Dogs form strong attachments to their owners. As social animals, dogs have evolved to form tight bonds with members of their pack. For domesticated dogs, their human owners have become their pack. It’s only natural then that dogs would prefer certain owners over others. But how do dogs decide which owner they like the most? And what qualities make a dog’s favorite person?
Do dogs have a favorite person?
Research shows that dogs often do prefer one human over all others. Studies have found that when given a choice, dogs gravitate toward the person they have formed the strongest bond with. This bond is typically with the owner who takes primary responsibility for the dog’s care. The primary caregiver provides food, walks, playtime, training, etc. This consistency helps build trust and attachment.
However, living in a multi-person household can complicate things. Dogs still tend to bond most strongly with one individual, but that dynamic changes over time as dogs form relationships with each member of the family. Puppies initially connect to the person caring for them, while adult dogs in established households distribute their allegiance more evenly. Still, dogs often maintain a top preference.
Why do dogs prefer certain owners?
Dogs prefer owners who form secure attachments and meet their needs. Key factors that cause dogs to favor particular people include:
- Who feeds them
- Who walks them
- Who gives rewards like treats, toys, and praise
- Who disciplines them
- Who spends the most time with them
- Who shows leadership and confidence
Feeding time is a big one. The person responsible for filling the food bowl becomes highly valued. Dogs also favor walkers and playmates. Quality time fosters bonding. Providing rewards like treats and affection reinforces the connection. Authority figures who instill structure are turned to for leadership. Consistency also matters. The more time spent together, the closer the bond.
How can you tell if you’re a dog’s favorite person?
Dogs show preference through their behavior and interactions. Signs you’re a dog’s chosen person include:
- Greeting you first and most enthusiastically
- Following you from room to room
- Always wanting to sit or sleep next to you
- Obeying commands better for you than others
- Displaying excitement when you return after an absence
- Bringing you toys to play with
- Seeming distressed when you leave the home
Subtle cues like eye contact, facial expressions, and body language also indicate a dog’s affinity. Dogs will be more attentive, relaxed, and affectionate with their favorite. You’ll notice your dog gazing at you, leaning into you for pets, and staying close by your side at home.
Do dogs have a gender preference for owners?
Some research indicates dogs may prefer female owners over male owners. One study found that shelter dogs were more likely to choose women than men to interact with. Another study saw female dogs showing more affection toward women. However, the preference isn’t so clear cut.
Individual personalities, experiences, and relationships have more impact than gender alone. There are plenty of dogs with strong bonds to men. Dogs with male primary caregivers still tend to show preference for those individuals. The amount of time spent together seems more influential than gender.
Why might dogs prefer female owners?
There are a few theories on why dogs may favor women in some circumstances:
- Higher pitched voices – Dogs hear higher frequencies better than lower ones
- Nurturing tendencies – Women may naturally act more mothering
- Scent – Feminine smells appeal more to dogs
- Touch – Women are often more tactile and gentle
However, these are broad generalizations. Plenty of men have high voices, nurturing personalities, mild scents, and gentle handling. Gender is just one factor at play.
Why might dogs prefer male owners?
Dogs may also be inclined toward male owners in some cases. Reasons for preferring men include:
- Deeper voices – Authoritative tone appeals to dogs
- Rough play – Men are more likely to wrestle and play rough
- Leadership – Men may project more dominance
- Scent – Masculine smells attract some dogs
Again, these tendencies don’t apply across the board. Women can also have deep voices, assert dominance, enjoy roughhousing, and have appealing scents from a dog’s perspective.
Can owners make themselves the favorite?
While dogs often choose favorites based on instinct, owners can take certain steps to increase their appeal and forge stronger bonds.
- Spend more quality time together through walks, play, training, etc.
- Have consistent routines and schedules with your dog
- Take over key responsibilities like feeding, exercising, training
- Give affection frequently through petting, praise and treats
- Allow access to areas like furniture or your bed
- Maintain strong leadership and authority through rules and training
The more you do with your dog, the closer your relationship will become. Consistency and positive interactions are key. Your dog is sure to favor the family member who checks all those boxes.
Should owners be jealous of favorite persons?
It’s natural to feel a little envious when your dog seems to bond more closely with someone else in the home. However, it’s important not to take it personally. Dogs don’t play favorites to hurt anyone’s feelings. Their instincts drive them to latch onto the person who meets their needs most consistently.
Rather than jealousy, the best response is to focus on strengthening your own bond. Spend more dedicated time with your dog doing fun activities like extra playtime in the yard or a new trick-training routine. Or take over some of the caregiving duties like feeding to become more meaningful to your dog. Consistency is key in becoming your dog’s number one.
Can the favorite person change over time?
Dogs can absolutely switch favorite people, especially as their living situations evolve. Puppies latch onto whoever cares for them first, but may form deeper connections to others down the road. Circumstances change in multi-person households.
As family members age, previously minor caregivers often assuming more dog duties. Life changes like marriage, divorce, new babies, or moving homes also shake up a dog’s hierarchy. With consistency, the secondary favorite can rise in status to become number one. So don’t be discouraged if your dog seems glued to someone else. Their preferences adapt over the years.
Should one person be the alpha?
While dogs naturally assign ranks to their human family based on relationships and bonds, it’s not necessary or even desirable for one person to be the singular alpha. In fact, it’s best if everyone in the household assumes a leadership role over the dog.
All humans should outrank the dog by enforcing rules and training consistently. Dogs should look to each family member for guidance and boundaries. Each person can provide their own style of leadership. And the dog still gets to choose their special someone based on other qualities like playfulness, rewards, etc.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, who your dog bonds most closely with is out of your full control. Instinct drives them to choose favorites based on caregiving, attention and other intrinsic factors. But you can still tip the scales in your favor through the quality time you spend together. Be patient, consistent, affectionate, authoritative and you’ll become more meaningful to your pooch. Just remember, no matter their number one pick, dogs love all of their people.