Expert reveals simple test that can signify whether your dog really does love you

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Pet experts have revealed that one rapid test can decide whether or not your dog really does love you.While many breeds of dog can be very affectionate and loving, others can be a little more withdrawn, leaving owners unsure if they have a deeper connection, reports the Mirror.However, scientists have claimed that there is one way you can tell if your dog has love for you.According to the Kennel Club, dogs are more likely to yawn when their owners do, as it can be contagious in humans, as well as some animals.Experts have said that these yawns are "more contagious" if you have a deeper emotional connection with your pooch.

They said that "contagious yawning [is] believed to help show empathy with your fellow yawner".Dr Brian Hare, author of The Genius of Dogs and founder of the Duke Canine Cognition Centre at Duke University, said: "It's reasonable to assume that dogs who yawn when their owners do are more emotionally connected to them.

They understand us in ways that other animals don't, including great apes."A study at the University of Tokyo found that over half of the dogs they monitored yawned after they observed their owners doing the same.The researchers also studied dogs who watched a stranger yawn to see if the results were different, finding that the dogs yawned about half as often.Teresa Romero, a researcher who studies animal behaviour, said: "Our results show the emotional bond between people and their dogs may be reciprocal."The Kennel Club released a statement saying: "Romero says contagious yawning may be a way for animals who live together to coordinate activities."Since dogs and humans have been living together for between 14,000 and 30,000 years, contagious yawning may be deeply rooted in canine