This is Obsessed: my weekly column devoted to sharing all the things I’m loving right now—from unique food and gift ideas to travel destinations and beauty products—plus some tips and tricks for living your best life.

It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with my 5-year-old American Eskimo Dog, Grits. He hashis own Instagram account, he goes everywhere with me—including dog-friendly restaurants, breweries, farmers' markets, shops and vacation spots—and I’ve even taken him to a few minor league baseball games. (Here’s him watching some baseball with his doggie ice cream. Isn’t he perfect?!)

Turns out, there are some surefire signs your dog is trying to say he or she loves you. Here’s what Dr. Cobb says each one means.

Your Dog Is Your Shadow

They Sleep with You and/or Cuddle You

“Given a choice, most animals want to be comfy,” says Dr. Cobb. So if your dog is on the opposite side of the couch or laying at the very end of the bed, it may not necessarily be a sign of love. But if your pup lays in your lap during a Netflix marathon or sleeps in your arms at night, that’s a surefire sign they love you.

They Demand Affection

You may think your dog is being demanding, but Dr. Cobb says, “Dogs will sometimes rub their head against your hand like they want you to pet them. That’s their way of being affectionate.” And if your dog puts his paw on you while you’re sitting next to him or petting him, it could be his way of saying “I love you.” Go ahead and give him some love in return—he deserves it.

They’re Happy to See You When You Get Home

Sure, some of those excited zoomies might be because they want to go outside, but if your dog’s tail is wagging it could mean they’ve missed you. “Wagging means they’re happy and excited, says Dr. Cobb. “Dogs will always wag their tails as a sign of love if they’re excited to see you when you get home.”.

Your Dog Stares at You

They Give You Hugs and/or Kisses

Dr. Cobb says that when your pup licks you, it’s not always because you have leftover food on your hand or face. She says, “Dogs give kisses. It’s a show of affection. A lot of dogs will hug you, too.” Dr. Cobb says that this show of affection can stem from what their mom would’ve done when they were puppies (like licking and cleaning them) or your dog could be taking cues from how you show them love (like asking them to give you a kiss, or carrying them around) and trying to replicate it.

Your Dog Smiles at You

A2012 studyconfirmed what most dog lovers already know: Our fur babies have consciousness and human-like emotions. Dr. Cobb says, “Dogs are smart and can be very expressive.” Your dog’s smile could mean a lot of things—from love to being nervous—but we can all agree it’s pretty darn adorable. Dr. Cobb says, “We have dogs [at our vet practice] who smile; we call it grinning. Some of it is specific to the dog. It’s just the cutest thing ever.”

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