Dogs generally prefer physical attention to kind words; similar to how you may prefer a shoulder rub to, «Great dinner, honey,» from your significant other. (littledogtips.com)
Cut off any affection; it would be unfair to continue receiving physical attention if you decided to break up. (blogs.elenasmodels.com)
They are affectionate and prefer physical attention or closeness. (second-opinion-doc.com)