Most dog owners will swear that their pet has a favorite person in the household. This special human gets the most love and attention from the dog. They may follow this person around the house, sit on their lap, sleep in their bed, and get incredibly excited when they come home. Dog owners may refer to this favorite human as “their person.” But is this phenomenon real? Does every dog truly have a favorite person?
Do dogs form bonds with people?
Yes, dogs absolutely form strong bonds and emotional attachments to the humans in their life. This is due to a combination of factors:
- Dogs are highly social animals that thrive on companionship and affection from their own kind. When raised alongside people, they transfer these social needs onto humans.
- Dogs have evolved to read human body language and cues. They are attuned to our emotions.
- Interactions with people stimulate the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone,” in dogs. This reinforces bonding.
- Dogs learn that certain people in their lives provide them with food, shelter, play, and care. They form attachments based on this caregiving.
So when a dog bonds closely with a particular person, it is the result of emotional affinity and a history of nurturing interactions. The dog comes to prefer and rely on that person over others.
Do dogs play favorites?
Research shows that dogs don’t necessarily play favorites in an exclusive way. Instead, most dogs form hierarchical social relationships with the members of their household. Their preferences and degree of bonding with each person may be based on:
- Who spends the most quality time with the dog
- Who gives them the most attention and affection
- Who feeds them most often
- Who gives them the most rewards like treats and toys
- Who provides structure through training and discipline
- Subtle personality compatibilities and bonding experiences
So a dog may be quite bonded with multiple household members based on each person’s role and interactions with them. But they usually gravitate most strongly towards one special “favorite” based on who satisfies their social and emotional needs the most.
Signs that a dog has bonded strongly with a person
How can you tell if your dog has chosen you or someone else as their favorite person? Signs may include:
- Getting excited when this person comes home (barking, wagging tail, jumping up)
- Following them from room to room
- Always wanting to sit next to them or on their lap
- Sleeping in their bed or room at night
- Bringing toys to show them or initiating play
- Licking them and wanting petting/affection
A strongly bonded dog may also pay closer attention to cues and commands from their favorite compared to other people. They are eager to please this person.
What about dogs adopted as adults?
Dogs adopted from shelters or rescues as adults can absolutely still form close bonds with new owners. However, the process may take a bit longer as an adult dog is more set in their ways. Things that help a newly adopted adult dog attach to a new person include:
- Spending lots of quality one-on-one time together in the first few weeks
- Letting them gradually get to know other household members
- Having patience and not forcing interactions
- Showing them love through treats, toys, gentle petting
- Maintaining a predictable routine
- Allowing them to sleep in your bedroom
- Going on walks, hikes, or outings together
As trust and familiarity build, an adopted dog will begin to bond more closely with the people who help them feel safe, secure, and loved.
Can dogs have more than one favorite person?
It’s perfectly possible for a dog to bond very closely with two or more household members, not just one clear favorite. Some situations where a dog bonds equally with multiple people include:
- A couple where both people interact with the dog a lot
- Parents who share dog duties and caring for a family dog
- Kids in the household who all play with and care for the dog
- A house where housemates or roommates equally care for a shared dog
- Dogs who split their time between two households
As long as each person puts in the time and forms an emotional connection, a dog can definitely have more than one favorite in their life.
Can favorites change over time?
A dog’s favorite person may change over the course of their life, especially if there are major changes in the household. For example:
- A couple gets a new baby – the dog bonds with whoever spends more time with them
- Kids go away to college – the dog transitions to favoring the remaining parent
- A divorce happens – the dog must choose someone in the new living situation
- A new romantic partner moves in
- Owners go through illnesses or hardships that affect their interactions
Dogs are resilient when faced with changes in their social groups and living situations. They will reassess their social bonds and may shift favorites based on who steps up to provide their care and companionship.
Signs your dog prefers someone else
It can be a little disappointing when you realize your dog seems to have a new favorite person. Signs your dog’s preferences have shifted may include:
- They are more excited to see another household member arrive home
- They follow another person around and leave your side
- They sleep in someone else’s room or on their bed
- They listen better and are more obedient for another person
- They don’t pay attention when you call them or give commands
- They seem happier staying close to and interacting with the other person
Try not to take it personally! Your dog still loves you even if they appear to have shifted favorites. You can win back affection and bonding through paying your dog more focused attention and care.
Can dogs be jealous of other people?
Dogs certainly notice when their favorite person pays attention to someone else! Signs of jealousy may include:
- Pushing between their person and the other individual
- Barking for attention when ignored
- Acting out with bad behaviors they know will get a reaction
- Moving to block their person’s access to the other rival
- Nipping at hands or ankles to get attention
- Refusing to eat treats or play with toys with the rival present
These behaviors often happen when a new romantic partner, baby, or other new person in the home takes the favorite’s attention away from the dog. Make sure to still spend quality time with your pup!
Should you be concerned if you are not your dog’s favorite?
If your dog seems to prefer another member of your household, try not to stress! Here are some tips:
- Don’t punish or scold your dog for their bonding preferences
- Spend dedicated one-on-one time doing fun activities with your dog
- Reinforce training and manners to build respect and obedience
- Make sure your dog gets equal care from all household members
- Don’t force interactions with your dog if they seem aloof
- Make sure there aren’t underlying issues like illness causing behavior changes
With time and effort, you and your dog can certainly rekindle your bond, even if you were never their sole favorite person. Consistency and positive interactions are key.
Should the favorite person discipline and train the dog?
Because the dog already has a strong bond with their favorite person, it can be useful to have that person take an active role in discipline and training. The dog is eager to please them and more likely to respond well. However, it’s still important that all household members participate in training and enforce rules. Things the favorite person can do include:
- Use their bond when teaching new commands
- Practice and reinforce obedience skills
- Issue corrections for misbehavior since the dog respects them
- Model desired behavior for the dog to emulate
- Motivate the dog with praise and rewards
- Attend training classes together
Having the favorite person engage in training prevents behavior problems and helps the entire household. But other members should also practice training exercises and upholding rules.
Should you be concerned if your dog doesn’t seem to have a favorite?
Some dogs do not fixate on a single favorite person, but instead bond equally with all members of the household. This tendency is more common in dogs who:
- Live in households with several people who interact extensively with the dog
- Experience frequent comings and goings of family members
- Have not been in the home long enough to form intense bonds
- Have anxious, fearful, or insecure personality traits
- Were well socialized with many people in puppyhood
As long as your dog seems content, comfortable, and bonded in your home, there is no need to worry if you can’t identify a clear sole favorite person. Spreading their love across the household is perfectly healthy!
Conclusion
Most dogs form a special attachment and bond with one person in their life who provides them with the most care, attention, and affection. However, dogs are capable of bonding closely with multiple household members who interact with them positively. Don’t be offended if your dog seems to play favorites – use it as motivation to strengthen your own relationship with them! With time and effort, you can certainly become your dog’s number one person.