Dogs make for some of the most loyal and loving pets. As pack animals, dogs thrive when they have a close bond with their human families. But dogs don’t just love everyone equally – research has shown that dogs create special attachments to certain people and favor some family members over others. Understanding who dogs bond with can help families nurture closer relationships with their canine companions. This article explores who dogs like the most and the reasons behind dogs’ preferences.
Do dogs have a favorite person?
Many dog owners will swear that their dog loves them the most. But is this really the case? Research suggests that dogs do in fact play favorites. Studies have found that dogs form a special bond or attachment with one person in a household, known as the “preferred attachment figure.” This special attachment is marked by distinctive behaviors that dogs display towards their favorite person.
Dogs tend to show more affection and excitement toward their favorite. They are more likely to follow them around the house, always wanting to be near them. Dogs may wait eagerly by the door for their special person to get home. When their favorite returns, dogs often show effusive greeting behaviors like jumping, barking, and licking. Dogs seem calmer and more content around their preferred attachment figure. They choose to sleep in their room at night and sit close to their feet.
In one study published in the journal Behavioural Processes, researchers observed dog behaviors in households with two members. They found that dogs had clear preferences, dedicating 30-50% of their attention, contact-seeking, and proximity to the favorite. This emotional bond with a dog’s chosen person does not mean they dislike others in the household. But it does appear they forge the strongest connection with just one special caretaker.
Why do dogs pick favorite persons?
Researchers have explored why dogs select preferred attachment figures. These special bonds seem to be shaped by both nature and nurture. Some key factors that draw dogs to choose favorites include:
1. Who the primary caregiver is
Dogs generally favor the people who look after them the most. The primary caregiver – the person who feeds, walks, trains, grooms and cares for the dog most often – usually becomes the dog’s default favorite. The more time spent actively bonding through caregiving, the deeper the connection.
2. Food provider
In many households, one person takes on the role of head chef for the dog – preparing the meals and doling out treats. Studies show that dogs bond closely with their primary food provider. The person who regularly feeds the dog may find themselves the object of adoring doggy eyes around mealtimes.
3. Energy and personality
Dogs are drawn to energetic, engaging people who play with them frequently. They tend to bond most closely with family members who get down on the floor to interact and initiate games. Sharing playtime and having an outgoing, enthusiastic personality helps build a strong connection.
4. Communication style
Some people seem to have a special knack for “speaking dog.” Understanding canine body language, responding to a dog’s signals, and using dog-directed speech helps owners communicate effectively with their pets. Dogs usually form tighter bonds with people who skillfully communicate in “their language.”
5. Gender
There is some evidence that female dogs tend to prefer male owners and male dogs lean towards female caregivers. This may relate to dogs associating certain genders with leadership roles. The opposite sex caregiver could match a dog’s instinctive urge to affiliate with a pack leader.
However, gender preferences can vary individually. Some studies show female dogs bonding tightly with female owners. Much seems to depend on who spends the most time interacting and providing for the dog.
6. Emotional support
For anxious or fearful dogs, their closest bonds are often with the person who brings comfort and reassurance during stressful times. Dogs pick favorites based on who provides a sense of security. If a certain family member is always the one to soothe the dog, that person likely becomes the top preference.
7. First impressions
Dogs may attach most strongly to the first person they imprinted on as a puppy. During the imprinting window between 3-12 weeks old, puppies develop intense bonds with caregivers. This may lead them to favor the family members they first met when joining a new home. Early positive interactions go a long way.
Signs your dog favors a person
How can owners tell if their dog truly prefers one person? Researchers have identified some key behaviors dogs display toward their chosen favorite. Does your dog do any of the following with one special person in the household? They likely have a strong preference and attachment.
Greets and follows favourite ardently
Dogs usually become highly excited and enthusiastic when their special person comes home. Expect some exuberant jumping, wagging, barking, whimpering, and dashing around! They will likely follow closely on the heels of the person they missed most.
Relaxes in close proximity
Dogs feel most calm and relaxed when they can be close to their favorite caretaker. They will often sprawl out or curl up contentedly next to the preferred lap. Just being able to keep the bonded person in sight helps lower stress.
Seeks frequent affection
Lots of cuddling, leaning, nudging, and pawing are signs of a dog’s special affection for someone. Dogs seek more physical contact and petting from the people they form tight bonds with.
Gazes adoringly
Dogs reveal a lot through their eyes. When they keep a loving gaze fixed on one person and seem to save their softest expressions just for them, it shows where their preferences lie.
Gets distressed when favorite leaves
Dogs with separation anxiety usually become most frantic when their preferred person leaves. Howling, pacing, destruction, and loss of appetite are signs dogs deeply miss that special caretaker.
Seeks play with favorite human
Initiating play and bringing toys to engage with specific people shows their special standing. Dogs seek more fun and interaction with favorites as a way to strengthen bonds.
Tends to obey favorite more
Dogs respect and respond to leaders and people they bond closely with. They are often more attentive and quick to obey commands from their chosen person.
Can preferences change?
Bonds between dogs and humans can strengthen over time. But in some cases, dogs switch their favored person or form new preferences based on changes within a home. Some scenarios where dogs pick a new favorite include:
– A dog imprints on someone as a puppy, but gravitates to a different caretaker later who does most of the daily care and feeding.
– Energy levels change as people age. Dogs often lean towards younger family members who are more active.
– Dogs may adjust preferences after a move to a new home or family expansion like a new baby.
– People experience shifts in schedule like military deployment or going off to college. Dogs forge new bonds in their absence.
– Illness or disability makes it hard for previous caretakers to actively engage, causing dogs to switch preferences.
– Dogs may bond with a partner who provides emotional support during stressful times like thunderstorms or vet visits.
– Temporary circumstances like boarding or vacation shifts caregiving roles. Dogs temporarily attach to new primary caretakers.
Should owners be jealous of dog preferences?
It’s understandable to feel a bit jealous when your dog clearly favors someone else in the family. But it’s important not to take it personally or try to force dogs to show equal affection. Dogs naturally form the closest attachment to whoever provides their care and nurturing.
Rather than being jealous, owners can focus on strengthening their own bond with the dog. Simple acts like taking them for walks, playing in the yard, or engaging in training sessions can foster more caregiving opportunities. Reading the dog’s signals, responding warmly, and showing affection also helps build relationships.
Owners can take pride in the fact that their home provides their dog with multiple caring humans to bond with. While dogs choose special attachment figures, that does not exclude love for the rest of the pack. Favoritism is just an indication of your dog feeling secure and thriving in their environment. With time and positive interactions, you may find you also move up in the ranks to become a top contender for your dog’s preferred person.
Tips for being your dog’s favorite
Want to improve your chances of becoming your dog’s number one? Here are some proven tips and strategies:
Take over primary caregiving roles
Become the one who regularly feeds, walks, trains, and otherwise cares for your dog each day. Dogs strongly bond with their daily caregivers.
Initiate frequent playtime
Engage your dog in active play like tug of war, fetch, and chase games daily. Having fun builds bonding experiences.
Attach rewards to yourself
Carry treats with you during walks or play. Handing out rewards associates you with positivity.
Respect your dog’s signals
Listen to your dog, respect when they indicate discomfort, and adjust your interactions accordingly. Understanding builds trust.
Use dog-directed speech
Use a high-pitched friendly tone when talking to your dog. Match their excitement levels and have conversations.
Provide affection on their terms
Let your dog initiate cuddling and determine the amount of petting. Avoid overstimulation.
Be your dog’s anchor during stress
Comfort your dog during storms, vet visits, or separations. Offering reassurance makes your bond a source of security.
Practice positive reinforcement
Use rewards-based training. Dogs forge closer connections with people they see as leaders.
Fostering healthy multi-family bonds
While dogs often become attached to one favorite person, that does not exclude relationships with other members of a household. Here are some tips for nurturing bonds between your dog and the whole family:
Involve everyone in care
Encourage all family members to participate in petting, feeding, playing, walking, and training. Sharing care strengthens connections.
Arrange one-on-one time
Spend individualized time with your dog away from other family members like going on solo walks. This helps build exclusive bonds.
Learn dog body language
Understanding your dog’s signals and responding appropriately makes your interactions more positive. This fosters better bonds between all humans and the dog.
Use family training sessions
Practice training as a group activity. Rewarding your dog for obeying different family members’ commands promotes bonding.
Don’t force interactions
Let relationships develop organically and don’t overwhelm your dog. Forcing contact can actually damage bonds.
Respect your dog’s preferences
Don’t jealously try to compete with your dog’s favorite person. Go at your dog’s pace and keep interactions feeling safe.
Emphasize praise and rewards
Make training a positive experience full of treats, praise, and celebrations of success for your dog. Positive reinforcement brings families together.
Adapting to changes in preferences
Dogs’ preferred people may naturally shift as circumstances in a home change. Here are some tips for gracefully adapting when your dog seems to favor someone new:
Don’t take it personally
Rather than being offended, accept that your dog’s needs are changing. Preferences shifting is not a sign you did anything wrong.
Focus on the benefits
Realize that bonding with a new person is healthy for your dog and fulfills their social needs. This is an opportunity for your pet’s continued growth.
Analyze the causes
Think through what life changes like moving homes, new babies, or shifting roles may be impacting your dog’s preferences. This can guide your response.
Slowly pass caregiving duties
Work with the new favorite person to slowly transition primary caregiving roles like feeding, walking, and training.
Strengthen your own bond
Increase one-on-one playtime, cuddling, walking, or training with your dog. Use extra bonding time to forge a renewed relationship.
Be patient
Don’t try to force your dog back into the same bond. Rebuilding attachments takes time. Focus on slow, positive interactions.
When favorites change
While initially hurtful, try to see your dog’s change in preferred person as an opportunity, rather than a rejection. Embrace the change as positive for your dog’s well-being and a chance to reshape your own relationship. Keep interactions low-pressure, fun, and reward-based.
Over time, the unique bond you share with your dog will slowly strengthen and settle into a healthy balance, even if you aren’t the sole favorite. With care and patience, your once broken attachment can mend into something new and equally meaningful.
Key Takeaways
– Research confirms dogs naturally bond most closely with one person who becomes their preferred attachment figure. This is marked by excited greetings, proximity seeking, and displays of affection.
– A dog’s favorite person is shaped by factors like who provides the most care, feeding, playtime, training, and security. Early imprinting also influences preferences.
– Behaviors like adoring eye contact, obedience, distress when the person leaves, and initiating play reveal special bonds between dogs and humans.
– Dogs’ preferences can shift over time as circumstances change like new homes, babies, or adjustments in the family’s routine and roles.
– Rather than being jealous, focus on slowly building your own bond by taking over caregiving duties, engaging in one-on-one play, respecting your dog’s signals, and using rewards-based training.
– Embrace preferences as healthy signals of your dog’s well-being. A favorite doesn’t exclude bonds with other family members. Use tips like family training and shared caregiving to strengthen multi-family connections.
Conclusion
Dogs’ tendencies to play favorites in a household make perfect sense when we consider their instinct as pack animals to form strong attachments. Identifying your dog’s preferred person provides insight into how to deepen your relationship and meet their social needs. While initially disheartening, try to frame shifts in favoritism during life changes as opportunities for growth, rather than rejection. With enough love, patience, and positivity, even the recently demoted can regain top status in a dog’s eyes.