Dog feelings

[lbgrrl]

So how do you know your pugger loves you? Or whatever dogs "feel" that we call love? I ask because I have not had a dog before, and I really hope Beatrice is happy. She follows me around everywhere, she licks my hands (and sometimes my face) and she sleeps all scrunched up next to me. I rub her tummy and she smiles. But I read that is just typical pug behavior, so maybe she would do that with anyone who was kind to her? She seems very attached to me and does seem to prefer me over other people, but I also know that if I let her off the leash, she would take off for whatever interesting thing she saw and I might never see her again. So is she really attached? I am interested in people's thoughts.

[CountryPug]

That sounds like love to me:) I know I'm #1 with my dogs because my son told me when I left for awhile today, they sat near the back door waiting, even though he was home with them. My husband tells me that if I'm gone and he takes them out to potty, they just stand there and stare at the door, they don't do that with me. They like everyone, but I am mommy to them.

[Lu Ci and Ri Ki]

This may really seem off-the-wall to some people but I had the same question and actually got in touch with an animal communicator. Among the many point-on things she told me about my Pugs and the other doggies I have is they know I love them and are grateful to be with me (several of my companions are rescues or owner surrenders).

[Spud]

Spud comes with me to my friends house often and often there will be someone after playing with him for an hour or 2 that will decide that my dog loves them more then me. Whenever some one starts talking that nonsense I tell them you are probably right, he seems so happy and relaxed. Then I stand up and walk out of the room. Of course he will get up and follow me.

[lbgrrl]

My landlord was here doing some work--and Beatrice likes him. She will stand and watch whatever he is doing (supervisor!). So I left to do an errand--he said she stood at the door and cried while I was gone. I feel like I am learning a whole new language with her--how to read her. She sure can read me--when I put my glasses on in the morning, she starts to twirl. She knows that means we are going out for our walk. I dont even have to say anything. She can also tell when I am about to crate her--I dont know what it is I am doing, but she knows!

[Tiny's Mum]

I think Tiny loves me and my husband equally...except when it is lunch time and she sits at the stairs waiting for me to bring down her dinner. She starts her 'dinner dance' when she sees me coming, twirling round and round in a circle until I put her dish down for her. I would love to believe it is for me, but I would never win her affections over a bowl of fresh steak, vegies and dry food! She loves sitting on the steps with one of us just stroking her tummy. The kisses are fast and furious then. I truly believe you can see the love, or affection, in her eyes, just as you can see the hurt if we raise our voice to her usually for barking unnecessarily. Pug love is for real and I truly believe they have feelings. (This is from someone who thought people who went gaga over animals were just a little bit strange until we brought Tiny home 5 years ago!)

[Hellas]

Dogs don't wear disguises, so if she acts like she loves you, she loves you :) Wanting to be near you, following you around, sleeping next to you; all of those things are part of pug behaviour, but it's also a part of pug behaviour to love their humans. What we have to realise is that love for a dog means something different. They live in the moment. If I were to give my dogs away, I'd miss them like crazy but they'd adapt very quickly to their new humans and love them too.

[PugMa]

I also think that some dogs are more "needy" than others. MuShu has a definite preference for my SIL. Kaya loves her Mama to the point of clingyness and even when she's visiting here, I can tell that she is just "visiting". Joy is pretty self sufficient. She enjoys my company, but is content with who ever wants to give her some loving. They are all different, just like humans. Each showing their own emotions in different ways. Enjoy the journey!

[CSollers]

Hellas beat me to the punch. The behaviors you listed are typical Pug. Being bred as companion animals, it is also typical for them to love their people. I have no question my Pugs love me when I get home from work and struggle to get in front of each other to greet me. This is with SWMBO and DD being home for hours prior to my arrival.

[Melody]

My Penelope doesn't like to snuggle or be held. She just wants to play. I often wonder if she loves me. I was hoping for a pup to cuddle with. You are lucky to have a cuddler.