For The Love of Dog

When I saw this picture on facebook, my heart melts. I swore I'll make a blog about dogs.

Dogs communicate their moods, emotions, and desires in a variety of ways, from obvious to subtle. Fred Metzger theorized that dogs love us as long as we continue to reward their tricks and antics with treats and attention:

"Dogs probably don't feel love in the typical way humans do. Dogs make investments in human beings because it works for them. They stand something to gain from putting so-called emotions out there. The more 'cute factor' they give us, the more we feel like they love us. This makes it more likely that we will give them more attention, food treats, outdoor access -- all based on how much of a show they put on for us."

"Their loyalty is unconditional - much like that between a parent and child. For the most part, our dogs would go to bat for us, even on our worst and most intolerable day. All parents have days when they may not really like their kid that much, but they always love them unconditionally; even parents of troubled or criminal children love them on some level. The love and the loyalty that drives that emotion is instinctual. I think dogs have a 'love' or connection with their humans that is free of preconceived perceptions."

- Burgard

Emotions underlie intraspecies communication, from barking to growling to the baring of teeth to show anger and aggression. So, are those "puppy dog eyes" signaling true love or a manipulation to get dog biscuits out of you? As long as science remains undecided, the meaning of your dog's "happily" wagging tail is up for interpretation.

12 Ways Puppies Show Love to People

(Source:  http://puppies.about.com/od/PuppyLoveBrags/a/Puppy-Love-Do-Dogs-Love.htm)

1. Puppies love with wags. Considered a “distance decreasing signal” a puppy tail wag often invites you to come closer begs for attention. 

2. Puppies love with licks. Slurping your hands or—even better—aiming a smooch at your eyes or mouth is a canine declaration that YOU are TOPS with him! This submission gesture often is used in greetings or as an appeasement gesture—a way to say I’m sorry—when you act upset. 

3. Puppies love with leaps. Jumping up looks cute in small babies but once he grows up, these love leaps can knock you over and break a hip in elderly visitors. He’s jumping up to aim licks at your face—that’s a proper doggy greeting after all. You can always kneel for a face-slurping greeting, or teach your puppy a better greeting like to sit when you come home. 

4. Puppies love by rolling over. Besides enjoying a tummy rub, showing the tummy puts puppies in a vulnerable position that declares trust and affection. Rolling over in front of more powerful dogs—or people—is how puppies show through body language they offer no threat and want to be friends. 

5. Puppies love by shaking paws. Dogs often offer a paw just before they roll over. Puppies paw your leg to ask for attention. 

6. Puppies love by crawling into your lap. They crave contact with you and a sign of deep affection and trust can be leaning against you or resting across your feet. 

7. Puppies love by napping with you. They show great trust by falling asleep on your lap, and sharing your pillow can be a great treat for you both. 

8. Puppies love by wetting the floor. This is different than urine marking. Even when pups understand potty training basics, they may squat and wet when you first greet them or raise your voice. Technically called submissive urination, consider this gesture your puppy’s way of crying uncle and declaring you to be in charge. 

9. Puppies love by chewing your stuff. Sure, it feels good for teething babies to gnaw, but they target certain objects because they smell like their most beloved person—you. 

10. Puppies love with crotch sniffs. They mean no disrespect, and to dogs, sniffing this (ahem) area is the equivalent to shaking hands in greeting. Older pups may even offer a return of the favor and present their butt for you to sniff. 

11. Puppies love with play. They invite owners to play, bring you gifts of their favorite toys, and eagerly join in your games—sometimes whether you want them to or not. 

12. Puppies love with smiles. Some dogs actually learn to "grin" by lifting their lips to show a fun toothy smile to show their happiness and affection. 

They never talk about themselves but listen to you while you talk about yourself, and keep up an appearance of being interested in the conversation. :)