For a lot of people, there’s nothing better than having a loyal four-footer in the home. Even though we can usually pick up when something is wrong or when they’re excited, it can still be pretty hard to understand the full meaning of your dog’s behavior. It’s really a shame they can’t speak!

Since not everyone has canine communication skills that are as good as Dr. Doolittle, we’ve compiled a list of 12 things dogs do quite often, and what those signs actually mean.

1) Bringing small gifts

If you find your four-footer giving you little gifts and you’re not playing fetch, it means that your pooch wants to spread to joy and excitement – and you’re the perfect person to share that joy with.

2) Licking you

This one is a classic, of course, and it’s something that people either love or just find totally gross. It’s no secret that all pups like to give licks once in a while, but did you know that aside from a showing of love, licking also alleviates stress for dogs and can be considered submissive behavior.

3) Comforting you when you’re sad

It turns out that dogs are actually pretty good at detecting and reading your body language. Quite often they’ll know if something is wrong with their owner, and even though they won’t be able to talk to you, they’ll definitely try and comfort you and cheer you up.

4) Raising a paw

If your four-footer raises his or her paw, or even both paws while trying to balance, it could be a sign that your dog wants either attention or food. They could be in the mood for playtime! Some dogs also raise a paw when they notice something interesting going on around them.

5) Leaning

When a pup is leaning against its owner, it may feel a bit sad or lonely and is simply looking for some affection and hugs. Be sure to snuggle and cuddle when your dog is doing this!

6) Blinking their eyes

Playing a lot with their eyes is a sign that your pup is looking for some attention. Squinting and blinking eyes? That means your pup simply wants to spend some quality time with his or her owner!

7) Puppy-dog eyes

Everyone knows the classic puppy-dog eyes, which you usually see whenever your dog wants something or is feeling guilty. Children love to imitate puppy-dog eyes as well. For dogs, it’s also a sign of love and it builds trust between pup and owner.

8) Following you around everywhere

It’s an absolutely adorable sight to see your pooch following you around everywhere, even though it may not always be ideal. Veterinarians actually say that this behavior is mostly instinctive because they always like to do things with family closeby.

9) Asking for cuddle time after dinner

It’ll be quite hard to distract a pup while they’re eating and the one thing they’re focussed on is food, but cuddling after a meal usually is a sign that they’re really, really comfortable around you.

10) Jumping in your arms when you come back home

It’s always a very hectic moment the very second your four-footer hears you coming through the front door. See it as an absolutely enthusiastic and joyful way to say “Finally, I’ve missed you!”.

11) Opinion fetching

This one is pretty hard to describe or explain, but if you’ve ever thought that your pooch was trying to get your approval, you’ll know exactly what we mean. Canines do this simply because they hold a high value to your opinion.

12) Crawling in bed

Granted, chances are that your bed actually is more comfortable than your pup’s dedicated sleeping spot, but it’s also a way for them to keep their owners close when they’re away from home. How cute!

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Source: Brightside, Pethelpful, iHeartdogs, ScienceAlert