While most dogs love and bond with every member of the family, there’s often one person they’re especially drawn to.
In this video, we will talk about how dogs choose their favorite human and how you can become your dog’s favorite person.
Positive associations
Dogs play favorites depending on associations. If a person is the source of good and yummy stuff, dogs form a bond.
The more positive interactions you have with your dog, the more they’ll associate you with positivity.
On the other hand, dogs often react poorly to individuals with whom they have bad associations.
If you want to be the favorite, make a list of your dog’s favorite activities, and do those things more often. Make sure to limit negative interactions, such as harsh discipline or scolding.
Be the source of comfort
Dogs have natural instincts to be alert and on the lookout for danger. It is instinctual for canines to want to create space between them and what they consider to be a threat.
There are particular behaviors and characteristics that can make people less appealing to dogs.
For example, dogs find loud noises or sudden movements to be stressful. Some dogs may even maintain distance from people who behave in ways that are distressing to them. Some kids can be distressing to dogs because they behave erratically. They may tease or push a dog when it is sleeping.
If your dog views you as a source of safety rather than a source of disruption, they will be more likely to be drawn to you.
This is another reason why we should never shout at our dogs because it causes stress and anxiety.
It’s in their blood
Dogs often differ in their temperament and personality based on their breed and ancestry. This means some dog breeds are more likely to bond and attach to a single person
Breeds that tend to bond strongly to one person include Grey hounds, Shiba Inus, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Akitas, and Basenjis.
And breeds that seem to love just about everybody equally include Boston Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Boxer, Irish Setter, and Labrador Retriever.
Similar Personalities
Another factor that goes in to how dogs choose their favorite humans is personality.
Just as people tend to choose friends who match their personality and energy levels, dogs often choose their favorite human based on the same criteria.
For example, a highenergy dog will naturally be attracted to an equallyactive person. A dog that’s more laid back and prefers quiet over noise will choose a person who values those same things.
If you find yourself more active than your dog, slow your activity levels and relax your energy to match theirs—they’ll appreciate the effort.
Use "Dogdirected" speech
Scientists from the University of York have found that using "dogspeak" improves our bond with dogs. "Dogdirected" speech involves speaking in a highpitched voice with exaggerated emotion in a similar way that adults often talk to babies.
It’s how they were raised
Many dogs bond hardest to whoever cares for them during their key socialization period, which occurs between birth and six months.
At this age, puppies’ brains are incredibly receptive to new experiences, and their early social experiences influence them for the rest of their lives.
But remember, this doesn’t mean you’re in trouble if you got your dog later in life.
Dogs don’t pick who they like solely based on these individual characteristics. Your association with a dog plays just as a significant role.
Quality time
A dog’s favorite human is often the person who puts effort into spending quality time with them.
Quality time is all about strengthening your bond. It’s fostering a deeper connection than just two living beings who happen to be in the same house.
Dogs tend to build close ties with people who show them the most attention and love.
Binge watching TV together and other passive activities will have less impact on your relationship than an engaging game of fetch or a challenging training routine.
Their body language matters
Did you know that many dogs don't like to be kissed or hugged? And that they don’t want to be interrupted during dinnertime?
Your canine companion can express a lot through their body language if you know what to look for. By understanding how dogs communicate, you can help prevent stress and make them feel at ease. This will build your loving relationship and increase their trust for you.
To know if you are your dog's favorite human, you'll have to analyze your relationship together as well as how they interact with other people in your household.
When a dog chooses you as a favorite, they will begin to foster a much closer bond. You shouldn't be surprised if they sleep next to you, follow you around, lean against you, or steal your stinky clothes. These are the personal and close behaviors which undoubtedly indicate a dog feels close to you. When they give them to you more than others, it is pretty certain you are their favorite person.