There is usually no doubt that a dog loves its owner. What to do to owners who are not sure that their pets love and trust them? A sensitive topic, a necessary, but catchy vanity of any person. It is difficult to admit mistakes, especially when they are obvious. Let's study the “symptoms” of not quite harmonious relations with the dog and see how to fix the situation.
How does a dog express love for the owner?
Agree, the statement that the dog is a person’s best friend is confirmed by many facts. The owners of the four-legged dogs have no doubts that dogs love them, however, some disturbing signs may make the owner doubt the seemingly indisputable fact.
The attitude of the dog of its owner is a complex science that cannot be understood from the outside. Most owners cannot explain why they are confident in the love of the animal. The reason is that the pet’s relationship is intuitive.
If in doubt, clarify the underlying factors. Dogs are not bad, mean, insidious, they do not in spite and never harm the owner intentionally. A dog is if you want, your reflection, the result of your attitude to the pet in a “symbiosis” with upbringing.
Many years of work by zoologists, zoopsychologists, veterinarians and other specialists have confirmed the fact that the dog always strives to be good for the owner. If any “irregularities” have arisen in the relationship with your ward, the work must begin with finding the cause of the problems that have arisen and eliminating them.
Recent studies have shown that there are certain signs that indicate that the dog has positive feelings for one of the family members or the owner. A very clear sign that the dog loves you and considers you the head of the family is waiting for punishment after misconduct. Scientists have found that most animals do not take into account the fact that the past exists.
According to studies by dogs, guilt is not inherent. Having committed an ugly act, a pet can expect punishment only if he knows that you are upset and upset by this fact.
If the dog has committed an offense and remembers it, it makes efforts to this process that are motivated by the tender feelings of the owner. You probably want to ask, so why does a dog scoot if it loves me? Go back a few paragraphs above - dogs never do anything in spite, if your pet has committed an offense there is a reason for this and needs to be discovered.
Dogs often exhibitjealousy. If you have brought another pet, and stopped paying attention to your older ward, he may begin to make not very pleasant deeds. In the best case, your slippers will suffer, in the worst, the younger pet will get a slap in the face from the older one.
In one of the veterinary magazines, an article was published substantiating the fact of the presence of a feeling of jealousy in dogs. Scientists who observed observed that dogs showed envious and jealous behavior when their owners paid attention to other animal friends or strangers.
The study conducted not only a visual assessment of the condition of the dog, but also a study of its brain activity. The testimony confirmed the guess of scientists. Fluctuations in brain waves that occur when a dog is jealous of its owner for another animal, introduced the “subject” in a state of severe stress.
You can be sure that the dog loves and trusts you if you have noticed it at least once. attempts to imitate your behavior. If your pet is trying to help you take out the trash, mop the floor, shake out the rug lying near the door, this is an imitation. All pets tend to gain life experience, but copying someone else's behavior can be called unnatural.
An interesting experiment was conducted to confirm the theory of imitation of the owner’s behavior. The study involved 100 dogs and their owners. The four-legged ones were kept away, allowing them to observe the situation as their owners turned to other people for help. In response to the request, the owners either received assistance or were grossly ignored.
The next stage of the experiment was that people who refused help to the dog owner tried to make contact with the four-legged. The vast majority of dogs ignored treats and other irritants from strangers who rejected their owners. At the second stage of the experiment, the dogs watched their owners curse with the same defendants. After observation, more than half of the tetrapods showed aggression towards strangers.
Does your dog recognize you in person? If so, you can be sure she loves you. Oddly enough, dogs have bad memory on their faces. Four-legged animals recognize their acquaintances by smell, less often by their visual appearance (silhouette, gait) and behavior. If your pet is happy and excited when he sees you in a window or, for example, on a monitor screen, this indicates increased attention from the dog to you.
To confirm this theory, an experiment was also conducted, which took more time and required more serious technologies that study the work of the brain. The experiment was carried out using the famous Skype program. The dogs were shown their owners in a video chat, while recording their brain function.
It was found that when dogs saw the face of their owner, certain areas of the brain that were responsible for visual and olfactory memory were excited in them. Based on this experiment, scientists made an assumption that when a dog sees the owner’s face on the monitor, it smells (remembers) it, but this hypothesis has not been proved.
Finally, it is worth talking about the experiment that the Japanese conducted. Long-standing debates about whether dogs love their owners were resolved once and for all. Although modern science rejects the very fact that a dog may experience unconditional love for a person, the experiment showed the opposite.
For this study, a control group of people who were in love and separated from their halves was selected. The second group consisted of dogs and their owners, who were briefly separated.
Control observations were carried out at a time when the participants of the first and second groups met with their "halves". It is known that human love is accompanied by a constant, pleasant, “tickling” feeling ... which is the result of a massive release of endorphins into the blood. Data recorded by scientists showed that dogs have a similar release of endorphins when meeting with the owner.
How the animal relates to its owner
In most cases, the behavior of the dog is interpreted by herding instincts. The leader of the pack for the animal, is one who is close at difficult times during vaccinations or in the treatment process. The dog feels the reliable strength and influence of its leader.
Extremely important episodes in the life of an animal among people are:
- full satisfaction in natural needs - walks, feeding and games,
- security
- fair and strict behavior.
Once in the new owners, the little puppy does not immediately understand which person will become the leader. The choice of the main authority takes place no earlier than 5 months. But this depends not only on age, but also on the characteristics of the breed and the mentality of the animal.
Note! As soon as you get a pet, you should not immediately engage in education in terms of training and team training. It is necessary to give time to the pet in order to get comfortable in a new place and determine a leader for yourself.
To become an authority for a dog, it is necessary to satisfy its basic needs as much as possible. You need to constantly add food to his bowl, change the water for drinking more often, and also remember to play regularly, while teaching new teams. Refuse to strictness when raising a puppy is not worth it. This will enhance the influence of man and show who is the boss in the house.
Signs that the dog is showing feelings
A person would always like to know how his pet feels, why he is afraid of loud noises and how much the dog loves you. Many studies in the field of animal psychology prove that all dogs reveal their emotions in approximately the same way. This type of behavior has become inherent in them because of cohabitation with people for many millennia.
The main signs that a dog loves its owner are:
- Spending the maximum amount of time with the owner nearby - the best place in the home is the place next to the owner. The pet tries to spend all his free time nearby when not busy with his important business. People who are not of interest to the animal will surely fade into the background.
- The joy of a pet returning to its owner - strong joys after a person comes home is considered one of the most reliable signs that the animal loves and is waiting for its owner. Animals are designed in such a way that they will not rejoice at those to whom they are indifferent.
- Calm perception of leaving home - it is believed that the pet’s experiences associated with leaving a person even for a short time are a sign of strong love. Scientists have proven that this fact is not entirely accurate. The puppy should calmly respond to the owner's care, this will indicate that the animal absolutely trusts the owner.
- Shared sleep - a devoted pet always tries to sleep next to the owner.
- The arrival of the dog after the meal - after the animal has eaten, it begins to focus on the most important thing for it. If a dog after eating comes just to lie on his feet, this means that he loves his master very much.
- The best toys are the owner’s personal belongings. A dog is inclined to wear shoes and socks of her beloved family members not at all because she likes it. In most cases, the animal so shows its love.
Dog for everyone
When allocating care responsibilities, the animal often builds special relationships with each member of an individual family. So, with some people, the pet will be happy to play outdoor games, with others it’s easy to walk.
The most good-natured and cheerful dog breeds are:
The order of subordination of the lower members of the family to the highest should be arranged in the form of a step, on each of which there is a person. At the very top should be the head of the family. The dog that lives in the house clearly shows the attitude towards the household. For the most part, dogs treat children as equals, while adults listen and respect in their own way.
In order to better understand your pet, there are some rules that you need to know in the behavior of the dog. Thus, the animal feels awkward and may even be afraid if someone speaks to them in a low voice or, on the contrary, squeals a lot. Sharp sounds are not pleasant to them. Excessively fast movements and randomness can cause stress in the dog.
Insecure movements lead the dogs into a state of confusion. Like a person, the animal does not feel confident if the partner is too timid and shy. The dog begins to be nervous in those cases, if the individual distance is violated.
It is possible to make a dog nervous even if they are not allowed to satisfy their interest in some object or phenomenon. An animal may develop emotional imbalance if it is not allowed to communicate with its relatives and is not given freedom of action.
Note! A dog in stressful situations reacts much more sharply to irritants than in a calm state.
How to establish leadership in the home
Quite often it happens that a person devotes a lot of time to a dog, but the animal continues to behave ugly, bark and bite. But with the other family member, on the contrary - restrained and friendly. In such cases, a person is lost in conjecture, and cannot understand what caused this inequality. It's simple enough the animal feels who is actually the master. The main leader is the one who does not constantly and unreasonably indulge the dog, allowing him to climb on the bed and steal food from the table, and the one who keeps the dog in severity.
Before you start a pet, it is important to correctly prioritize between households. Trying in every way to please the animal, the owner only makes it worse. Thus, it shows that the leader in the pack is not a person, but a dog. In advanced situations, the dog begins to simply drive the person away from certain places, and sometimes begins to bark loudly during joint walks. To train an uncontrollable and spoiled dog is possible exclusively with the help of trainings conducted by dog handlers. This will not only make life easier with the dog, but also correctly understand how to behave with the pet.
Do not be upset if the dog chose the leader of someone else from the family and it does not matter what age the pet is. You can determine the place of a dog inside a peculiar flock using several rules:
- the presence of his resting place at the dog,
- strict prohibition of jumping on people and sofas,
- training elementary teams.
It is worth remembering that for both a child and a small puppy, it is extremely important to feel confident in your patron.
The fact that the owner will protect, will be nearby in difficult times, will respond to signals of anxiety and fear. Therefore, in order to feel the love of your pet for yourself, you must sincerely love him. Animals do not perceive falsehood!
The relationship of man and dog
The history of humans and dogs has been closely intertwined for several millennia. Several thousand years have passed since the dogs were trained. Thanks to the work of dog handlers and geneticists, many different breeds have been bred. When breeding a new pedigree line, much attention is paid to improving the decorative, working qualities of our smaller brothers. In addition, experts and dog handlers continue to explore these unique animals.
Since ancient times, dogs, thanks to special unique qualities and abilities, have been involved in various areas of our life. Moreover, the result of coexistence with a man in our smaller brothers developed a special affection for us, a connection at the genetic level, and it is no secret that many who have brought a dog at least once in their life cannot imagine their future life without a faithful, devoted pet .
However, many skeptics claim that sincere dog love and affection does not exist. Animals, showing any feelings for us or doing service, simply “pay” for food, attention, care, shelter over their heads. But is it really so and really our pets love a person for certain benefits? Let's try to figure this out.
Dog Love Indicators
Dogs, like any rational living creatures, are able to express their emotions and do this with the help of certain poses, facial expressions of their faces, timbre of voice, gaze. Knowing the dog’s language, you can understand what a pet feels and tries to convey to a person.
One of the proofs of true dog love is unlimited devotion.As a rule, the dog is most attached, loves and recognizes only one owner, whom he considers the main "leader" of his pack, but at the same time gives his devotion and love to all members of his family who care, care and respect the animal.
The dog will undoubtedly be and should obey all family members, without exception, including children, but still, one person, namely the owner, will be for her the "center of the universe." Even a short separation from your beloved host can cause severe stress, not to mention the change of family.
According to well-known dog handlers and experts, if a dog is infinitely loyal to you and loves you, he will “hug you with his eyes”. Of course, dogs look into the eyes of everyone, even those who, in fact, are indifferent to them, but with you the pet will turn its back and look away from the stranger after a short visual contact, feeling awkward.
Experienced dog breeders well understand the meaning of this phrase. The dog looks into your eyes during contact, playing, hugging, when he wants to attract attention, and during this period in the human and animal body there is an increased production of the hormone of happiness, love and affection. About the same thing is noted when the mother contacts the baby. This is one of the most important manifestations of trust, devotion to your pet.
Long-term studies of veterinarians, zoologists, and zoopsychologists have helped to establish that if a dog loves and trusts you, it expresses this not only with its appearance and behavior, but also strives to be good for its owner. The dog is bored when the owner is not nearby, and is looking forward to his return home. Next to the person whom the dog 100% trusts, she feels calm and peaceful.
The dog will attract attention in a variety of ways and not even always with good behavior and actions. Often, the owner took the time for the pet, the dog can naughty. For example, many dogs, if they do not receive proper attention or feel lonely in their flock family, in the absence of their owners can literally “turn” the apartment upside down (tear wallpaper, gnaw furniture, clothes). Oddly enough, but it can also be called one of the signs of the manifestation of dog love, albeit in such an extraordinary way.
Important! Even having committed an offense, showing disobedience, if the pet is really attached to you and considers it the head of the family, he will expect punishment, and this, despite the fact that the dogs do not have a sense of guilt. It's just that the dog understands that his act will upset the owner and is ready to bear the deserved punishment. In addition, dogs never make the owner out of spite.
Dogs are jealous, and if you began to devote less time to your pet, or a new pet appeared in the house, he gets more attention, the dog may be offended, showing this with all his appearance, behavior. The animal shows disobedience or even aggression towards the new ward.
Signs that your dog loves you
Even if you are not experienced dog owners, you can understand by the signs listed below that the dog loves you. Of course, the concept of love, trust and affection is very relative, but believe me, over time you will learn to distinguish between them. The basis of any harmonious relationship with the pet is trust and respect, and love (whatever you call it) comes with time.
Your dog whines and wags its tail strongly, When you come home? The intensity of the manifestation of emotions depends on the temperament and age of the dog. Puppies and young dogs show their affection more pronounced. A flurry of emotions can weaken a little when the dog makes sure that you treat her well and that no matter where you return home.
Dogs express their love by licking.
Yes, for many this is not very pleasant or unhygienic, but if your pet licks his hands and face, be sure - he loves you.
The dog’s love for the owner complete with an overabundance of emotions often leads to the fact that the pet jumps on the owner with the whole body. From the point of view of education, the habit of jumping on people is harmful. If your pet insists on jumping after you come home, think about spending more time with him and taking him up more seriously. The desire to jump into your arms can be due to poor education, as well as an acute lack of attention or an attempt to dominate.
Dogs who love their owners try constantly smell them. You may notice that the dog sneaks away your clothing items, such as a sock or sweater, which you removed after a working day. To avoid damage to your belongings, it is best to immediately highlight an old sweater or other item with your smell for the dog.
We have already said above that the dog will not feel guilty towards someone she does not like. If you notice how the pet to build eyes after the misconduct is a clear sign of tender feelings. Jealousy for a soul mate or other pet also confirms the dog’s love for the owner.
It may not be obvious, but the dog will never play with someone who is experiencing negative feelings. If your pet is happy to bring you a ball for a walk, this is an obvious sign of his love for you..
Dogs loving their owners try to stay in contact for as long as possible. Against this background, the pet can develop very unusual habits. Some owners say that they cannot even go to the toilet alone because their dog follows them everywhere. Some owners share revelations that they can’t take to the bathroom alone, their dog scratches the door and carefully watches the owner ... apparently, so as not to drown.
To avoid such incidents with an already adult dog, the pet must be taught to remain alone in puppyhood. This process is long, painstaking and requires patience, but it is necessary. Dogs that are not tamed to be left without an owner often suffer from stress, howl and mess out alone.
Signs of dog love
Dog handlers, scientists, experienced dog breeders shared the main features that will make it clear that the dog really loves you, trusts you and is infinitely loyal to you. And this is not necessarily an energetic wagging tail or the joy of meeting even after a short separation.
The main manifestations of dog love for man:
- Dog snuggles up to the owner. If the pet trusts you, he considers you a friend and protector. Leaning on you, the dog feels support, feels more confident. She is comfortable next to you in any situation and in any place. If the pet relies on you after a walk, food, in this way he expresses gratitude and his love.
- Dog loves to play with you., calls on you to games, active pastime, shares his toys. The dog will not growl if you approach its resting place or favorite toys that the pet considers its property.
- The pet loves to sleep near you, so pay attention to where the animal prefers to relax. Small decorative dogs also enjoy sitting on the lap or hands of their beloved master.
- Licking. If the dog is constantly loving, trying to lick you at any opportunity, this is a manifestation of boundless love, devotion, gratitude, strong emotional attachment. The dog, if she loves, she will lick her face, hands.
- Yawning. If the dog next to you is well and calm, she will yawn, especially if you are yawning. No wonder they say that yawning is contagious. A similar impulse is characteristic of both people and our smaller brothers. Animals, in fact, copy the habits of their owners, imitating us like children.
- Dog raises eyebrows. Mimicry of the muzzle, as well as the look, are some of the most obvious indicators of the attitude of animals to humans. When meeting a man whom the dog considers his master, he kind of raises his eyebrows. The look becomes expressive, cheerful.
- The dog will recognize you in person. Dogs have poor facial memory. Animals determine a familiar person by smell, gait, voice. But if a doggie wags its tail, seeing you from a window, reacts to an image, a photo on the monitor is another sign of strong affection and dog love.
Your pet will take care of you, for example, if you are injured, emergency care is required. There are many cases when dogs saved the lives of their owners, members of their families. The dog will defend itself without thinking about the strength and advantages of his opponent. Often, dogs saved the lives of not only the owners, but completely strangers.
Doubt about the pet's attitude towards you? Analyze the dog’s behavior while walking. If the dog walks next to you confidently, in measured steps, raising its head high, the dog obeys and eagerly executes commands, does not show unreasonable aggression towards strangers, other animals, doesn’t let you out of sight with free walking, even playing on the court with its relatives - it is a sign of complete trust, affection.
If the dog breaks off the leash, pulls the leash, often disappears from view, reluctantly executes commands, your pet shows dominance, but this does not mean that the dog does not love you. To correct this behavior and to instill the necessary skills in the pet will help the systematic training, working with a dog handler.
When you leave home, the dog watches you or to the door, but the dog does not panic and behaves naturally, calmly. It is also the highest degree of trust. The pet, though it will be bored, but knows that you will definitely return.
If your dog, meeting you, brings toys, bounces, whines, lays back, puts his tummy, actively wagging his tail - this is another sign of manifestation of love in its purest form.
Important! Note that puppies, young dogs express and show their feelings more emotionally.
Undoubtedly, each dog is individual and can show its attitude and affection for a person in different ways, but if you treat your pet correctly and with love, he will thank you with the same “coin”. These are social pets who constantly need affection, care, attention, systematic care and proper education.
Dogs cannot stand betrayal, long separation from their beloved owner and members of their family. It can end badly for your pet. There are many real stories that prove the unlimited fidelity and devotion of these unique animals to humans, so if you decide to get a dog, weigh the pros and cons well.
