Dogs are some of the most popular pets in households across the world. Their friendly and affectionate nature makes them wonderful companions for people of all ages. Dogs form strong bonds with their human families and friends. But do dogs actually enjoy hanging out with their owners, or do they just tolerate our company? Here we explore some telltale signs that indicate your dog really does like spending time with you.
Your dog gets excited when you come home
One of the most obvious indications that your dog enjoys your company is when they eagerly anticipate your arrival. Most dogs will start wagging their tail, jumping up, barking, or running to greet you when you come through the door. This type of excitement and positivity in their body language suggests they are happy to see you after a period of separation. Some dogs even howl or whine with joy when reunited with a beloved owner after time apart. If your dog shows these behaviors consistently when you return, it is likely they really do enjoy your company.
Certain breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Schnauzers are known for displaying enthusiastic “hellos.” But even independent dogs like Shiba Inus will show subtle signs of happiness, like a quick wagging tail and smiling expression, upon their person’s return. The level of excitement may vary from dog to dog, but any positive reaction indicates they like your company and appreciate when you come home to hang out with them.
Your dog follows you from room to room
It is quite common for dogs to follow their owners from room to room around the house. They often do this to make sure they are within eyesight of their human companion. The instinct to stay close comes from their ancestral wolf-pack mentality where members of a pack would stick together. This suggests that a dog who follows you closely as you move through the house takes comfort in being near you. They want to keep you within view so they can hang out with you wherever you are.
Some dogs may follow you out of boredom or anxiety when left alone. But for most dogs, shadowing their owner’s every move is a sign of affection and wanting to be included in your activities. Your dog likely considers you part of their pack and feels content staying close to watch you go about your daily routine. Letting your dog tag along with you from room to room allows them to settle in and enjoy your company.
Your dog often rests or sleeps next to you
When dogs voluntarily settle down to rest or nap beside you, this indicates they feel comfortable and content in your presence. In the wild, canines only sleep when they feel completely safe and free from threat. The fact that your dog is willing to assume this vulnerable position in close proximity shows they trust you and like being with you.
Dogs who truly enjoy the company of their owners will often follow them around until they sit or lie down, even if more comfortable beds are available. They seem happiest curling up on the floor at your feet or snuggling up next to you on the couch while you watch TV. By choosing to relax and sleep near you when they could be anywhere else, dogs are voting with their paws that hanging out with you is their top preference.
Your dog wants to play with you
Inviting you to play is one of the clearest indications that your dog likes spending time with you. Play between dogs and owners strengthens social bonding and satisfaction. When your dog brings you a ball or toy and entices you to play tug of war, fetch, or chase, they are communicating their desire to engage with you in a fun, positive way.
The natural drive to play stems from a dog’s hunting heritage. Playing games allows them to practice skills like chasing, grabbing, and killing prey. But play with human companions also taps into their social instinct for contact and interaction. So when your dog nudges their favorite rope toy toward you or drops a slobbery ball in your lap, they are expressing interest in hanging out and having a good time together.
Your dog tries to comfort you when you’re sad or upset
Dog owners often report that when they are feeling sad, anxious, or upset, their dogs seem to notice and react. Signs your dog is trying to comfort you can include nuzzling you with their nose or resting their head in your lap. They may also lick your hand or face as their own tangible way of saying “I’m here for you.”
Some dogs have even been known to hug their humans when they are distressed. Your dog’s instinct to nurture you when you feel down is evidence of their empathy and affection. Their efforts to make you feel better by staying close shows they value your companionship and want to maintain a positive bond.
Your dog “boasts” to strangers that you’re friends
Certain outgoing dogs will clearly convey to complete strangers that they have an important relationship with you. For example, they may pull you close while you walk or place their paw on your leg when you talk to someone new. This type of possessive, attention-seeking behavior communicates “This person is special to me” and shows they feel a sense of connection and pride in your companionship.
Of course, dogs also boast and show off with behaviors like jumping up, barking, and running back and forth to say “Look at me!” to anyone who will pay attention. But when directed specifically at declaring your friendship, your dog’s showboating is their way of confirming for others that they like spending time and hanging out with you.
Your dog makes eye contact and pays attention to you
Maintaining eye contact and paying attention are key elements of human communication and bonding. Research has shown that the hormone oxytocin increases when humans and dogs engage in mutual gaze. This hormone is associated with social attachment. When your dog looks at you directly without distraction, it signifies they are focused on and interested in you. Sustained eye contact from your dog also demonstrates that they like communicating with you.
Dogs who enjoy your company will listen attentively and respond when you use verbal cues, hand signals, or body language. If you can call your dog’s name and get their attention consistently, it reinforces the social connection you share. A dog who ignores you, has a short attention span toward you, or seems easily distracted is probably less bonded and doesn’t value interaction with you as much.
Your dog brings you their favorite toys
One of the most touching gestures a dog can make to show affection for their owner is when they bring them a favorite toy or prized possession as a gift. By voluntarily relinquishing something they value to you, your dog is saying “This belongs to me, but I want you to have it.” It is a sign of deep trust and bonding for a dog to willingly surrender something they cherish just to please you.
Dogs who share their toys engage in object play by bringing an item to you and wanting you to interact with it. They may drop the toy in your lap or place it at your feet as an invitation to play together. This type of sharing behavior is a dog’s way of telling you they like being with you and want to spend meaningful time together.
Your dog leans into you
When dogs lean their body weight against or into you, this is known as “social pressing.” It most often occurs when a dog is seeking attention or asking for your affection. Social pressing allows dogs to feel connected and close to you even when you are standing still or not actively engaging with them. It is your dog’s way of saying “I like being beside you and making physical contact.”
Some dogs may go beyond just leaning lightly and actually paw at you or place their head in your lap when wanting attention. Invading your space in this manner and insisting on tactile closeness is a sign your dog craves your companionship. It shows they gain comfort and satisfaction from being close enough to touch you.
Your dog displays positive body language
A dog’s body language provides important clues into their mindset and emotions. When your dog interacts with you, pay attention to the following behaviors that indicate they are comfortable, happy, and enjoying your company:
- Tail wagging – Usually quick back-and-forth motions conveying excitement.
- Relaxed facial muscles – A soft, open mouth with no tension or stress.
- Floppy ears – Ears held naturally indicate calmness.
- Loose body posture – Nostiffness or hiking of the hips and shoulders.
- Licking their lips – Suggests contentment and appeasement.
- Yawning – A signal of easing anxiety or stress.
When your dog displays a range of positive body language cues in your presence it means they are at ease and like being with you. Their physicality communicates comfort with your companionship.
Your dog initiates physical contact
From nuzzling your hand to flopping down at your feet, many dogs initiate friendly physical contact with owners as their way of saying “I like you!” Dogs touch is also calming and releases oxytocin for bonding. When your dog rubs against your legs, lays their head in your lap on their own accord, or presses their body next to yours, they are demonstrating affection and wanting to strengthen your friendship through touch.
Licking and gentle nibbling are additional ways dogs share intimacy and sampled sensation. So when your dog hops up to lick your face or play-nip at your hands, they are expressing their close attachment and desire for interaction with you. Welcoming this type of close physical contact from your dog shows you happily accept their companionship.
Your dog gets jealous when you pay attention to others
Possessive behaviors like pushing in between you and a new person or dog you greet is your dog’s way of saying “Hey, I should be your center of attention!” Dogs can feel jealous when their owner or companion focuses on someone else. Attention-seeking actions are triggered by their fear of losing your affection or privileges they feel are theirs.
This type of jealousy is a reminder that your dog considers you a social ally and sees your relationship as special. While problematic if excessive, it is usually rooted in dependence on you and enthusiasm for your companionship. With proper training not to be overprotective or pushy, it is endearing evidence that your dog likes you and wants to be included.
Your dog imitates you and picks up on your habits
Studies have shown that dogs will intentionally imitate and mirror the behaviors of humans they are bonded with. Mimicking things like your posture, expressions, or way of playing with toys helps dogs affiliate with their owners. It also allows them to predict and respond to your actions more intuitively.
When your dog picks up little habits from you, like scratching at the door to go out or sticking close by you when you cook dinner, it signals they admire you and want to fit into your lifestyle. Dogs do not intuitively copy behaviors that do not interest them or relate to their needs. So the fact that your dog voluntarily syncs actions and routines with you proves they like observing you and want to participate in your world.
Your dog “talks” to you
From barely audible grumbles to drawn out howls, dogs have an array of vocalizations to communicate different moods and messages. When your dog barks, whines, or makes other sounds directed specifically toward you, they are trying to connect and share their state of mind. Dogs “talk” more with owners they are comfortable with and care about maintaining a social bond with through ongoing vocal exchanges.
Research suggests the more conversational “turn-taking” exchanges you have back and forth with your dog, the stronger your communicative connection will become. So frequent vocalizing toward you reflects your dog’s desire to interact. Engaging them with active listening and responses will satisfy their social needs and strengthen your friendship.
Your dog shows concern when you argue with someone else
When owners engage in arguments or heated exchanges with other adults in the home, many dogs will intervene or get upset. Their reaction shows compassion for you as their bonded human companion and concern regarding the conflict. Some dogs may bark to interrupt or get between arguing parties as if to say “Break it up!” while others may whine and retreat in fear or sadness.
A dog who becomes distressed or tries to shelter you when tensions escalate demonstrates empathy for your emotions. They feel invested in your welfare and want to protect and comfort you. Their alignment with you over others proves they care about maintaining your friendship through stressful times.
Your dog gets excited when you interact with them
Happy barking, energetic tail wags, jumping, and face licking are just a few ways dogs show excitement when you initiate playtime, pet them, or talk to them in an animated way. Their exuberance reflects the sheer joy they feel in your presence and the fun they have engaging with you.
Seeing your dog’s eyes light up, their butt wiggle, and their body seem to come alive when you acknowledge them makes it clear they crave your attention and enjoy your company. A dog who ignores you or acts indifferent is likely less attached, but a dog who gets revved up just by your glance loves being the focus of your affection.
Your dog makes you laugh
A wonderful bonus of sharing your life with a dog is their natural capacity to delight and amuse you. From silly sleeping positions and playful zoomies, to head tilts and other quirky behaviors, interacting with dogs brings many owners much joy and laughter.
Seeing your dog’s personality shine through in comical ways you cannot help but find hilarious deepens your fondness and appreciation tenfold. Your dog does not intend to crack you up, but the laughter they spark for you is a testament to their ability to enhance your mood and further strengthen your friendship.
Conclusion
Despite their different personalities and inclinations toward independence or neediness, most dogs form close attachments with their human caretakers. Your dog’s affection may manifest in overt, dramatic ways or through subtle gestures, but ongoing signs of happiness in your company confirm they do genuinely enjoy being with you.
Nurturing your bond through positive everyday interactions and shared activities will satisfy your dog’s social needs and confirm for them that maintaining your friendship is time well spent. When you see that spark of joy in their eyes, wag of their tail, and willingness to stick by you through thick and thin, you can rest assured your dog likes you and loves hanging out together.