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At times, it can feel like you and your dog are on a totally different wavelength. You adore them and vice-versa, but because dogs communicate through body language, sometimes what they are trying to say can be hard to decode when it comes to signs of dog affection. That’s especially true when you catch your dog acting a little odd and displaying somewhat weird behaviors. In those moments you may be wondering, “Why does my dog do awkward things?” It turns out, those actions could be displays of love. To help you understand your dog better, we rounded up 7 awkward dog behaviors that are actually signs of devotion, according to trainers.

“To a dog that adores you, you’re their lifeline, their safe haven and their favorite person,” says Shannon Walker, dog trainer and founder of Northwest Battle Buddies. Though pet parents don’t always pick up on how dogs show love. “Dogs can show their devotion in subtle ways that are often rooted in social bonding,” says Erin Askeland, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, Camp Bow Wow‘s animal health and behavior expert.

So, while people know dogs who are ready to protect them against an intruder (real and imagined) consider that a sign of dog faithfullness, pet experts say other signs a dog is commited to their owner can be less obvious. Trainers recommend being on the lookout for the quirky dog behaviors below so you can see what your dog’s awkward habits really mean. Once you’re able to decode your dog’s body language, you’ll know how to tell if your dog is devoted to you or not. You may be surprised to learn that they are ways dogs show unwavering loyalty.

Related: 7 Dependable Dog Breeds You Can Always Count On, Say Trainers

7 Weird Dog Behaviors That Mean They Love You

Not all signs of dog devotion are obvious, some are downright quirky! Understanding how dogs show love and attachment can help you strengthen your bond and recognize your pup’s affection. From unusual body language to funny habits, these awkward dog behaviors are actually clear indicators of loyalty, trust, and love. Trainers say that paying attention to these unique ways dogs express themselves can help you better understand your pet’s personality and emotional needs.

They stare at you

It can be a little odd when you’re looking around the room and see your pup staring at you with big heart eyes. If you dog won’t look away, take it as a compliment because while it can be a bizzare dog behavior, it means they’re all in with you. “A big sign your dog is devoted is gentle eye contact,” says Elisha Stynchula, CPDT-KA, certified dog trainer and owner of I Said Sit School for Dogs.

Askeland agrees, adding, “A shy, unsure dog is a lot less likely to make direct eye contact.” “When a dog looks at you with relaxed eyes and a loose body, studies show this actually triggers the release of oxytocin, which is the same bonding hormone involved in parent-child attachment.”

They’re constantly touching you

There’s a paw on your knee and a nose nudging your hand, which can make it feel like your dog is a physical extension of you. This dog body language is actually a clear sign of dog loyalty and affection, according to Stynchula. “A dog that leans on you and happily accepts scratches and cuddles is showing trust, comfort and attachment,” she says. Walker adds, “Dogs strongly attached to their owners naturally look for ways to stay in touch—literally. They may rest their full weight on your leg, nuzzle your hand for more petting, or lay their head on your lap and shoulder, demonstrating the unique ways dogs show love and loyalty.”

They do a ‘helicopter’ tail

It’s impressive to watch your pup circle their tail so much that it looks like they’ll leave the ground at any moment. This funny and sometimes awkward-looking dog behavior is a good thing. “Dogs that greet you with a big helicopter tail and wiggly body are thrilled to see you and a good sign of devotion,” Stynchula says. Just be on the lookout for greetings that seem desperate, she says—that can be a sign that your dog needs some separation training.

However, overall, this dog behavior is one of the many quirky dog habits that actually reveal how dogs show love, attachment and trust toward their owners.

Related: 7 Signs You Have an Unbreakable Bond with Your Dog, According to a Trainer

They rubber-neck for you

How dogs show love can be strange at times. While dependable dogs will happily explore their surroundings, they often check back in with their owner. According to Askeland, “When your dog explores but decides to periodically look back at you, it’s a clear sign of dog devotion and affection. This behavior shows your dog trusts you, values you as their home base, and demonstrates the unique ways dogs express loyalty and attachment.”

They low-key stalk you

When it comes to awkward dog habits, walking into the bathroom and seeing you pooch is there waitng on you can be considered one. You may notice them watching you get changed, and you catch them peeking at you around the corner when you’re working from home. A dog following you around and low-key stalking you calmly and quietly from room to room is a ride-or-die dog, according to Askeland. “In canine social groups, closeness equates to increased safety,” she explains. “So they’re staying close to their trusted person to feel safe.”

That’s why the next time you realize your furry family member is doing this, you won’t be thinking, “Why does my dog follow me?“ Instead, you’ll know it’s a weird sign of dog affection.

They try to ‘push’ you

Oh, were you standing there? It can feel like your dog is trying to shove you out of the way sometimes when they put their full body weight against you, but Askeland says they’re just trying to get as close as possible. This quirky dog behavior of your pup leaning into you shows your pooch trusts you and is devoted to you. “Having this kind of contact reinforces that your dog feels safe with you,” she explains.

They ignore other people

Well, this dog behavior can be awkward—for everyone else. One weird dog behavior that mean they love you can be when devoted dogs ignore other people in order to zero in on their favorite human, aka you. “They prefer your company over others and prioritize your commands over those from other family members,” Walker says. Your loyal pooch may also choose you over other people or opportunities around them, Askeland says. “If you’re in a group of friends and they gravitate towards you for attention even if it’s being offered by others, that’s a sign your pup is devoted to you,” she says.

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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Mar 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the Dogs section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.