Why Do Dogs Love Humans? What the Science Says (Vet-Reviewed)

We all know that dogs are man’s best friend, but it turns out that man is dog’s best friend too! While you need to be careful not to give your pup too many personifications, science does support the idea that dogs form deep emotional bonds with their humans.

But how do we know this? How do they show us, and how can we show them that we love them too? There are some important questions to get right, so keep reading to learn everything you need to know.

The 3 Scientific Reasons Our Dogs Love Us

While your dog may show some clear signs that look like love, these are still behaviors we interpret as affection. The only way to know for sure is to dive into science, and that’s exactly what we did here.

1. Genetics

Scientists have run studies comparing wolf puppies and dog puppies, and the results are clear: dog puppies show stronger attachment to their human caregivers. This makes sense from an evolutionary standpoint, as humans selectively bred dogs to bond with and respond to people in ways that wolves and most other animals do not.

Over time, humans placed focus on traits that encouraged dogs to seek connection with us, creating an animal that is especially inclined to form close bonds with people. As a result, dogs are genetically predisposed toward strong social attachment with humans.

2. Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a chemical in humans that plays a key role in bonding and feelings of love, and dogs have the same chemical working in their brains. Scientists have observed oxytocin levels in dogs increasing when they’re near people they’re closely bonded to, highlighting just how strong the human–dog bond can be.

3. Unique Brainwaves

All it takes to see how much a dog values their owner is a look at their brain activity, even when all they get is their owner’s scent. Dogs can recognize these scents, and their brains show activation in reward and bonding areas, highlighting the strong attachment they feel to their humans.

The 4 Ways to Know Your Dog Loves You

While science shows that dogs form strong attachments to their owners, they express these bonds in a variety of ways. They can’t speak the words, but they communicate their feelings through behavior and body language, letting you know just how much they value you.

1. Wagging Their Tails

Dogs often show their excitement and positive feelings by wagging their tails. If they wag their tails when they see you or when they’re around you, it’s a strong sign that they’re happy to be near you. They don’t need to wag their tail all the time, but even doing it when they first see you means they’re happy just because you’re around.

2. They Want to Be With You

If your dog is constantly trying to be near you, following you around the house, or even climbing into bed with you at the end of the day, it’s a sign that they enjoy your company and feel secure around you. Wanting to spend time with you is one of the clearest ways dogs show their attachment and bond with their humans.

3. They Bring You Things

Is your dog dropping their toys or treats at your feet? Sometimes it’s because they want to play, and other times it’s a way of interacting with you and showing that they trust and enjoy your company. By offering the things they value, dogs are expressing their social bond with you, which is very meaningful from their perspective.

4. They Seek You Out for Safety

When things scare your dog, are they constantly running to you for comfort and safety? While this might drive you nuts at times, it’s also a clear sign that they trust you and look to you to keep them safe.

The 3 Ways to Show Your Dog You Love Them

Your dog does a great job of showing that they love you in their own way, but how can you return the favor? The good news is that you're likely already doing everything you need to, but once you know how to show them a little more love, you can make it even clearer that you love them as much as they love you!

1. Care for Them

Dogs recognize that you provide for their needs, and this helps strengthen their bond with you. You don’t need to go overboard—taking them for regular daily walks, feeding them a high-quality food and occasional treats, spending time with them, and making sure they have fresh water are all simple ways to support their well-being and reinforce the attachment they feel toward you.

2. Spend Time With Them

This is all your dog really wants, so if you're really trying to show them how much you love them, give it to them! Of course, your dog will likely want all your time, but the more of it you can give them, the happier they'll be.

3. Give Them Treats and Toys

Dogs love their treats and toys, and when you give them a little more than usual, they'll notice. Pick them up a new toy from time to time and give them some of their favorite treats, and they'll really start to understand how much you care for them.

Final Thoughts

We love our dogs, and they form strong bonds with us in their own ways, no matter how you look at it! While we can’t know for sure that they experience love exactly as humans do, they do have the same brain chemicals, like oxytocin and dopamine, that support attachment and positive social bonds. So go ahead and love your dog with the confidence that comes from knowing they are deeply bonded to you, too.

• See Also: 15 Vet-Reviewed Things Dogs Love: The Ultimate Happy Pup Activity List

Featured Image Credit: Bachkova Natalia, Shutterstock