5 Ways to Speak Your Dog’s Love Language
Let’s be honest: while human Valentine’s dates can be hit-or-miss (bad service, awkward small talk, overpriced prefix menus), your dog is the one Valentine who is always happy to see you. They don't care if what you're wearing or how much you’ve spent; they just want to be close to you.
But how can you go beyond your usual to show them their friendship means so much?
Borrowing a page from the human world, I’m breaking down the 5 Love Languages—canine style. Read on to discover 5 ways to spark some extra joy and deepen your bond with you fuzzy buddy this Valentine’s Day.
1. Quality Time: The Sniffari Adventure
Allowing Ginger to stop and sniff the leaves results in one chill Shiba Inu puppy once she’s back home.
In our hectic lives, it’s easy for the daily walk to become just another chore. But for your dog that walk is the absolute best part of their day. Real quality time isn’t just about coexisting it’s about being fully present in their world.
This Valentine's Day, ditch the power walk and go on a sniffari. Instead of the regular, mundane destination, let your dog be the tour guide. If they want to spend three minutes investigating a tuft of grass or a leaf pile - let them!
Trainer Tip: Sniffing isn't just checking pee-mail. Deep, slow sniffs lowers a dog’s heart rate and help them decompress. Plus, a 15-minute Sniffari is often more mentally exhausting than a 30-minute brisk walk. It’s the ultimate low-impact mental workout date!
Try The Sniffari: Put your phone on do not disturb and head somewhere new. If you’re a city dweller, find a quiet, wooded trail; if you’re country folk, visit a pet-friendly patio or a busy park where the scents are fresh and exciting.
2. Words of Affirmation: Your Happy Voice
We’ve all heard that it’s not what you say, but how you say it—and in the dog world, that is the golden rule. While your pup might not know the difference between hearts and smarts they are world-class experts at interpreting your tone of voice.
High-pitched, rhythmic tones act like a shot of espresso for your dog; they signal excitement, play, and a party is happening vibe. (This is exactly why they do backflips when visitors walk through the door!) On the flip side, your lower, steadier register sends a signal of calm, safety, and all is copasetic.
Try the Happy Voice Jackpot: This Valentine’s Day, when your dog listens on the first try or displays a behavior you love, skip the slow and low "good boy" or “good girl”. Instead, channel your inner cheerleader. (Ready? Ok!) Deliver an over-the-top, "YOU ARE THE BESTEST DOG IN THE WORLD!" paired with a goofy grin. Watch that tail go into helicopter mode and see them match your own enthusiasm.
3. Receiving Gifts: The "Treat” Factor
You don't need a dozen red roses to make your dog’s heart skip a beat. Whether you want to splurge on an exotic something from the store or save your money with a DIY project, you can’t go wrong with a treat to say “I love you”,
A drool-worthy Valentine’s date: Exotic proteins like duck feet presented in a slow-feed lick bowl.
Diego happily digs his favorite treats out of a recycled cardboard puzzle box.
The Gourmet Gift: Skip the standard chicken, beef and bacon flavors. For a true Valentine’s surprise, opt for a novel protein—think boar, rabbit, or even stinky sardines. If you and your pup are feeling adventurous, search for "furry treats" (like those from Ancestral Hunter). They might look a little wild to us, but for a dog, they are a high-value delicacy which hits the spot.
The Zero-Dollar Gift: Your dog doesn’t care about the price tag; they care about the process. Grab an old delivery box from the recycling bin then hide some treats inside under a mountain of crumpled-up packing paper. Letting shred and scavenger is enrichment at its best.
4. Physical Touch: The Sweet Spot
Whether you share your home with a velcro dog who follows you to the bathroom or a more independent spirit who prefers their own space, every pup has a sweet spot. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to skip the quick head pat and upgrade to a full-on spa-like experience.
A mindful massage isn't just a treat; it’s another way to deepen your connection. Plus it’s a proactive way to check for any new lumps, bumps, or sore spots that might need a vet's attention. The soothing nature of your touch lowers their cortisol and reinforces that you are their protector.
Top Tips for a Relaxing Rubdown:
Watch for Your Rating: Do their eyes soften or do they let out a long sigh? These are the canine versions of a 5-star Google review!
Set the Scene: Everyone should be comfortable! Sit on the floor or invite them onto the sofa—wherever you can both relax.
The Starting Line: Begin at the base of the neck or the shoulders, using gentle, circular motions.
Go with the Flow: Use long, slow strokes. When moving to the limbs, slide your hands down their legs rather than grabbing their sensitive paws.
Stay Connected: Always keep at least one hand on your dog. This continuous contact is incredibly grounding and calming for them.
Breathe: Touch mindfully. Slow down your own breathing, and you’ll likely find your dog’s breathing starts to sync up with yours.
5. Acts of Service: The "Dessert" Special
Small acts of service when it comes to the dinner bowl can score massive points with your dog. If you’ve been hanging around this blog for a while, you know I’m a huge champion of food enrichment. Why? Because eating out of a plain bowl every single day is boring.
The Valentine’s Pupsicle- Whip up a s pink-hued ‘nice cream’ packed with antioxidants and hydration. It’s yummy enough that you might find yourself sneaking a spoonful, too!
The Recipe:
1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries and blueberries
A splash of coconut water
Blend it all together until smooth, pour the mixture into festive silicone molds (hearts, or paws, perhaps), and freeze until solid.
The Greatest Love of All
At the end of the day, your dog doesn’t care about fancy dinner reservations or whether you bought them a diamond-encrusted collar. They just want you.
Whether you’re exploring a new trail, singing their praises in a ridiculous high-pitched voice, or sharing a frozen yogurt treat on the kitchen floor, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate the most consistent, judgment-free relationship in your life.
So, put down the phone, grab the leash, and go show your pup that they truly are the "Best Dog in the World." Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your furry soulmate!
✌🏽❤️🐶
Want more ways to build connection? Explore our enrichment resources.
