Of course you love your pup. With those soulful eyes, that waggy tail, and the sweetest spirit imaginable, how could you not? The question is: Does your dog know that?
Before we delve into the signs that you might not be showering your pup with enough affection, it’s essential to understand the difference between affection and attention. Dr. Nelson defines affection as a gentle feeling of fondness or being loved/liked.
According to Dr. Nelson, a study published by the journal Royal Society Open Science showed that some dog breeds act more independently than others
Dogs bark for a variety of reasons. “They could be alerting you to perceived danger, greeting a person or another dog, chasing after a squirrel in prey mode, experiencing anxiety, or simply begging for your attention.
Pawing at you is your dog’s way of asking for attention or initiating play. Think of it like a friendly tap on the shoulder from a particularly enthusiastic friend.
Whining is one of many ways that canines communicate vocally. “Dogs most commonly whine when they’re seeking attention, when they’re excited, when they’re anxious, or when they’re trying to please you
Biting can be a very concerning behavior. Aggressive dogs will growl, bark, or snarl, as well as potentially show their teeth and have a very tense stance.
When dogs are using their nose or head to bump you, they’re simply asking for attention in a forward way.
When a dog rolls on his back, it may be a sign that he’s giving you easy access to his belly for belly rubs. This may also be a sign of submission.
Howling is one of many forms of canine vocal communication. “Dogs howl to announce their presence, to attract attention, and to make contact with others.
Dr. Nelson says that you can “spoil” your dog by never allowing him any alone time, which creates an extremely dependent relationship.