How a Dog Selects Their Favorite Person

woman with dog by lake

You might initially think that a dog's favorite person is whoever feeds them the most. When they gobble up every treat and morsel of food within their line of sight, it's a valid assumption. However, a dog's selection process includes some other factors that we may not have considered:

Socialization matters

Many dogs bond hardest to whoever cares for them during their key socialization period, which occurs between birth and six months. That’s why it’s so important to ensure your puppy has positive interactions with a wide range of people, places, and things.

For example, dogs who aren’t exposed to people wearing hats may become afraid of hats later in life.

If your dog was already an adult when you adopted them, don’t worry: it’s not too late to become their favorite.

Attention (and affection) increases the bond

Now, I’ve already disclosed the fact that my own dog prefers someone who isn’t their primary caregiver. But most dogs tend to bond to the person who gives them the most attention.

In addition, physical affection solidifies the bond between dog and person. If a person is stand-offish towards a dog, the dog will be stand-offish towards them.

For some dogs, it’s not just the amount of attention and affection that matter, but the quality.

Positive association is key

Beyond the attention of their favorite people, dogs play favorites depending on associations. In other words, when a person is the source of good stuff, the dog forms a bond.

For example, whenever somebody new comes to my house, I have them meet the dogs in the yard and give them treats. This establishes an immediate positive association (new person = tasty treats) that helps ease the introduction.

Human personality and dog breed play a part

Dogs often choose a favorite person who matches their own energy level and personality. I’ve certainly found that my more reserved, cautious dog is more closely bonded to me, while my more outgoing, boisterous dog is very attached to my more active brother.

Breeds that tend to bond strongly to one person include:

Basenji

Greyhound

Shiba Inu

Cairn Terrier

How to become your dog’s favorite

The easiest (and most fun) way is to spend at least 30 minutes of focused, one-on-one time together each day. This doesn’t include walks, yard time, or watching TV together.

Play fetch, tug, or hide and seek.

Have a training session.

Try a sport like agility or flyball where you and your dog can work together as a team.

Food (in healthy, appropriate quantities) is love. Aim for wholesome protein sources with limited fillers, and try some homemade meals for your dog.

Give your dog a grooming session or massage.

So if you think you're not your dog's favorite human, it's okay! There's room for improvement and just like a bond with another human, it can be strengthened.

But instead of going out to dinner or seeing a movie to spend time together, you might play a multi-round game of fetch or work on some new tricks.

Article Source: Rover



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