Dogs have been recognized as man's best, most loyal and beloved companions for centuries. 
When we humans like someone, we say "I love you" or we give each other a hug, but how do dogs and their owners express their love for each other? Olly and Molly has it covered for you.

"I love you”

Dogs love it when we talk to them. Although they cannot talk back, they do respond appropriately to our words. Research has shown that dogs can understand human words as well as intonation. Talking to your dog is a sign of deep love and affection for them and it strengthens your bond!

To hug or not to hug.... that is the question

Most dogs do not like to be held and/or hugged. When dogs are scared or stressed, they try to communicate that through their body language. So it is very important that you understand your dog's body language and respond accordingly. For example, whenever dogs are stressed or anxious, they tend to lick their lips, yawn, show the whites of their eyes, shake, freeze, growl and bite. If you see this behaviour in your dog while hugging, it means your dog wants you to understand that it is not fun for him/her at all. 
It is certainly not that dogs do not like to be touched. On the contrary. Did you know that when your dog leans against you that is a sign of love and trust? The most important thing is to let your dog take the initiative and always give him/her the option and choice to leave.

Ear rubs

Dogs like their ears rubbed. Studies have shown that petting or massaging your dog's ears releases endorphins in both the dog and the person giving the massage. Endorphins are feel-good hormones that cause the body to feel relaxed, calm and happy.

Eyes

Dogs do not cuddle with their arms but with their eyes. They look straight into the eyes of their owners to express their love and affection. Be sure to look back at them with lots of love! When doggies and owners look each other in the eyes, a wave of oxytocin (=hormone that creates the bond between mother and child after birth) is released in the brains of both. According to scientists, this could explain why we feel so connected to our dogs, and vice versa.

The dog falls asleep on your things

Does your dog always go to sleep on your bed/cushion when you are not home. Or does your dog takes a nap on the pile of unwashed clothes when you are doing the laundry. That's because your scent is all over those items, and your dog feels safe and reassured there. A dog's sense of smell is one of its strongest senses. Like their ancestors in the wild, dogs recognize their family members by the scent of the pack.

Greetings

Every dog owner will agree that there is nothing better than coming home at the end of a rough day and being warmly welcomed by your dog. Dogs are social animals and are at their happiest when their pack is complete. This is why your dog reacts with great joy and excitement when you return home after a short absence. You are greeted by a tail wagging dog who lavishes you with kisses and licks before subjecting you to an extensive sniffing test to investigate all the new scents you carry with you from your outing. Some dogs can get overwhelmed with joy and enthusiasm the moment their owner comes home that they have to let out that energy somehow. This is when we see "zoomies" in some dogs. The dog suddenly starts racing around the house or yard. The wagging tail, barking, ... are all expressions by which your dog wants to express his joy.