But while we may want to show our love through big bear-hugs and kisses on the nose, these acts may actually be causing our doggy companions more stress than joy.
Maria Murray, Deputy Director of Community Education and Engagement at Dogs Trust, said: “As a nation of dog lovers, it’s only natural that we want to show our dogs just how much we love them. But it’s important to remember that some of the ways we show love to our human friends are not suitable for our canine companions.
"There are some really simple and effective ways of showing love to your dog, from taking them on walks and playing games with them through to spending time training them and teaching new tricks. By following our tips and advice, you can show your dog just how much they mean to you in a positive, dog-friendly way.
The team at Dogs Trust’s Dogs School, which runs classes across Northern Ireland, has shared their top tips for showing your dog just how much you care.
5. Spend quality time together
Spend quality time with your canine friend. Dogs are intelligent animals and many love to play games such as fetch, tug and hide and seek with their toys. Take some time out of your day to go for a walk together. Not only is this good for them physically, but walks are full of mental stimulation for your dog too – an all round enjoyable experience for them. Photo: unsplash
6. Exercise your dog's body and brain
You can teach an old dog new tricks, and they love to learn! Spend time training your dog, and reward them when they do well. Make sure the level of exercise is appropriate for your dogs age and individual circumstances and check with your vet if you’re not sure what activities are suitable for them. Photo: unsplash
7. Pick the right toys
Many dog owners will want to spoil their dogs on Valentine’s Day but beware of getting gifts for your dog that could be harmful. Avoid the brightly coloured rawhide chews on sale in shops as they can be a choking hazard for dogs, and some even contain chemicals that can be dangerous for dogs. Photo: unsplash
8. Safe playtime
When picking toys and balls for your dog, make sure they are appropriate in size so they can’t be swallowed, and remove any broken toys before they become a hazard. Remember to teach your dog how to swap and drop so you can safely remove any gifts that become hazardous. Photo: unsplash