One Simple Behavior Could Reveal If Your Dog Truly Loves You

Is there really any way to tell if your dog loves you?

One pet owner thinks so, and voiced in an Instagram post that they can determine the extent of their dog's affection for them by how often they flop their body weight onto them.

According to the owner, who manages their one-year-old golden retriever's Instagram account, @finleythedogg_, "when a dog puts their whole body weight on you it's their way of petting you and telling you that they love you."

Since being shared to the social media platform on December 12, the viral video has been viewed more than 4.5 million times and the account now has more than 6,000 followers.

"Yep, knew this one," one user commented under the post.

Another user wrote: "My dog must be in love with me because he just throws all 10 pounds of himself."

How Can You Tell If Your Dog Loves You?

Two veterinary experts told Newsweek that there is some truth to the claim in the viral post, and offered more tips on how curious pet owners can assess the level of their bond with their furry friend.

Happy, Wagging Tails

"Happy excited greetings are a dead giveaway. A dog that greets you enthusiastically when you come home, with a wagging tail, excited barking and jumping, is clearly expressing their joy at your return. This behavior shows that they've missed you and are glad you're back," Nick Horniman, a veterinary surgeon and founder of an online pet pharmacy, told Newsweek.

A vet at Chewy, Jess Hockaday, backs Horniman, adding that happy whining or barking can indeed indicate excitement and love from dog to owner.

"Different breeds have different relaxed tail positions, though a comfortable dog will generally raise their tail slightly to show happiness. Your dog may even take tail-wagging a step further with whole body wags, wiggles, or a happy dance," Hockaday said.

"They are showing you that they're happy and full of pure joy and love as it takes over their body. This also can indicate they are ready to play."

A Desire to Be Close

"Sometimes, dogs may even let out a high-pitched bark for a short period of time to express excitement and love. Make sure to read their body language to ensure the bark is a happy one," she advised.

Horniman went on to say that if your dog shows a desire to be near you, follows you from room to room or rests beside you it's a firm "sign" that they love you.

"This behavior shows that your dog feels comfortable and secure in your presence and prefers your company over being alone," he said.

"You can understand that they love you and feel comfortable with you if they simply want to be around you all the time, and that can even mean following you into the bathroom or sharing your bed," Hockaday added.

Sharing Toys

Both veterinarians said that bringing their owner toys is another way that dogs express their love and trust.

"It can be a sign they consider you part of their pack. Sharing toys with you can indicate they value your approval and enjoy engaging in playtime together," Horniman said.

Hockaday agreed: "In many cases, dogs love to share their prized possessions with their human family, too. Playing fetch with a dog's favorite tug toy, bringing a stick they found to show you and even bringing their bed over to play are all ways a dog shows affection."

Newsweek reached out to @finleythedogg_ for more information via email and Instagram.

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