Best Ways to Say ‘I Love You’ in Dog Language

Patrick Mull |
Golden retriever for valentine's day. A beautiful dog sits on a white background with red hearts.
Shutterstock/Kashaeva Irina

We all know our dogs love us unconditionally. Their unwavering loyalty and devotion to us is unmatched. They may not be able to say those three little words, but they have a myriad of ways of showing us love. Wagging tails, nose nudges, licks, and cuddles are just a few. But how do you say “I love you” back to your dog in a language that they’ll understand? Let’s get ready for Valentine’s Day by looking at some of the best ways you can express your love for them too.

And don’t forget to show your pup a little extra love this Valentine’s Day with a heartwarming gift from our Valentine’s collection.

Talk and Sing

Young latin woman plays the guitar and kisses her dog (french bulldog)

Dogs love the sound of their human’s voice. In fact, talking to your dog in a calm and soothing tone can help reduce anxiety, making them feel more comfortable and secure. Engaging in conversation or singing to your dog can strengthen the bond you share, stimulate their brains, and promote their overall health and happiness.  

Make a little music to sing along to with the Valentine’s Jigglerz® – Pink Bear!

Listen Up

Just like in human relationships, actively listening to your canine partner shows them that you care about and respect their feelings. To practice active listening with your dog, sit down and give them your full attention. Pay close attention to their body language, listen to any sounds they make, and respond to their cues appropriately. 

Small brown dog lying on the bed by the girl using laptop and barking

The Valentine’s Caterpillar – Deluxe with 7 Squeakers is guaranteed to get your attention!

Make Eye Contact

Small brown dog lying on the bed by the girl using laptop and barking

Lovingly making eye contact with your dog is a great way to bond and let them know that you care for them. Sharing a loving gaze with your dog can cause the release oxytocin in you both. Sometimes referred to as the “love hormone,” oxytocin increases positive feelings while reducing stress and anxiety in both you and your dog.

Share more than just a loving gaze with the Squeakie Crawler – Betsey the Ladybug!

Pet and Rub

Your dog’s desire for physical contact and displays of affection can easily be satisfied by you petting them. A good petting session shows that you love them and helps to maintain the bond you share. When it comes to petting, aim for the neck, back, sides, and belly – although rubbing or scratching behind the ears is often ideal. 

owner caressing gently her dog

Add a touch of sweetness to your affection with a Donutz – Strawberry toy!

Cuddle and Nap

Jack Russell Terrier dog sleeps wrapped in a blanket next to his owner

Cuddling and napping with your pet is a great way to show love and affection. It strengthens your emotional connection and provides them with the safety and comfort they need for restful sleep. Cuddling also helps you both to relax and destress, as it increases oxytocin levels and decreases feelings of loneliness.

Take cuddling and napping to the next level with a Valentine’s Brainey – Bear in Love!

Play and Exercise

Dogs love to play, especially if it involves interacting with you. Having your full attention while doing something fun shows that you love them. Playing provides the much needed mental and physical stimulation your dog needs. Plus, the physical and mental exercise is good for you too. A couple of 5 to 10-minute play sessions a day should do the trick.

Tennis ball and dog. Ball to throw to dog. Green ball in his hand. Playing with pet.

Tug at their active little heart with the Valentine’s RopeTugz® – Bear!

Groom and Pamper

Grooming a Maltipu Puppy. Combing purebred dogs.

Ensuring your dog is looking and feeling their best is a great way to show that you care about them. Regular brushings, baths, teeth cleanings, along with coat and nail trimmings will help keep them smelling and looking nice. Pamper them with a few “spa day” treats as well and you will have them in doggie heaven.  

Cap off your grooming session by treating them to Valentine’s Miniz 3-Pack Heart Cookies!

Lean and Let Lean

When your dog leans into you, they are telling you that they love you and want to be close to you. When you lean back, they’ll know that their love is reciprocated. If your dog is feeling nervous or anxious, allowing them to lean into you will provide them with feelings of comfort and security. In this case, leaning back can reassure them that you are there for them.

A brown and white Australian Kelpie dog leaning its head and body against the leg of a person while looking up.

Lean into love with an extra special and adorable Bouquet of Roses!

Images used under license from Shutterstock.com

Valentine’s Day Doggie Grams

To help you spread the love this Valentine’s Day, we created these doggone cute Valentine’s Day Doggie Grams for you to share! Right-click and “save as” to download each Valentine Gram for FREE!

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