13 Revealing Secrets Your Dog Knows About You next

 You need protection

Do I sleep cuddled up next to your bed instead of in my usual spot when your spouse is out of town? Do I stay closer to your leg than normal when we walk through a dark area? I can smell the adrenaline your body releases when you’re scared, and I’m also more vigilant anytime someone in the household is missing. These are the 8 sure signs that your dog trusts you.

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8 / 13

You’re going on a trip

I hate it when you leave, so I’ve learned to pick up on all the clues when a departure is imminent–suitcases pulled from the closet or the way you always spread clothes out on your bed. Some of us start to shake and pant because our anxiety spikes. Feel bad? One study found playing classical music for us when we’re alone can help us calm down. Make sure you avoid these mistakes every dog owner makes .

9 / 13

You’re a sucker for our puppy dog eyes

Researchers have found that your body releases the hormone oxytocin (the same chemical that’s released when you look at your baby) when we make eye contact with you. So there’s a reason we gaze at you lovingly when we want something: It works.

10 / 13

What your intentions are

I can pick up nearly imperceptible signals in your body language—a darting of your eyes or the way you grab the leash—that tell me what you’re planning. In one study, dogs were easily able to identify the location of hidden food simply by following a human gaze. Check out these 19 things your dog actually wants from you .

11 / 13

You’re not feeling well

We can be trained to sniff out everything from a drop in your blood sugar to a migraine. A growing number of epileptic patients are getting dogs that alert them to a seizure before it happens. In one Hawaiian hospital, dogs sniffed out urinary tract infections in paralyzed patients who couldn’t report symptoms. Here are 11 more superpowers that all dogs have .

12 / 13

Your baby is weak

I know your little one is a member of my pack, and I also know she’s the most vulnerable. Because I have a strong instinct to guard my family members, I can be extremely protective. That’s why I bark aggressively when someone approaches the stroller and why you should be vigilant if someone is playing with your child while I’m around. (If I mistakenly think she is getting hurt, I may attack.)

13 / 13

You’re bummed out

I am a master at reading your body language and emotional state. One study found that I can tell if someone’s sad simply by reading facial expressions (even if I’m looking at a photo of just half a face!). I’m also more likely to approach someone who is crying than someone humming or talking, an indication of empathy. Next, find out the 30 things your dog wishes you knew.