8. They love us

Just as humans gaze into the eyes of people we love, dogs have “borrowed” the same sign of affection to communicate with their owners. New research shows that mutual gazing between us and our pets releases the same hormonal response present during mother and infant bonding in humans.

If you discover your dog looking at you with longing eyes and no apparent reason, it just might be a sign of affection.

Never try to force your pet into eye contact by holding their head. Dogs can interpret it as a threat and react accordingly.