If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels in recent years.
For all the latest dog news, pictures, advice and information, join our Scotsdog Facebook group here
There are 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.
No matter what type of dog you choose to welcome into your home though, you'll be hoping to form a loving and strong bond with your pup.
And, while pooches can’t say ‘I love you’ out loud, they have numerous types of behaviour to let you know.
Here are 12 things your dog does that means they love you as much as you love them.
Read more:
There are 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.
![It may be irritating, but if you regularly find socks, pants and tshirts in your dog's best - sometimes with a little light nibbling - it's just their way of feeling close to you when you are not physically near.](https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjdiY2U1NmU2LTcyNzEtNGM2My1hZTY4LWRiYmI0NDdlMzg1YzpkMjY4MGNhZC0wMTQ4LTRhNTMtOGE0Yi02MDhkODhkNzZjNWI=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
9. Stealing clothes
It may be irritating, but if you regularly find socks, pants and tshirts in your dog's best - sometimes with a little light nibbling - it's just their way of feeling close to you when you are not physically near.Photo: Canva/Getty Images
![Running at you at full speed, jumping up and trying to wrestle you to the ground may not be the most obvious show of love, but this is behaviour that is a hangover from dogs' pack days when they would play with the other canine members of their family. This behaviour just means that they love you like one of their own.](https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmU3MTNkOTA0LWM0OTItNDY4Ni1iZjdhLWM5YTVkMTc4ZjgzODpjNTBkMzkzOS03N2MxLTQ4NGEtOWY1OS1mNTc5MzUzZWQwZjE=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
10. Having a wrestle
Running at you at full speed, jumping up and trying to wrestle you to the ground may not be the most obvious show of love, but this is behaviour that is a hangover from dogs' pack days when they would play with the other canine members of their family. This behaviour just means that they love you like one of their own.Photo: Canva/Getty Images
![Rubbing and leaning against their owners is something many people more closely associate with cats, but dogs do it too. It's a way of gaining attention and comfort from the ones they love.](https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjU5OGU5MWYwLWI2NTYtNGM1Yi04ZjEwLTQxMjhkMDJiNDZkMDo3MmVlMTA3ZS1mYmNlLTRlZGYtOGZmMy03Nzk5NDc3ZTI5ZDg=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
11. Leaning against you
Rubbing and leaning against their owners is something many people more closely associate with cats, but dogs do it too. It's a way of gaining attention and comfort from the ones they love.Photo: Canva/Getty Images
![Is it common to find your dog patiently waiting for you directly outside the door after you've visited the bathroom? This is because they see you as part of their pack - often even the leader. There's safety in numbers, so where their beloved human goes, they go.](https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjhhYzUzMzJkLTQzZDgtNDkxYi1iMzM5LWM2ZDE2MjQ3NjdkMDpkOGNjMzY4Yi04NDU4LTQwM2QtOGVjYi1lNTg0ODJiMjNjNDY=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
12. They follow you around
Is it common to find your dog patiently waiting for you directly outside the door after you've visited the bathroom? This is because they see you as part of their pack - often even the leader. There's safety in numbers, so where their beloved human goes, they go.Photo: Canva/Getty Images