German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, bravery, and intelligence. But the connection between a German Shepherd and its owner often goes much deeper. These dogs develop special bonds with their owners, showcasing unmatched devotion, intuition, and love. Understanding how German Shepherds express affection can deepen your relationship with your canine companion.
Undeniable Signs of a German Shepherd’s Love
- Tail Wagging: A loose wag with a wiggly body is a good sign of happiness and affection. If your German Shepherd wags its tail, especially if the wagging extends to its entire back end, it’s likely showing love and excitement.
- Leaning: Leaning against you is a German Shepherd’s way of saying, “I trust you, and I want to be close to you”. This seemingly insignificant behavior indicates affection.
- Following You: If your German Shepherd follows you everywhere, it’s a clear sign of love. They simply want to be close, as your presence provides comfort and security. They are happiest when glued to your hip. When they’re not busy playing or working, they love nothing more than to follow you around the house or rest at your feet, just waiting for you to spend time with them.
- Physical Contact: If your German Shepherd loves cuddles, snuggles, and belly rubs, these are sure signs of affection. The physical contact strengthens your bond and reinforces their love for you. They can act like giant lap dogs with no concept of their size.
- Excitement on Your Return: Excitement and joy when you return home are strong indicators of a German Shepherd’s love. This display of affection highlights the deep bond they share with you. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been gone 5 minutes or 5 hours, they are always happy to see you. They never get sick of your company. They show their happiness by wagging their tail, spinning in circles, dancing, and giving lots of kisses. It’s impossible for them to contain their excitement when you return to them.
Subtle Displays of Affection
- Licking and Nuzzling: Licking and nuzzling are common ways German Shepherds show their love. A loving lick or nuzzle can mean “I love you” in dog language.
- Bringing Toys: When your German Shepherd brings you their favorite toy, it’s not just a request for playtime; it’s a sign of trust and affection. They see you as part of their pack and are sharing their prized possession with you. They love to show their adoration with a toss of their ball, a walk, or sharing their tug toys with you. They love to play and burn off energy, and in their eyes, there is no better playmate than the person they share life with—you. Sharing their toys is one of the ways they show you how much they care.
- Eye Contact: Dogs use eye contact to express trust and affection. When your German Shepherd looks at you, they connect deeply with you. It triggers the release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone”. They’re essentially giving you a doggy hug! However, remember that direct eye contact in the canine world can also be seen as a challenge, so it’s a sign of trust and love if your dog maintains a relaxed, soft gaze.
- Booping: German Shepherds boop you to get your attention.
Why German Shepherds Love So Deeply
German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and a strong desire to work closely with their human partners. They were originally bred as working dogs, with their primary task being to herd sheep and protect them from predators. Over time, this has evolved into a strong instinct to protect and be loyal to their human family.
A German Shepherd’s love for you is also a testament to the bond you’ve nurtured. The quality time you spend together, the affection you display, the care you provide, and the trust you’ve built all contribute to this deep-seated love. Your dog perceives you as a pack member and a source of safety, comfort, and happiness. Your consistent and positive interactions have made them associate you with good things, reinforcing their love for you.