Dog cognitive science has come a long way over the past two decades. Wagging tails, persuasive looks and the shape of ears yield all kinds of information about a dog’s intentions and emotional state.
The way dogs develop human-like behavior has been the subject of many scientific studies.
Research has shown that dogs have the same brain structures that produce emotions in humans, and there are several ways in which dogs demonstrate their love and affection.
So let’s look at 10 proven ways that dogs show their love.
#1. Your dog yawns with you
Source: Jaw-Dropping Facts/Youtube
Dogs yawn for a lot of reasons. They usually do it to relieve stress, like when you take them to the vet.
Source: Jaw-Dropping Facts/Youtube
Or, they yawn to curb their enthusiasm when you get out the leash to take them for a walk.
Source: Jaw-Dropping Facts/Youtube
But if a dog yawns when you do – it’s actually a form of social bonding.
Source: Jaw-Dropping Facts/Youtube
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have shown that, just like humans, dogs yawn contagiously, but they're more sensitive to the yawns of their owners than those who they don't know.
Since contagious yawning in humans is linked to empathy, some scientists believe this might be the case with canines too.
While researchers try to explain this connection, you can do a simple test to see if your dog actually loves you – simply yawn and see if your dog yawns too.
Source: Jaw-Dropping Facts/Youtube
