Why do dogs get so excited when you come home?

Updated 26/09/2024

Whether it’s a tail that’s wagging so fast it’s more of a black, white and brown blur, or a leap thrice their height just to lap you over the face, a case of dog zoomies or even a piddle on the floor, to say your dog is excited to see you when you get home is an understatement.

But why do dogs get so excited when you come home? Explore these eight reasons to ponder before you get in the door.

Why are dogs so happy?

Dogs experience a spectrum of emotions, including joy (according to Psychology Today and pet parents the world over!). Our canine companions have a strong attachment to the humans they live with due to pack mentality and an association with positive experiences. Dogs who are also full of energy and playful can seem even more joyful.

Depending on the dog breed, certain pups (like Terriers) will seem more joyful than others due to their high energy levels, but that’s not to say slower dogs aren’t just as happy to see you.

Why do dogs get so excited when you come home?

• Your dog loves you
• You = sensory stimulation
• You = mental stimulation
• You = food time
• They’re mirroring your emotions
• You’re associated with positive experiences
• You’re part of the pack
• You relieve separation anxiety

Your dog loves you

So, why do dogs get excited when you come home? Sprinting towards you at lightning speed, tail wagging, body actively shaking with excitement, it can be down to the simple fact that your dog loves you. 

Dogs are highly attached to their human companions. In fact, research shows that when holding eye contact with their owners, dogs release 130% more oxytocin (i.e. the love hormone) than when looking at other objects.

You = sensory stimulation

One of the reasons why dogs are so happy when you come home, showering you with love and affection, is because they associate you with getting social stimulation.

Often when you get back home, your pooch might have been left for a few hours with not a whole lot to do. So, when you’re home, your pup will be pretty excited with the variety of scents they’re met with (new and old), plus the sound of your voice and any new objects that you bring into the space.

And if you’re due to leave your pup soon, they certainly don’t have to miss out on social stimulation. Yup, there are better options out there than leaving your doggo in a bleak kennel. 

One way to keep your pup socially stimulated while you’re away (and to encourage those excitable greetings) is to welcome a pet sitter - click below to find out more.

You = mental stimulation

It’s no surprise that your dog’s happier when you’re home (and therefore super excited when they hear your car pulling up or your key turning in the lock). After having been left home alone (or with humans that are great, but not as great as you, naturally), they're excited for somebody new to be walking in the door.

Simply processing that you’re home mentally stimulates your pup, plus they’ll associate you with all the fun games and activities you share with them to get their brain ticking (which, by the way, are great ways to bond with your dog).

You = food time

If you’re still wondering - why is my dog so excited to see me - well it’s partly because they associate you with one of their favorite times of the day: meal time.

If you’re the one providing your pooch with their balanced diet each day, then you’ll naturally be up there with one of their favorite humans. So, you walking in the door will signal it’s almost time to eat.

They’re mirroring your emotions

As a pet parent, you’ve probably tried to get your pooch excited when they’re feeling a little lethargic before walkies or play time. And usually, if you act excited, they do the same (this also explains why dogs like to cuddle in the morning).

So, why are dogs always happy when you get in the door? Well they’re able to pick up on your body language if you’re excited, relaxed or relieved to be home, and will mirror those right back at you (in their own upbeat, canine way).

You’re associated with positive experiences

Whether it’s a belly rub, blissful evenings cuddled up on the sofa, you work from home with your dogs or it's physical activities like walkies and fetch, your pooch associates you with all of their good times.

Building up ‘happy’ points over the years of all their positive experiences with you, it explains why dogs are always happy to see their pet parents after being separated.

In fact, according to Psychology Today, research has shown that the scent of a dog’s owner triggers the area of the brain associated with reward.

You’re part of the pack

As you’ll know, the dogs we know and love today descend from wolves, and so their pack mentality is built-in. 

While they may no longer live in the same way as their wolf ancestors, the mentality is transferred to their human family, who they consider members of the pack. So, when a dog is excited to see their owner, it might be partly because they’re relieved a member of their pack has returned home safe.

You relieve separation anxiety

If you’re wondering - why is my dog so clingy once you’ve got home, your pooch might have separation anxiety, or they might simply be a happy dog who’s super relieved to see you. 

Either way, dogs will show different levels of excitement when you’re home, depending on their breed, temperament, and age. With that said, though, if your pup is showing other signs of separation anxiety like whining, howling, trembling or destructive behavior, it’s time to get vet advice.

Meet our veterinary expert, Hannah

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCV.

Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and worked in mixed practice for a few years before focusing on small animal work. Clinically, she worked in a busy, multi-center hospital practice until 2018, where she underwent training in advanced canine and feline dentistry and began working towards a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. She then moved to a local independent practice to care for the pets nearby, allowing more time to focus on other career avenues, which include writing for a diverse range of pet websites, vet practices, drug companies, journals, and veterinary educators. 

Want to give back to your ever loving pup?

Explore our tips on all things dog massage, where we dive into the techniques and benefits for your favorite furry companion.