How Dogs Choose Their Favorite Person

Everybody wants to be their dog’s favorite! A lot of people question how our dog’s choose who their favorite person is. Well, it comes down to 4 factors: socialization, attention, positive association and personality.

Socialization Matters

Most dogs bond the best to whoever cares for them during their key socialization period, which occurs between birth and six months. At this age, puppies social experiences influence them for the rest of their lives. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your pup has positive interactions with a wide range of people and places.

If your dog was already an adult when your adopted him, it’s not too late to become their favorite. Continued socialization practices like doggy daycare, play dates, daily walks and more matters a lot.

Attention and Affection

Dogs tend to bond to the person who gives them the most attention. In addition, physical affection solidifies the bond too. If a person ignores a dog, the dog will later ignore the human. On the other hand, if you give your dog plenty of grooming sessions, massages and love, they are likely to seek out more with you.

Positive Association is Key

Dogs play favorites depending on associations. So, when a person is the source of good stuff, the dog forms a positive bond. If you want to be the favorite, play tug of war, give them loads of their favorite treat, and take them for long walks.

Personality

Have you ever met a dog who looks and behaves a lot like their person? Dogs often choose a favorite person who matches their own energy level and personality. Moreover, some dog breeds are more likely to bond with a single person, making it more likely that their favorite person will be their only person. Breeds that tend to bond strongly to one person include:

• Basenji
• Greyhound
• Shiba Inu
• Cairn Terrier

If you have any tips on how you became your dog’s favorite, we would love to hear your story!