Canine Companions
Following You Around
When your dog seems to shadow you wherever you go, it's just his social nature rearing its head. Humans are social beings, too, but we have more of a tendency to balance our social lives with a certain amount of solitude for peace and quiet. It doesn't really occur to your dog to seek out "alone time." It doesn't cross his mind to want to be apart from you. His devotion means that wherever you are, that's where he wants to be.
Licking Your Face
Dogs lick people's faces for a few different reasons, but in many cases it's a sign of love and affection. Puppies typically lick faces even more than adult dogs. This behavior comes from wolf cubs, who lick their mothers' faces to signal hunger so they will be fed. Dogs don't feed their young the same way wolves do, but the licking instinct remains. A dog may also lick you in a submissive way, to let you know that it is not a threat. And of course, your licking dog may also simply be grooming you. Dogs groom each other as a gesture of intimacy when a solid bond is in place, so you can definitely take grooming as a sign of love from your dog.
Jumping
Jumping is generally considered an unwanted behavior for pet dogs, and most dog owners go through the process of training it out of their dogs. That can be difficult though, partly because we recognize it as a sign of love. When we walk through the door, it can feel nice to have a dog jump up and greet us with excitement. It really is an instinctive display of affection from the dog. As a puppy, a dog learns to lick its mother's face and eyes. That's why your dog jumps on you. It wants to lick your face because it recognizes you as its "parent."
Roughhousing
A bit of roughhousing is your dog's natural way of playing and showing affection. It's not only healthy, but also a necessary part of your dog's social development, and it plays a big role in a forming a bond between your dog and you. Of course, sometimes roughhousing can go too far, so teach your dog that roughhousing shouldn't be too rough: no barking, biting or swiping. Keep it safe!
Being Social
Dogs are technically a subspecies of wolves. Wolves, of course, are extremely social creatures that live in family packs. Our dogs similarly are hardwired to be social. When the crucial role you play in your dog's life quickly becomes apparent to him, you become his "pack leader." You are the most important individual your dog has, and he looks to you for guidance, approval, companionship and love, and will provide the same whenever possible.
Loyalty
If there's one thing you can count on your dog for, it's that you can count on your dog. Everyone knows that dogs are among the most loyal creatures on the planet. Loyalty also comes from wolves. Despite the common term "alpha male" implying that a male wolf rules over his pack, the fact is that wolves mate for life, and mating pairs share responsibility in running their packs of offspring. Living as part of a nuclear family unit is built into your dog's instincts, which is what makes them so loyal and such terrific family pets.
