The 6 Acts of Love Your Dog Hopes to Receive From You for Life

Six Ways to Show Your Dog Love

Steve Cooper’s advice is based on dogs’ habits and body language. His central message: dogs want to be included in their people’s lives, and their needs may grow as they age.

1. Take a “sniff walk.” Once a day, let your dog walk slowly on a loose leash and choose where to stop and sniff. Even 10 minutes can provide meaningful mental stimulation. Keep them from eating trash or droppings.

2. Greet them calmly. When you come home, offer a quiet, ordinary hello instead of matching an excited dog’s intensity. Give them more affection once they’ve settled. Severe distress when left alone may require a separate, patient plan.

3. Return their soft gaze. A dog with relaxed eyes and a loose body may be checking in. Briefly meet their gaze with a relaxed expression, a slow blink, or a quiet word. Avoid holding eye contact with unfamiliar dogs, which may interpret it as a threat.

4. Ask before hugging or continuing to pet. Lip-licking, turning away, or showing the whites of the eyes can signal discomfort. Cooper suggests petting for about three seconds, then pausing. If the dog leans in or nudges your hand, continue; if they move away or remain still, give them space. A sudden change in how they respond to touch warrants a veterinary visit.

5. Give them a place near the family. Set up a bed, mat, or blanket where your dog can see or hear people in the evening. Cooper says dogs separated from the household may become restless, sometimes showing it through barking, digging, or chewing.

6. Stay attentive as they age. Continue offering gentle sniff walks, calm greetings, connection, and a nearby resting place, adapting to your dog’s abilities. Contact a veterinarian about stiffness, increased thirst, nighttime pacing or confusion, or seeming lost at home rather than dismissing these signs as normal aging.

Stories Behind the Advice

Cooper’s German Shepherd, Duke, slept against the front door for years. Cooper eventually realized that the spot may have helped Duke keep track of everyone’s comings and goings—not just guard the house.

A neighbor’s dog, Rosie, a red heeler, also improved after her new family gave her a mat near the kitchen table.

People and Resources Mentioned

• Steve Cooper
• Duke, a German Shepherd
• Rosie, a red heeler
• The front door and kitchen as important settings
• Cooper’s cat e-book at SteveCooperPets.com

Cooper also mentions calming chews and dog gadgets, but emphasizes that a simple sniff walk costs nothing.