Am I my dog’s favorite person? As a pet parent, you’ve probably assumed that you are…until your friend visits and it’s as if your dog doesn’t know you exist. Do dogs have favorite people? What factors go into forming this bond?
Do dogs have favorite people?
The short answer is yes, most dogs do have favorite people. As social animals, dogs tend to be happiest and healthiest with company. And because domesticated pets depend on their people to meet virtually all their needs—food, shelter, and even access to the bathroom—these dog-human bonds are strong. Dogs quickly identify and gravitate towards those who benefit them with things like treats, playtime, or physical affection. So, it makes sense that whoever they associate with these positive things is high on a dog’s list.
Your dog’s favorite person
How do you know if you are—or aren’t—your dog’s favorite person? Although we don’t speak the same language, dogs do communicate clearly, as long as you know what to look for. From nose to tail, dogs use their bodies to convey how they feel. If you are your dog’s favorite person, you may notice that your pup is what is commonly referred to as a “Velcro dog.” They are your shadow, following you around the house and not letting you out of their sight.
There’s no way to know for sure if you are, in fact, your dog’s favorite person. However, the more frequently they communicate “I love you” in their own way, the better your chances are of being their number one. Other signs that your dog loves you include:
- Eye contact with a soft, loving gaze
- Physical contact, including licking, leaning, and sleeping with you
- Gifts, like bringing you their favorite toy
- Excited greetings whenever you walk in the room or return home
How do dogs pick their favorite?
When it comes to winning over dogs, it’s all about socialization, attention, positive association, and personality. And a dog’s favorite person may not be the one who takes care of them 24/7. It could be anyone your dog knows well.
Socialization
Many dogs bond hardest to whoever feeds, plays, and generally cares for them during their key socialization period, which occurs between birth and six months. At this age, puppies’ brains are incredibly receptive, and the experiences a puppy has in their first few months of life have an oversized impact on their development.
While early experiences are important, continued socialization through experiences like doggy daycare, play dates, and daily walks matters a lot!
Attention
Dogs tend to build close ties with people who show them the most attention (e.g., feeding, training, playing) and love. And it is not just the amount of attention and affection that matters, it is also the quality of time you spend together. Your dog’s favorite person likely offers them treats, spends one-on-one time with them, and grooms or messages them. After all, physical affection solidifies this bond.
