eye contact

“Studies indicate that eye contact plays a vital role in social interactions between humans and dogs. Interestingly, dogs tend to avoid direct eye contact with other dogs as this can be a threatening gesture, yet a mutual soft and relaxed gaze appears to be a defining feature of the special bond between domestic dogs and trusted humans.”

3. Providing a comforting presence when they detect you’re down

“Dogs that have a close bond with their human seem to have the ability to know when they feel upset and tend to be close-by to offer a calming presence,” stated Caroline.

“Researchers have discovered that oxytocin, a hormone that is associated with the forging of close relationships, plays a key role in the bond between dogs and their owners.

“Simply making eye contact increases oxytocin levels in both dogs and humans, with stronger bonds leading to a greater effect. In fact, a dog’s oxytocin levels can rise just by being in the presence of their owner.

“Dogs experience the world primarily through their incredible sense of smell. Their reactions to different smells also reflect their emotions.

“Using MRI technology, scientists examined dogs’ brain activity when exposed to the scents of both familiar and unfamiliar people.

“The study found that a dog’s ‘reward centre’ in the brain, called the caudate nucleus, became activated most strongly when detecting the scent of their owner.

“This region, rich in dopamine receptors, responds to pleasurable experiences in both dogs and humans, mirroring how human brains respond when seeing images of loved ones.

“Although we may never fully understand what our dogs are thinking, most pet parents have no doubt that dogs are capable of love-one of the many reasons we love them in return.”