Dog love languages: 5 ways to show your dog you care

Dog love languages might not involve roses or heart-shaped treats, but your dog absolutely has preferences when it comes to feeling safe, connected and understood.

We say “I love you” to our dogs all the time. The real question is… are we showing it in ways they actually understand?

Dogs experience affection through routine, play, tone of voice, touch and shared activity. When we tune into their version of love, the bond deepens, behaviour improves, and everyday moments feel richer for both of you.

Let’s explore the five dog love languages and how you can use them this February and beyond.

1. Quality Time: The Power of the Sniff Walk

If your dog could plan a romantic date, it would probably involve 23 lampposts and one extremely suspicious hedge.

Sniffing is not “wasting time.” It is cognitive work. Research shows that scent work can lower stress levels and encourage optimistic behaviour in dogs. A 2019 study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that dogs given more opportunities to sniff displayed more positive emotional states than dogs walked at a controlled pace.

Sniffing also activates large portions of the canine brain. According to Alexandra Horowitz, author of Being a Dog, a dog’s nose is their primary way of understanding the world.

How to show this love language:

• Schedule one slower “sniffari” walk per week
• Let your dog choose direction where safe
• Change routes to introduce new smells

Shorter but richer walks can be just as beneficial as long, rushed ones.

2. Physical Touch: The Right Kind of Affection

Not all dogs enjoy constant hugging. In fact, some find it stressful.

Research from the University of British Columbia found that many dogs show subtle stress signals when tightly hugged by humans. This article talks about the research from Professor Stanley Coren. Meanwhile, mutual eye contact between dogs and owners has been shown to increase oxytocin levels in both, strengthening bonding.

Affection is powerful when it respects your dog’s comfort.

How to show this love language:

• Notice where your dog leans into touch
• Try chest or shoulder strokes instead of over-the-head pats
• Pair gentle eye contact with a calm tone

Love works best when it feels safe.

3. Acts of Service: Meeting Their Needs Before They Ask

Dogs thrive on predictability. Consistent routines reduce anxiety and help them feel secure.

RSPCA Australia’s blog on enrichment explains that enrichment provides mental stimulation, reduces stress and anxiety, and prevents problem behaviours, emphasising that dogs need activities that engage their minds and bodies. Mental stimulation is not optional. It is part of responsible care.

Acts of service for dogs include:

• Keeping routines predictable
• Providing enrichment
• Rotating toys to maintain novelty
• Ensuring rest and recovery time

Introducing mentally stimulating toys and rotating textures can prevent boredom and destructive behaviours. This is exactly why we focus on mixing plush, rope and tougher play styles inside our Toy Box and subscription boxes. Variety keeps minds engaged, not just mouths busy.

Small acts build big security.

For more guidance on enrichment, read our other articles “Are Dog Toys Meant To Be Destroyed?” and “A Dog’s Sense Of Smell: Fun Facts and Sniffing Games!“

4. Gifts: The Joy of Novelty

Yes, dogs enjoy new things. Not because they are spoiled, but because novelty activates dopamine in the brain.

New textures, sounds and play patterns stimulate curiosity. Even reintroducing a toy after a short break can feel brand new.

How to show this love language:

• Hide a toy for a week, then bring it back
• Introduce different textures such as rope, plush and TPR
• Try a scent-based game with treats from your Mega Treat Box

Novelty does not mean excess. It means thoughtful engagement.

5. Words of Affirmation: It’s All in Your Voice

Your dog does not understand every word, but they absolutely understand tone.

Research has shown that dogs process emotional tone similarly to humans. Positive vocal tone increases engagement and strengthens recall training.

How to show this love language:

• Use an upbeat voice during play
• Pair praise with eye contact and touch
• Keep cues consistent

Your voice is one of the strongest bonding tools you have.

Loving Your Dog the Way They Understand

Understanding dog love languages is not about doing more. It is about doing what matters.

Love can look like:

• Letting them sniff
• Playing with intention
• Providing enrichment
• Respecting their boundaries
• Speaking with warmth

With Valentine’s Day and Love Your Pet Day approaching, perhaps the best gift is understanding.

If you would like to explore more ways to keep your dog mentally and physically engaged, you can browse our exciting range of dog gift boxes, all designed with enrichment and variety in mind.

Because they show nothing but 100% real love and they deserve to receive that too!