Dogs idolise their owners in a way most humans just can't comprehend.
To a dog, their owner is their entire world - the source of their food, comfort and entertainment.
And to show just how much we love our pets, we shower them with cuddles and kisses.
Even when they try to wriggle out of our loving grasp, we hope they understand what our affection means.
According to research, dogs learn to understand what kisses mean by watching their owners interact with one another.
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They learn to recognise it as positive affection despite it not being part of their typical behaviour.
However, dogs who have been abused, neglected or have never experienced human kindness can have a hard time learning what they mean.
Pet product company Hepper, who works alongside experts to improve animals' lives, said: "Most domesticated dogs who have found a home in loving households seem to understand that human kisses are associated with affection, attention, and gentleness.
"This can be seen in how dogs often start wagging their tail, cuddling with you, and looking you in your eye when they are receiving human kisses.
"Dogs who have received human kisses from an early age are especially prone to these positive body movements, such as tail wagging and licking.
"All of these behaviours express reciprocated affection and relaxation in dogs, showing that they understand that they are receiving some sort of positive attention when you kiss them."
Owners can train their dogs to like kisses in a number of ways - starting early, starting slow with order dogs and by using a gentle voice.
The statement adds: "Since human kisses are associated with gentle behaviour, dogs tend to love human kisses and are quick to respond positively to them."
Teaching a dog to kiss back can be achieved through treats and positive reinforcement. It can be learnt using the same methods used to teach other commands such as 'sit', 'stay' and 'roll over'.
Five signs your dog loves you
The Blue Cross has revealed five signs owners can watch out for to know whether their feelings towards their dog are reciprocated.
These include soft eye contact, tail wagging, cuddling on their terms, greeting their owners at the door, and, similar to a human kiss, licking their owners.
A statement reads: "Dog licking can be for a variety of reasons. One of the reasons your dog may lick you, will be affection.
"They are ultimately seeking attention from you because they want to interact with you, and licking you is a very quick way to get your attention."
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
