3 weeks ago
24
Shutterstock
Dogs may not send text messages or leave voicemails, but they have plenty of ways to show just how much they miss you when you’re gone. Some dogs go full-on dramatic, sighing loudly and waiting by the door, while others get creative by stealing your belongings or even throwing a mini tantrum. They have their unique ways of expressing their emotions, and if you pay attention, you’ll notice the little (and not-so-little) signs that they miss you more than you think.
Greet You Like You’ve Been Gone for Years
Shutterstock
If your dog greets you with endless tail wags and zoomies or even jumps into your arms, they miss you more than you know. Some dogs will whine, bark excitedly, or even bring you their favorite toy as a welcome-home gift. Their excitement can be so intense that they might run in circles, wiggle their entire bodies, or even knock things over in the process. This enthusiastic greeting isn’t just about happiness; it’s their way of showing how much they longed for your return. No matter how long you were gone from your dog, it always feels like forever.
Wait by the Door or Window
Shutterstock
Some dogs take up their post by the door or window the moment you leave and don’t move until you return. They might sit and stare outside, hoping to catch a glimpse of you, or whine softly, wondering when you’ll walk through the door. If you’ve ever noticed nose prints on the window or scratches by the door, it could be their way of trying to be as close to you as possible. This behavior is especially common in dogs who have a strong bond with their owners. It’s their way of counting the minutes until you’re back where you belong—with them.
Follow Your Scent Around the House
Shutterstock
Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell, and when they miss you, they seek out anything that carries your scent. They might curl up in your bed, burrow into your laundry pile, or snuggle with your shoes just to feel close to you. Your scent provides comfort and reassurance, almost like a security blanket that helps them cope with your absence. If you come home and find them surrounded by your belongings, it’s not because they’re being mischievous—it’s because they miss you. It’s their way of keeping a piece of you close until you return.
Steal Your Belongings
Shutterstock
Some dogs take their love for your scent to the next level by stealing your things when you’re not home. If you’ve ever come back to find your socks, shoes, or even your remote control relocated (or chewed), your dog might be using these objects as a source of comfort. It’s not just about being playful—it’s their way of staying connected to you in your absence. Some dogs will even hoard a collection of their favorite “you-scented” items in their bed or crate. While it might be annoying to lose yet another sock, it’s actually a sign of deep attachment.
Lose Interest in Their Favorite Activities
Shutterstock
Dogs love routine, but when they miss their favorite person, they may not enjoy their usual activities as much. Some dogs become less playful, uninterested in their toys, or even refuse treats when their owner is gone. If you notice that your normally energetic pup seems down or disengaged, they might just be feeling the absence of their best friend. Some dogs even refuse to go on walks with other family members because they’d rather wait for you. Their world isn’t the same when you’re not in it, and they’ll show it in subtle ways.
Sleep in Your Spot
Shutterstock
If you come home to find your dog curled up in your bed or snuggled into your favorite spot on the couch, it’s because they miss you. Your scent lingers in these places, and lying there helps them feel close to you even when you’re not around. Some dogs will even burrow under your blankets or rest their head on your pillow. It’s a comforting way for them to deal with your absence. If your dog refuses to sleep anywhere but in your spot, take it as a sign of deep love and devotion.
Give You the Silent Treatment
Shutterstock
While some dogs are over-the-top excited when you return, others act like you’ve personally offended them by leaving. They might turn their back on you, avoid eye contact, or refuse to come when called. This passive-aggressive behavior is their way of letting you know they were not happy about your absence. They want you to work for their forgiveness, even though they’ll eventually cave in for some belly rubs. If your dog acts distant when you come home, don’t take it personally—it’s just their dramatic way of saying, “Next time, take me with you.”
Shutterstock
Some dogs make up for lost time by becoming extra clingy once you return. They will follow you from room to room, sit as close as possible, and refuse to let you out of their sight. If your dog suddenly acts like your personal shadow, it’s because they want to soak up every second with you. Some will even paw at you or whimper if you try to leave the house again. It’s their way of making sure you don’t disappear on them again anytime soon.
Whine, Bark, or Howl
Shutterstock
Some dogs are very vocal about their feelings and don’t hold back when they miss their owners. If your neighbors tell you that your dog whined or howled all day while you were gone, it’s because they were longing for you. Some dogs will even bark at the sound of your car or footsteps, anticipating your return before you even reach the door. Their voices are their way of expressing sadness, frustration, or just impatience while waiting for you. While it might be a bit noisy, it’s proof that your dog’s love for you runs deep.
Refuse to Eat
Shutterstock
Dogs who miss their humans sometimes lose interest in food, especially if they have separation anxiety. If your normally food-loving pup doesn’t touch their meal until you come home, they might be too preoccupied with waiting for you to return. Some dogs will even refuse treats or ignore their favorite snacks. This isn’t out of stubbornness—it’s an emotional response to your absence. When you return, and they suddenly regain their appetite, you’ll know exactly why.
Bring You “Gifts” When You Return
Shutterstock
If your dog greets you at the door with a toy, a sock, or even something they shouldn’t have (like your TV remote), it’s their way of expressing how much they missed you. Some dogs bring gifts as a welcome-home gesture, wanting to share their treasures with their favorite human. Others may bring you a toy as an invitation to play, making up for lost time. This adorable habit is their way of reconnecting with you after being apart. No matter what they bring, it’s always a sign of love and excitement.
Get Overly Excited Before You Even Arrive
Shutterstock
Dogs often know you’re coming home before you even pull into the driveway. Their sharp hearing and sense of smell alert them to your return long before you reach the door. Some dogs will wait at the window, wagging their tails in anticipation, while others start bouncing with excitement. If your dog suddenly perks up and runs to the door, it’s because they’ve sensed your arrival. Their happiness starts even before they see you—it’s proof that they’ve been thinking about you all day.
Sleep With Something That Smells Like You
Shutterstock
If you’ve ever come home to find your dog curled up with your shirt, sock, or even an entire pile of your laundry, it’s because they miss you. Your scent is incredibly comforting to them, and snuggling with something that smells like you helps ease their loneliness. Some dogs will even drag your belongings to their bed or favorite resting spot. It’s not just about being mischievous—it’s their way of keeping a part of you close while you’re gone. If your dog has a habit of sleeping with your things, take it as a furry love letter.
The Love Is Real, And The Guilt Is Strong
Shutterstock
If your dog does any of these things, congratulations—you are their whole world. They don’t just love you; they obsess over you, miss you the second you leave, and celebrate like you’ve been gone for years when you return. Every wag, whine, and excited jump is proof that you are the most important part of their life. So, the next time you walk out the door, know that your pup is already counting down the seconds until you’re back where you belong—with them.
English (US) · 