You take time to do what he likes
Now that you and your pup have tried a bunch of new activities together, make a list of a few of his favorites and do those things more often. “The more positive interactions you have with your dog, the more he’ll associate you with positivity,” says Ellis. “So maybe that means you’re the chin-scratcher or the tennis-ball thrower—dogs tend to bond with the person who’s giving them the most attention.” These are the things your veterinarian wishes you knew.
It is quite a common for pet dogs to become attached to just one person. This is usually within a household, but it can happen that the family dog prefers the dog walker, or the neighbour who offers him treats. In this article Holidays4Dogs takes a look at why some dogs only have eyes for one person.
It can happen that a dog bonds with the person who isn’t his primary carer, although this tends to be rarer situation. Generally speaking, a dog will form a strong attachment to people who offer them the most affection, time and attention. This can be in the form of interactive walks, training, or simply sleeping on the settee together.
For the most part, a dog that favours just one person in the family isn’t really a problem. However, some members of the household might be disappointed if the dog doesn’t appear to like them! In addition, if the dog becomes over-attached to one person, this can cause issues when that person has to go out. The situation can be even more problematic if the dog refuses to take instructions from anyone else.
Puppies in particular will tend to bond with the person who offers them the most attention and provides them with food and daily care. Adult rescue dogs can also choose to spend more time with one person over another. Certain breeds, such as German Shepherds and Chow Chows often gravitate towards just one person. Whereas others, like Labradors for instance, will be big buddies with everyone they meet!
Just like humans, it is important for animals to develop close relationships with the ones they love. Normally, you would expect your pup to have a stronger bond with you, their primary caregiver, however, it does not always happen that way. Sound familiar?
Of course, your dog is going to love the person who always plays around with them and brings them their daily meals. If you do not want to feel left out, make sure you cater properly to their needs and affection. This way you will be able to use positive associations to help in training and socializing your dog to your advantage.
If you feel you are not your dog’s favorite person, don’t fret. There are ways you can reinforce your relationship and let them see how much they mean to you. Spending at least 30 minutes a day, playing with your pup is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways of strengthening your bond. This does not include walks, yard time, or watching TV together. The goal here is to have an active and focused time. Consider playing fetch, tug, or hide and seek, have a training session with them, work on new skills, or try a sport where you and your dog can work together as a team. In addition to this, you can feed him wholesome protein sources with limited fillers and try some homemade meals, after all… food is love. Taking your dog for a simple walk around the neighborhood or an enjoyable car ride can also help strengthen your bond. Furthermore, you can encourage your pup to socialize with other trained dogs, while out for your daily walks. Giving him just the right amount of physical and mental stimulation will reassure your dog that all you mean is true welfare, and thus increase the amount of trust they have in you.
In other words, when a person is the source of all good things, the dog will form a connection with them. Chemistry and bonding go hand in hand, so pay attention to his natural body language. If your voice, movement, and overall demeanor make your dog feel comfortable, at ease, and attached, you are on the path to powerful bonding. Do not underestimate your dog’s ability to associate you with a negative feeling, as it will cause them to be stand-offish towards you. Furthermore, do not yell or physically discipline your dog. Instead, be sure to always reward and praise him when he gives you attention. You can see how much you mean to them by observing their behavior around you: dropped-down ears, rolling over and wagging their tail are just some of the ways they like to show affection.
Sometimes, a dog’s favorite person may be one that does not actually take care of them 24/7. So how do dogs choose their favorite person and is it possible to change their minds along the way? Read on to find out more about why dogs become attached to that one person and what triggers them to behave in this way.