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There’s a current dog parent social media trend that says, “the love I have for this creature, even though we have never shared a conversation, is proof that actions speak louder than words.”

So this Galentine’s Day we are paying special attention to every gal’s best friend and learning the best way to speak our pet’s love language.

It goes without saying that dog moms absolutely adore their fur kids.  But dog lovers can’t help but wonder, ‘how do I show my pup signs of affection in my dog’s primary love language?’ So ahead I’m breaking down 6 ways you can tell your dog you love them in ways they can understand.

1. Get Down On Your Dog’s Level & Play

Playing with your dog on their level is a great way of building trust and strengthening your bond. In fact, according to Gooddoggie ending a dog’s training sessions with play helps them learn 40 times faster. Plus who wants to have someone tower over them constantly?  So mtake time to give your dog some undivided attention and play that extra game of tug-of-war.

2. Sniff Walks

Dog parents know the importance of exercise for dogs. Daily long walks are more than potty breaks for your pup. They are a great way to burn off energy and enjoy some fresh air. But taking your dog on a slower sniff walk also has some amazing benefits.

Taking your dog on a sniff walk allows them to gather information about their fellow canine neighbors and their territory. The American Kennel Club says dogs’ noses have over 200 million scent receptors and dogs sniff between five to 10 times per second. To put that in perspective humans have only 6 million scent receptors and sniff only 1.5 times per second. No wonder our pups love to stop every 5 seconds to sniff everything.

3. Treat Surprises

Every dog mom knows, food is the way to any dog’s heart. Giving your dog extra special treats just because is a great way to tell your good boy you love him.  So be sure to pay close attention to when your dog is exhibiting good behaviors.  Then jump in with an unexpected treat and perhaps even a few coveted belly rubs. 

4. Interactive Dog Games & Enrichment Toys

Just like humans need physical exercise and mental stimulation, so do dogs. As the saying goes, “a bored dog is a destructive dog”. Enrichment toys are a great way to break up your dog’s day and keep them on their toes. Combine enrichment toys with sniff activities, and you’ve got a great combo to engage your dog’s brain. Heavy sniffing can provide just as much stimulation and be just as tiring as physical exercise for your dog. This is one reason why I absolute love snuffle toys.  So next time you are shopping for a new toy for your dog, make it an enrichment toy!

5. Take Your Dog With You

There’s no surprise with this suggestion. Your dog would absolutely rather be wherever you are. So whenever possible, take them with you. From a quick car ride, grabbing a cup of coffee or running some dog-friendly errands, spending as much time as possible with your pup is a great way to show them how much you love them and build your emotional connection. 

6. Give Your Dog A Sibling

Dogs are social creatures. So giving them a canine family members is giving them the gift of never having to be alone again. They’ll have someone to eat with, snuggle with and have adventures with every moment of the day.

I’ve always try to keep two dogs at any given time — especially since I don’t work from home. Knowing my dogs have siblings to keep them company during the day is definitely an act of love that keeps on giving.