Do Dogs Have a Favorite Person?
We love our pooches and see them as part of the family. If you live with others, though, you may be wondering who your pup’s favorite person is. Well, look no more. Read on to find out how your canine picks their favorite person, and how to become just that.
Attention & Affection Play a Role
Being the primary caregiver of your furry friend doesn’t always guarantee a spot as their favorite human. Many factors lead to the bonding between a dog and the people they become attached to, one of those factors being attention. Physical affection specifically is something that solidifies the bond a dog has with a person. And quality usually outplays quantity on this one. Even if you spend ample amounts of time with your canine – it’s the quality of the attention you give that matters.
Don’t Forget About Positive Association
Many dogs also have a tendency to pick favorites based on positive associations. The more good stuff like affection, treats, toys, and playtime you give your pooch, the more they’ll associate you with those things. The person who feeds Fido the most often guaranteed a higher spot in their hearts as well. This is also true on the flip side when it comes to negative associations. For example, your pup’s vet. Many canine companions don’t like their veterinarians because they associate them with getting shots and being in a cold window-less room.
Dog Breeds Can Match With Human Personalities
Another thing to consider is your pooch’s breed. All dogs are different and may not always follow their breed’s stereotype – but it’s not a bad place to start. Some breeds are known to more energetic, while others are known to be couch potatoes. If you have a border collie, you’ll probably bond with them a lot more if you enjoy frequently exercising due to their high amounts of energy and intelligence.
Want to Be Your Dog’s Favorite?
If you’re worried you’re not Fido’s favorite, there are some things you can try to change that. The best place to start is by spending more time with them. Try at least 30 minutes a day of one-on-one time together – that doesn’t include your usual walks, yard time, or watching TV.
Some things to consider trying are playing fetch, tug-of-war, or hide & seek with treats or yourself as the hidden object. You could also try to boost your furry friend’s obedience abilities by refreshing on old commands or learning some new tricks.
You could even try something new like making homemade treats for your dog or giving them a “spa day” that includes grooming and or massages.
Bonding between a dog and the humans in their life is usually a pretty natural process. As long as you take good care of your canine by ensuring they’re healthy mentally and physically you should have no problems being a part of their pack.