Any dog lover will tell you the same thing: having a pup in your life is one of the most precious gifts imaginable! After all, dogs earned the nickname “man’s best friend” for a reason, as they are the most undemanding, selfless relationship you’ll ever know. For food, belly rubs and lots of love, dogs will give you kisses, health benefits, and a heap of unconditional love.

Even better, dogs have developed a knack for telling their humans “I love you,” even if they can’t actually say it in words. The average dog owner can sense when the special canine in their life is trying to communicate their affection, but there may be even more clues most of us don’t pick up on! In fact, dogs have all sorts of secret signals to share their love with their very favorite people.

Scroll through below to learn a few of the most adorable ways that dogs show their love.

#1: Giving You Puppy-Dog Eyes

They aren’t called “puppy-dog eyes” for nothing!

If your pooch stares soulfully into your eyes any chance he gets (especially while getting an ear rub or other attention), it means he loves you a whole heap!

According to PetHelpful, dogs and humans are some of the only mammals that make eye contact this way, and it’s a huge sign of trust and adoration from your dog.

#2: Leaning On You

Dogs love cuddling just as much as people do, if not more!

If your dog is a “leaner,” meaning he sits next to you and rests his weight against you, it’s likely that he’s just saying he would like more hugs and kisses, please!

According to VetStreet, “This is affection-seeking behavior, plain and simple.”

#3: Going Wherever You Go

Is your dog a tag-along? It might be slightly annoying behavior, especially when you just want some peace on the toilet. However, there’s a sweet reason behind it.

Dogs are pack animals at heart, and this vet says that their instinct is to do everything with their family.

If your pup tails you to the toilet, it’s just a slightly clingy way of saying, “You are my best friend, let’s do everything together.”

#4: Sensing When You’re Sad

Humans and dogs have been living together now for a whopping 15,000 years — that’s a pretty successful partnership!

It’s not surprising that dogs have learned to tell when we’re unhappy or not feeling well based on our body language, and on how we smell.

They show us they love us and that we’re their pack by trying to comfort us and empathize with our sadness.

#5: Cuddling After A Meal

Dogs are at their most territorial and defensive during mealtime, because they have an instinct that someone might try to steal their food.

That’s why it’s a huge sign of trust for your dog to choose you as a post-meal snuggling companion — it’s their way of saying that you are the person that they feel most relaxed with!