In a new study conducted by Canine Cottages, four different types of dogs were fitted with special heart rate tracking collars to show what gets them excited when interacting with their owners.They found that on average, the animal’s heart was 67 beats per minute (bpm), but when they were told “I love you” by their owners their heart rates jumped up to 98 bpm.
Their heart rates also decreased from 67 bpm to 52 bpm when being cuddled by their owners. The study also notes that a dog curling up next to its owner, on their lap, or at their feet, is a clear and evident sign of love, because dogs only lean on people whom they feel comfortable with.
Dogs can also show love when they’re in pain by coming to someone they trust and holding up a paw or lying next to someone with their head in their lap.