Have you ever tried to understand why certain people get all your dog’s attention even though you are his master? Sometimes a dog’s favorite person is not his main caregiver. Even if you are the person who feeds him, walks him and that you let him sleep on your bed, nothing guarantees you to be its favorite person. So how do dogs choose their favorite person? And is it possible that they change their mind?
Of course, each dog is different, but some generalizations apply. Let’s explain everything about how dogs choose their favorite people!
Socialization matters
Many dogs bond with the one who cares for them during their young socialization period, which occurs between birth and their first six months. At this age, the brain of the puppies is incredibly receptive and their first social experiences can have an influence for the rest of their lives. This is why it is important to surround your puppy with positive interactions with a wide range of various people, places and things.
For example, dogs that are not exposed to people wearing hats may be afraid of hats later in their lives. A similar behavior can happen if it’s mostly surrounded by men during this period. Later, it might tend to prefer them to women.
If your dog was already an adult when you adopted it, do not worry: it’s not too late to become their favorite. While early experiences are important, socialization continues throughout their entire lives!
How to Bond With Your Dog?
Some dogs are all about attention when it comes to picking their favorite person. For example, in a typical family of two parents and two children, the dog will usually bond with the parents because they feed him every morning and walk him every night.
In addition, physical affection solidifies the bonding. If you give your dog a lot of attention and cuddling, grooming sessions, massages and love, he will most likely always be looking for more.
For some dogs, it’s not just the attention and affection that matter, it’s about quality. A person who accepts a dog in his bed or on his lap will have a better chance of becoming his favorite person than the person who denies him access.
Positive Association Is the Key
Beyond the attention received from their favorite people, dogs select their favorites according to associations. In other words, when a person is the source of good things, the dog associate the person to happiness and it forms a bond.
It makes a lot of sense. Of course, a dog will love the person who always plays with him. They also understand that the person who feeds them most often is a very important person in their life!
The opposite as well! Dogs will often have a bad behavior towards someone they associate with bad associations, such as veterinarians, for example. Positive associations lead to positive relationships. Therefore you can use a positive association to help with the training and socialization of your dog.
For example, every time someone comes home, have him meet the dog in the yard and let him give him some treats for its good behavior. This creates an immediate positive association (new person = tasty treats) that facilitates introduction.
The Human Personality and the Dog Breed Should Ally Together
Have you ever met a dog that looks and behaves much like its master? The expression “who looks alike meets” also applies to dogs and humans. Dogs often choose a favorite person that matches their own energy level and personality.
In addition, some breeds of dogs are more likely to bind to a single person, making it more likely that their favorite person will be their only person. Breeds that tend to strongly adhere to a single person include:
- the Basenji
- the English Greyhound
- the Shiba Inu
- The Cairn Terrier
How to Become Your Dog’s Favorite
If you feel that you are not the favorite person your dog choose, do not despair. You can improve and increase your relationship. The simplest (and most fun) way is to devote at least 30 minutes of individual concentrated work each day. This does not include walks, court time or television. Your bonding time should be active and focused.
Here are some linking activities to create a link with your dog:
- Play fetch the ball or hide.
- Have daily workout to practice your dog’s skills.
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Try to work on his agility with a frisbee where you and your dog can work together as a team.
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Food (healthy and appropriate) is love. Aim for healthy protein sources and try homemade meals for your dog. Make a liaison by integrating visual contact.
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Give your dog a grooming session or a massage.
The relationship occurs naturally between the dogs and the people who treat them well. Take care of your dog, socialize with him, give him positive experiences and respect his unique personality. He will reward you with love.
Source: rover.com
