Are You Your Dog’s Favorite Human

Am I the dog’s favorite? You may have wondered this as a pet owner because who wouldn’t want to be the number one person in their dog’s eye? It’s socialization. Attention. Positive associations. And personality. Let’s dig into the details to learn more about how dogs select their favorite person. Or, you may want to prove that you are number one.

There are many ways that dogs choose their favorite person. Your dog may want to be near you, lick you, or play.

Do dogs have a favorite person

Sometimes, the dog’s favorite person may not be their primary caregiver. It could even be his sitter. Some generalizations apply to all dogs, although each one is unique. The person who spends the most time with a dog and gives them the most attention and positive associations is likely to be their favorite.

Socialization matters

Dogs often form the strongest bonds with their caregivers during their socialization period. This occurs between birth to six months. The brains of puppies are extremely receptive at this age. Their early social experiences will influence them throughout their life. Your puppy must interact positively with people, places, and things.

Dogs who have never seen hats on people may later become scared of them. Radar was only six months old when I got him, so I can’t say for sure what his socialization experience was. He prefers men, which makes me believe that male caregivers more positively shaped him.

While early experiences are important, em>continued/em> socialization href= “https://www.rover.com/doggy-day-care/?ref=blog”> through experiences like doggy daycare,/a> play dates and ‘daily walks’ is also very important! While early experiences matter, ongoing socialization, such as doggy daycares, playdates, and everyday walks, is also important.

The bond is strengthened by attention (and affection)

Now, I have already revealed that my dog prefers someone who isn’t their primary caregiver. Most dogs will bond with the person who pays them the most attention. In a family of two parents with two children, the dog might favor the parent who fills the bowl in the morning and walks them every evening.

Physical love also strengthens the bond between a person and a dog. A dog will not approach an unfriendly person. If you show your dog lots of love, massages, and grooming, they will be more likely to return.

It’s not the quantity but rather the level that matters to some dogs. Radar is my dog, and he spends a lot of time with me. However, I am a little reserved about having a 40-pound Pit Bull on my lap. Radar is more than happy to crawl over my brother. Radar flips over Jacob (sometimes literally).

Positive associations are key

Dogs have their favorites based on associations. When a dog is rewarded with good things, it forms a bond.

It makes sense when you stop to think about it. A dog will love the person who always plays a game of tug-of-war or who gives them their favorite stinky liver treat. The person who feeds the dog most often has a significant role in their life.

Radar will never be friends with the vet. On the other hand, dogs are often repelled by people they dislike. Positive associations can lead to positive human-dog relationships. Positive association can be used to train and socialize your dog.

When someone new visits my home, I make them greet the dogs and treat them. This creates a positive association between the new person and tasty treats, which helps to ease the introduction.

You will always find them wherever you go

Does your dog follow you everywhere? You can’t get from A to B without following you in your house? You may be high on the list of your dog’s favorite people.

The following can be a reflection of similar feelings. As I mentioned above, While velcro behaviors are positive, like licking and playing, separation anxieties have negative traits, including potty accidents, depression, and other symptoms.

Is licking a sign of love and trust

Indeed, dog-licking is sometimes a greeting or affection.

The answer to this question is probably. Your dog may enjoy the information or taste of what you bring to them with your hands and face. Dogs enjoy the salty sweat we produce. They are the parts of the body that are constantly exposed to air, touch, and other things. This is a feast for a dog’s senses!

It can also be an act of submission or a behavior of food seeking between mother and pup. The whale eye is the opposite of comfort. If your dog is licking and showing signs of anxiety, this could be a sign that they are trying to distance themselves from you.

Breeds that bond strongly with their caregiver

Have you ever seen a dog that behaves and looks a lot like its owner before? Like attracts like also applies to people and dogs. Dogs will often select a person that matches their energy level and personality. My more reserved and cautious dog has a stronger bond with me. However, my boisterous, outgoing dog is much more attached to my brother.

Some dog breeds bond more strongly with one person than others, so it is more likely that only one will be their favorite. Species that tend to connect with one person strongly include:

Basenji

Greyhound

Shiba Inu

Cairn Terrier

Check out our list of the stubbornest breeds of dog. The smartest breeds. The lazy breeds. And the best breeds for introverts.

How to become your dog’s favorite

Don’t be discouraged if you feel that you are not the dog’s favorite person. You can strengthen the bond and improve your relationship. Spending at least 30 minutes a day together in a focused and one-on-one environment is the easiest (and funniest) way to improve your relationship. This does not include yard work, walks, or TV time. You should spend your bonding time doing something active.

Here are some bonding activities you can do with your dog.

Play a game, retrieve, or tug.

Have a session. It’s a good way to bond with your dog by working on new skills or reinforcing existing ones.

Try a sport such as agility or dock diving. You can also take your dog along to Dog Gym.

Love is food (in the right quantities and a healthy manner). Try to choose wholesome proteins with minimal fillers and make some homemade food for your dog. Integrate eye contact into mealtime to create a bonding experience.