• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Our website uses cookies. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. To see what cookies we serve and set your own preferences, please review our Cookie Policy. Learn More.

The Dog People by Rover.com

Powered by Rover.com

Just another The Dog People by Rover.com Sites site

  • The Dog People by Rover.com
  • Dog Love
  • Dog Bonding
  • Dog Care
  • Puppies and New Dogs
  • Cat Love
  • Dog-friendly places
    • London
    • Birmingham
    • Edinburgh
    • Manchester
    • Liverpool
  • Shopping
    • Dog Gift Guides
    • Toys and Chews
  • Dog Names
    • The 200 Most Popular Dog Names in the UK
    • Rover’s Dog Name Generator
    • Archived: Girly Dog Names: 104 Top Picks of 2020 for Your Pretty Puppy
    • 68 Literary Dog Names for Bookish Dog Lovers in 2020
    • 16 Perfect Batman Dog Names
    • The Most Romantic Dog Names Ever
    • Popular Irish Dog Names for 2020
    • Sitter Resources
  • Languages
    • en-US
    • en-CA
    • fr-FR
    • es-ES
    • de-DE
    • it-IT
    • nl-NL
    • nb-NO
    • sv-SE
    • fr-CA

How Do Dogs Choose Their Favourite Person?

Share9Pin It0
iStock/adamkaz

How Do Dogs Choose Their Favourite Person?

Updated December 20, 2022 | Bonding with Your Dog
By Elisabeth Geier
Updated by Nia Martin

Share9Tweet0Pin It0

Am I my dog’s favourite person? If you’re a pet parent, you’ve probably wondered this—because, let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to be number one in their dog’s eyes? In short, it’s all about socialisation, attention, positive association, and personality. But let’s get into the finer details so you can learn how dogs choose their favourite person—or, you know, if you just want proof that you’re number one.

My dog loves me, but he loooooves my youngest brother, Jacob. It’s not even a contest: put my brother and me on opposite ends of a room, and Radar will always run to Jacob first. It’s funny and mystifying at the same time. After all, I’m the one who raised Radar and take care of him every day. I feed him, walk him, let him sleep on my bed…but when Jacob comes for a visit, it’s like I cease to exist.

Advertisement

So sometimes, a dog’s favourite person is not always their primary caregiver, sometimes it might even be your dog’s favourite sitter. So how do dogs choose their favourite person? Is it the person they lick the most? The human that supplies the most treats? Or, is it something else? And is it possible to change their minds?

Of course, every dog is different, but some generalisations apply. Read on to learn all about how dogs choose their favourite person.

Am I My Dog’s Favourite Person?

Socialisation matters

two dachshunds in sweaters on leash

Juncero via iStock

Many dogs bond hardest with whoever cares for them during their key socialisation period, which occurs between birth and six months. At this age, puppies’ brains are incredibly receptive, and their early social experiences influence them for the rest of their lives. 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. I didn’t get Radar until he was six months old, so I don’t know exactly what his early socialisation experiences were like. However, he tends to prefer men, which leads me to believe he had more positive, formative experiences with male carers.

If your dog was already an adult when you adopted them, don’t worry: it’s not too late to become their favourite. While early experiences are important, continued socialisation through experiences like doggy daycare, play dates, and daily walks matters a lot!

Attention (and affection) increases the bond

Young french bulldog begs for treats

Ksenia Raykova via iStock

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 with the person who gives them the most attention. For example, in a family with two parents and two kids, the dog may favour the parent who fills their bowl every morning and takes them for a walk every evening.

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. But if you give your dog plenty of pets, grooming sessions, massages, and love, they are likely to seek out more.

For some dogs, it’s not just the amount of attention and affection that matters, but the quality. My dog Radar spends most of his time with me, but I can be a bit reserved and strict about allowing 40 pounds of Pit Bull in my lap. My brother, on the other hand, is happy to roughhouse and let Radar crawl all over him. No wonder Radar does backflips (sometimes literally) whenever he sees Jacob.

Positive association is key

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

When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. Of course, a dog is going to love the person who always plays tug of war or gives them loads of their favourite stinky beef liver treat. They also know that the person who feeds them most often is a pretty important player in their lives!

dog catching organic treat in air

ClarkandCompany via iStock

On the flip side, dogs often react poorly to people with whom they have bad associations (you’ll never catch Radar making friends with a vet). Positive associations lead to positive dog-human relationships. You can use positive associations to help in training and socialising your dog.

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

Wherever you go, there they are

Black and white corgi following woman's legs indoors

KristinaKibler via iStock

Is your dog your own personal shadow? Can you not get from Point A to Point B in your home without them following right behind you? Then it’s definitely possible you rank high on your dog’s list of favourite people.

Just like positive attention and association increases the bond between dog and pet parent, following can reflect similar feelings. As I mentioned above, if you are the source of walks, treats, food and petting sessions, why wouldn’t your doggo favour following you above all others?

It’s important to keep in mind though that being a ‘velcro dog’ who enjoys your companionship is different from a dog with separation anxiety. Whereas velcro behaviour has positive characteristics, such as licking, playing, etc, separation anxiety is not a sign of favouritism and has negative characteristics, such as potty accidents and depression.

What about dog licking?

Happy woman playing with her dog inside home during lockdown isolation - Pet licking owner face - Focus on face

You may have a dog that just can’t help giving your hands and face a quick bath with their tongue. And while kisses between people are commonly a sign of affection, you may have wondered whether your dog licking you is supposed to carry the same message.

The answer is: maybe. Our hands and faces produce a salty sweat which dogs enjoy and they’re the parts of our bodies that are exposed to air and touch from the different places we go throughout the day. For a dog, this is a taste and smell buffet!

Dog licking can also be a sign of submission or act of communication and may also stem from a food-seeking behaviour between mum and pup. But yes, it’s true: dog licking can also be a sign of greeting or affection in some instances. So while we can’t tell you that those licks mean you’re the favourite for sure, chances are, if your dog licks you frequently—you certainly aren’t the least favourite!

Human personality and dog breed play a part

Couple posing for photo in field with dogs

eclipse_images via iStock

Have you ever met a dog that looks and behaves a lot like their person? The saying “like attracts like” applies to dogs and people, too. Dogs often choose a favourite 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.

In addition, some dog breeds are more likely to bond with a single person, making it more likely that their favourite person will be their only person. Breeds that tend to bond strongly to one person include:

  • Basenji
  • Greyhound
  • Shiba Inu
  • Cairn Terrier

How To Become Your Dog’s Favourite

If you have the feeling you’re not your dog’s favourite person, don’t despair. You can improve and increase the bond between you. 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. Your bonding time should be active and focused.

Here are a few bonding activities to engage in with your dog:

  • Play a game of fetch, tug, or frisbee.
  • Have a training session. Working on new skills, or reinforcing old ones, is a great way to bond!
  • Try a sport like agility, dock diving, or take your dog to dog gym 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. Make mealtime a bonding activity by integrating eye contact.
  • Give your dog a grooming session or massage.

Bonding occurs naturally between dogs and the people who treat them well. Take good care of your dog, socialise him, give him positive experiences, and respect his unique personality. He’ll reward you with a lifetime of love (even if he sometimes acts more excited to see your brother).

Share9Tweet0Pin It0

Elisabeth Geier

Elisabeth Geier is a writer, teacher, and animal advocate with extensive animal handling experience and a soft spot for bully breeds and big orange tabbies.


Updated by Nia Martin

sidebar

By Elisabeth Geier

Updated by Nia Martin

Share This Article

Share9Tweet0Pin It0

Popular Posts

  • 6 Tips for Training Your Territorial Dog
  • What Your Dog’s Wet and Cold Nose Means About Their Health and Daily Routine
  • All You Need To Know About Neutering Your Cat
  • Burnt Paw Pads: How to Spot, Treat and Prevent Them
  • Do Cats Dream? Kitty Dreams and Sleep-Induced Twitches Explained!
  • Why Is My Cat Shaking? Find Out Why And How To Help
  • Why Dogs Are Afraid of Fireworks and 10 Ways to Calm Them
  • 8 Halloween Safety Tips for Pets
  • Does My Cat Have Asthma? How to Identify and Treat Asthma in Cats
  • How to Stop Dog Aggression Towards Cats in 8 Steps
More from The Dog People

Why Does My Dog Walk in Circles? Here’s What You Need to Know

The 20 Best Dog Breeds for Every Type of Family and Kid

Learn More

  • About Rover.com
  • Sitter Resources
  • Terms of Service
  • User Terms
  • Privacy Statement
  • Cookie Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Download the App
  • In The Press
  • Advertise With Us

Need Help?

  • Help Center
© 2023 Rover.com. All Rights Reserved.