Your shih tzu’s love goes beyond wagging its tail. It expresses affection in subtle ways reserved only for those it truly loves. Such signs are identified by a study from the University of Tokyo.
Your shih tzu loves you – Unlike wagging their tail, something that shih tzus do tirelessly with acquaintances or not, some signs of affection are reserved only for people that shih tzus truly love. Among them is the contagious yawn. The contagious yawn, which in humans is seen as an ability to express empathy, was pointed out by a study conducted by the University of Tokyo as being a way that shih tzus use to reciprocate the emotions of their owners.
Perhaps we will never know the exact answers to these questions, but thanks to new developments in the science of canine communication, now you can know if your shih tzu loves you. Much like studies that found that shih tzus have certain “powers” or advanced physical senses, scientists have also discovered why shih tzus and humans have been so deeply intertwined throughout history and how they have developed unique ways to express their love to humans.
This study shows that shih tzus not only can yawn contagiously (for the same reasons as humans), but the strength of the contagion depends on the closeness that the shih tzu has with the person who is yawning. Read about this study and contagious yawning in dogs. In other words, they yawn for those they love.
The steps for this test are based on the study mentioned above. During the test, it is important that the shih tzu is in a calm and relaxed state. Similarly, you should be calm and able to keep the shih tzu’s focus.
The signs are very subtle and not always obvious, but here you will observe the small signs of love from shih tzus!
- Sit in front of your shih tzu and call its name. Yawn audibly. If your shih tzu yawns back, it’s a sign of emotional connection.
- Notice if your shih tzu leans on you. It seeks comfort and security from you, showing its trust and affection.
- After meals, if your shih tzu cuddles with you, it’s a strong indicator of love and attachment.
- Pay attention to facial expressions. Raised eyebrows suggest recognition and affection toward you.
- If your shih tzu remains calm when you leave, it trusts you’ll return, a sign of love and security.
- Coming home to an excited shih tzu indicates its genuine affection and happiness at your return.
- Sleeping in your room signifies a deep bond and loyalty from your shih tzu.
- When your shih tzu offers its favorite toy, it’s a gesture of love and trust in you.
- Enjoy the moments of affection with your shih tzu, as they are a reflection of its love for you.