Our German Shepherd Dogs are our best friends for life, there’s no doubt about it. We often think of them as our trusted partners and lifelong companion, but do you ever wonder how much they love us? How do German Shepherds show signs of affection? The fact is, the cues lie in their body language. Here are some signs indicating your dog loves you:
1. They follow you everywhere you go (even to the bathroom)
If your GSD follows you around in the house, it is quite obvious that he loves you. It is because it’s in their nature to follow you around to exhibit their loyalty and protectiveness towards their owner.
You will always have a shadow no matter where you go in the house, be it the kitchen, the laundry, the bedroom, and even the bathroom.
However, it might also be a sign of separation anxiety. He might miss you, feel insecure, or do not want to be left alone.
You may be interested in: Why Does My German Shepherd Follow Me Around Everywhere in the House?
2. They greet you with excitement when you come home
Another way that it might show that your GSD loves you is by getting excited when you come home.
Before you even enter the house, he is already wagging his tail or even barking – longing to greet you.
They will get excited to meet you even if you have left the house for a few minutes or so.
3. They lay close to where you are sitting
Dogs consider their owners a part of their family and pack, they want to lay on top of them to show them that and to provide for them.
Laying close to their owner is also their way of protecting what they love, even if there is no real threat or danger.
Alternatively, your German Shepherd may lie on or close to your feet to simply seek affection and attention from you.
4. They like to sleep beside (or with) you
Dogs feel most secure and comfortable when they sleep close to each other with their littermates.
It’s no surprise they try to replicate that feeling of warmth and coziness with you even after they grow up!
If your GSD wants to sleep next to you is also a sign of affection and closeness. It means they like your company and consider you a member of the pack.
5. They lick and kiss you
Another sign that your GSD loves you would be he would kiss and lick you. If he tries to do that, it would be a sign that it loves you just as dogs would groom each other by licking.
Again, licking you would be a sign that it considers you as a part of its pack and that it respects you.
6. They look at you in their eyes
When your dog looks at you in the eyes it releases Oxytocin which is a hormone that promotes bonding.
This means if your GSD regularly makes eye contact with you, then it would be a sign that it loves you.
7. They ask for your belly rug
If your German Shepherd goes onto its back and lets you rub its belly then it would be a sign that it loves you.
This is because it is a vulnerable position and it would not do it if it does not think that it is safe around you.
8. They lean on you
Dogs lean on people because they want to be close to them.
If your GSD leans on you then it would also suggest that it loves you. This is because most dogs enjoy physical contact with humans.
It shows that it trusts that you will support it and that it feels more comfortable with you. While smaller dogs can be picked up and cuddled, bigger dogs like GSD mostly use leaning to get close to their loved ones.
9. They follow your orders
Another way that your GSD shows their love towards you is by following your orders.
If he does what you tell him to do, it would be a sign that it loves you since it shows that it trusts you, it looks at you as its leader. And he knows that following your order will please you.
10. They protect you and your property
Protection is a natural instinct of the German Shepherd.
They develop a strong feeling about their identity and territory, and a deep association with their home, family, and property where they become protective of.
If your GSD tends to get protective when there is a stranger at the door or when someone it doesn’t know is around you, then it would be a sign that he loves you.
Conclusion
German Shepherds, like most dogs, are pack animals and they are most comfortable being around with their pack. And when they live with you they will likewise treat you as a member of the pack.
As their owner, you need to show them you are the leader of the pack with discipline, training, and lots of love. And in return, you will have a loyal, obedient, and affectionate pooch that you will love for life.
Further Questions
How do I know if my German Shepherd is happy?
Ways you can tell that a German Shepherd is happy and loves you including a wiggly bottom, a relaxed body, being playful, and the unmistakable doggy smile.
Do German Shepherds have a favorite person?
Although German Shepherds, like many dogs, can’t have two masters, they will often choose a favorite person to do certain activities with. So sometimes, a dog’s favorite person is not always their master- but the one who bonds with him/her the best. A German Shepherd will bond with each member of the family in different ways.
Do German Shepherds like being hugged?
It may surprise you, but dogs, really do not like hugs. Often you’ll notice a dog become stiff or still when being hugged, signs that he is not enjoying it as much. Most dogs prefer a belly rub or a back scratch.
Do German Shepherds understand when you kiss them?
Dogs don’t understand what kisses actually mean, but they learn to realize that they are good and indicate signs of affection.
