8. They Greet You with Unrestrained Joy

Reunion behavior is one of the most reliable metrics scientists use to assess attachment styles. When you return home from work or a simple errand, a securely attached dog will likely greet you with full-body wiggles, bring you a toy, or initiate a session of play. A securely attached cat might greet you at the front door with an upright tail—often with a slight hook or quiver at the tip—and vocalize their excitement.

It is important to note the difference between a joyful greeting and separation anxiety. A securely attached pet will express intense happiness but eventually settle down and return to a calm state once you are settled on the couch. A highly anxious or hyper-attached pet may struggle to calm down long after you arrive.

Editorial Note: Understanding your pet’s emotional language requires setting aside human expectations. We often look for obvious gestures, but an animal’s highest compliment is simply choosing to be physically vulnerable in your presence.