Have you ever experienced a situation where you have loved your dog so much that you have spoiled them rotten – you give them all the attention in the world, yet it seems they favor other individuals over you? In certain situations, you may have wondered how dogs choose their favorite people. You may have thought about what you could do to make sure you could strengthen the bond that you have with your dog. You may think it is all about treats, but it may not necessarily be all about that.  

                                   

The period of socialization

Puppies have a period of socialization that goes on till they are around six months old. They learn based on negative and positive experiences they have in this timeframe. Therefore, you must expose pups to different situations, dogs, and people. Socialization happens to be the key over here. For example, let us assume a puppy has spent most of its time around children and women and is then adopted when they grow up. In that case, they may behave fearfully or aggressively around men, and it is because they are not as acquainted with them.

Even when your dog spent their socialization period in a shelter, it is still possible for you to introduce positive and new things to them. The trick here is to be patient with them and use tools, such as positive reinforcement so you can reassure them that it is pleasant and okay to be around new people. You can also try means, such as enrolling in a socialization class with your dog. That way, your dog would benefit from being around others of their ilk in a controlled environment. 

Positive association

In the same way as socialization work, dogs tend to choose their favorite people based on positive association. Maybe she or he is the person who always has a treat or two with them, takes them on long walks, and spends time playing fetch with them. Thanks to the special attention dogs get from such people, they would always associate good and happy feelings with them. So, if you would prefer to strengthen the bond you have with your dog, you must work to create some fresh positive associations with them.

For example, you could teach them a new trick or rule, such as waiting to eat their food before you command them to. When they obey the command, you can give them a treat and some encouragement to reinforce such behavior. You can pet them and tell them that they did a great job. Not only would your dog love the possibility of making you happy, but they would positively associate such an experience with you. 

Attention 

It must be the least surprising factor when it comes to the discussion that we are having over here. It is natural for a dog to choose the individual who gives them the most attention as its favorite person. The saying that the way to the heart of a dog is through its stomach is true in these cases as well. Dogs are intelligent individuals. They know who has the duty of feeding them. They also remember who spends the maximum time with them and loves them the most. 

Personalities 

Dogs have a similarity with humans in the sense that they like to spend time with other individuals who share similar traits in terms of personality. For example, people who enjoy soccer enjoy spending time with others who like that sport. On the other hand, you have people who enjoy reading books, and they find camaraderie in book clubs with individuals who share their passion. So, if a dog is playful and energetic, it would like to spend time with people with the same kind of energy as well. If a dog likes to play and wrestle, it would like to spend time with other people who like to do so too.

Disadvantages 

As a dog parent, you are always responsible for activities that are not as entertaining such as administering medication and taking them to the vet. In such cases, your dog may perceive you as a bad guy, because you are forcing them into these situations. They would not understand that you are doing this for their well-being and benefit. So, in case you are working on improving your bond with them, you need to do your best. So, you can make these experiences as pleasant as you can. 

Improving your bond with your dog

                               

Are you disappointed or concerned that your dog prefers you less than someone else? Do you wish to be their best friend and favorite person as well? It is never too late to try to improve the situation. There are still some steps that you can take to make the bond between you both stronger. So, begin the process by spending at least half an hour a day of quality time with them. If you work from home, you may think you are automatically spending time with them, but it could be a wrong idea.

Following you around everywhere 

Is your dog your shadow? Can you not go anywhere in your home without them following you around? Then there is a definite chance that you rank high on your little one’s list of favorite people. Positive association and attention strengthen the bond between dog parents and their babies. In much the same way, if they follow you around, it means you are among their most preferred people to be with. If you are walking, treating, feeding, and petting them, there is just no reason why you would not be their favorite person. 

Breeds 

You must have heard of those one-person dogs. Certain breeds tend to form stronger bonds with one of their human parents than others. The idea that a dog could be single-mindedly loyal is not new. It has been common knowledge for centuries that some breeds, such as the below are happier functioning as one-person dogs:

  • Akita
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Australian Cattle Dog
  • French Bulldog
  • Beagle
  • German Shepherd
  • Border Collie
  • Great Pyrenees
  • Chihuahua
  • Rottweiler
  • Chow Chow
  • Shetland Sheepdog
  • Dachshund
  • Shiba Inu

These breeds are mostly protectors, herders, and guards by instinct. It is common for these breeds to be loyal to their favorite humans.   

                                       

Conclusion 

So, as you can see for yourself, several factors come into play as far as a dog choosing its favorite person is concerned. Some of these are in our control, while others are not. It is important to remember that if you give your dog all the attention they deserve, you treat them with kindness and love. 

Naturally, a bond would form between you both. So, focus on socializing them from an early age. Make sure they feel safe even at unpleasant locations, such as the vet’s office, and spend quality time with them.   

FAQs

How to determine if your dog loves you?

There are signs that your dog loves you and you are their favorite such as your dog jumping on you, licking your face, etc. It is most definite that they would wag their tail. 

Who is the most favorite person of a dog?

Most dogs habitually bond the most with the individual who provides them with maximum attention. It could mean the person who fills their bowls every day and takes them on walks.

Why do dogs choose one person to sleep with?

Some dogs select a person with whom they develop a relationship of deep trust. That breeds a sense of comfort in that individual. It is a reason they choose to sleep with them.

Do male dogs prefer female parents?

Dogs prefer adults as their parents, and they have a special inclination toward women. However, a lot, in this case, has to do with how they have been socialized. 

How do dogs determine their favorite human?

Dogs tend to select their favorite people depending on the socialization and positive interactions they have shared with those individuals in the past. A lot of this learning happens during childhood.