'I'm a dog trainer - here are five ways to make your pet feel loved'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Dogs offer unconditional love, which is why they are typically considered man's best friend. Our four-legged pals are always sad to see us leave but light up when it's time to welcome us home, which is a great comfort.But how do you show your dog that you love them in return?

It can be hard to understand how best to communicate with our pooches and show them how much we care.Many people consider hugs as the best form of showing their appreciation, but this may not be as well-received by dogs as you'd expect.

Philip Legood, a dog psychologist and trainer, told Green Pantry, a natural dog food company: "Whilst cuddling our dogs offers us great comfort, the same can’t always be said the other way around."Some dogs can actually find hugs quite stressful.

Wrapping our arms around them and holding them tightly can feel quite overwhelming and threatening to some dogs, an especially important lesson to teach young children."Some of the many signs that indicate your dog may not be enjoying hugs can include stiff body posture, ears laying flat and back on the head, lip licking, grinning (lips pulled back) and a raised paw.On the flip side, there are also some clear signs that show your dog is happy, including relaxed ‘floppy’ body posture, loose or wagging tail, ears hanging down or slightly forward, a soft face with an open mouth.”With that in mind, Philip has shared five top tips on how to show your dog just how much you love them.“Dogs love to explore new places, especially when it’s an outdoor environment," Philip said. "Changing up their routine and taking them somewhere different for a walk is a great sensory experience for them.