Favouritism Factors
The Person Who Feeds Them
We know our doggies like to eat (don’t we all?). Also, the pack leader is often responsible for hunting food in the wild. The way to a canine’s heart is her belly. Your dog will follow you around all the time once she finds out you’re her feeder.
The Attention/Affection Giver
Once that belly is full, Rover wants lots of love and to have all of your attention. Petting, belly rubs, bum scratches, massages and so on show your fur buddy that you adore him and deepen your bond.
The Walker
After eating and being adored, you know your pup always loves going on a sniff safari. They love to explore. An outing could potentially involve meeting other pups and people. So much to smell, hear, see and taste in the big outdoors.
The Play-Buddy
Most dogs are always up for a game of fetch or tug. They appreciate people who want to have some fun throwing the ball or holding onto something while they pull on it.
The Person Who Grooms Them
A lot of dogs enjoy being brushed. It’s mutual grooming and feels soothing. All the items on this list are great bonding activities, but brushing is also a great way to make sure your pup’s coat is healthy and know if there’s a tick or a bump or anything out of the ordinary.
Time Is On Your Side
We can’t always be with our canines, but they love when we are. Whoever spends the most time with Spot may win the coveted favourite person award. Whether you invite him along on quick errands, chill out in the yard with him or have him with you when you’re gardening, he likes being included. Who can blame him?
The Fun Person
Naturally, you get bonus points for showing her a good time. Walks, rides, games, a trip to the dog park and other entertaining activities show your dog that you do things to make her day special.
The Best Personality Match
The best personality match can be narrowed down to energy levels and extrovert/introvert factors. If you’re a high-energy person, you might want an active dog who will be able to keep up with you. Lower-energy people do better with couch potato pups.
Some extroverted dog breeds are
- Corgi
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Pug
- Labrador Retriever
- Boston Terrier
- Beagle
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Golden Retriever
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Springer Spaniel
- Bull Dog
- St. Bernard
Introverted people might prefer canines with that inclination
- Hounds
- Mastiff
- Mixed Breeds
- Shih Tzu
- Poodle
- Great Dane
- Australian Shepherd
- Collie
- Chihuahua
- Dalmatian
- Boxer
Your Tone of Voice
It turns out that doggies do like it when we speak to them in a baby voice. They sense that you’re talking directly to them with affection because it sounds different than when they hear us speaking to other humans.
The Trainer
Canines like order and knowing what’s expected of them. Training involves a lot of treats and praise. Unless you have a very stubborn dog, he likely will enjoy bonding with you while doing training exercises. Positive reinforcement is fun.
Sharing The Puppy Years
Your pup will have an affinity for the person she’s known since she was born. If your dog doesn’t join your family as a puppy, she’ll still love you. I’ve adopted four adult dogs, and they love me despite my missing their formative years because they know I’m their mom and spoil them. Rescue dogs are very grateful to have a nice home and be well cared for.
How Do You Know if You’re the Favorite?
If you can say yes to more than half of the following list of behaviours, you’re the favourite:
- Your dog follows you around.
- She sleeps soundly in your presence.
- She obeys your commands.
- He runs to greet you when you return home.
- He stares lovingly at you.
- He loves to cuddle with you.
- He brings you his toys.
- She rubs her face against you.
What If You’re The Second Or Third Favorite?
Some dogs respond to a deep male alpha voice, and no matter how much their human mum spoils him, he’s a daddy’s boy.
Perhaps you’re away at work, and your pup’s obsessed with your spouse because s/he’s the one at home bonding with her.
Sometimes a child is the favourite because the dog wants to protect them.
There are extenuating circumstances that prevent us from being the favourite. I’ve personally fallen victim to not having a deep alpha voice. Dogs are extremely loving creatures, and even if your pooch runs to another person more often, she still adores you. They get into habits depending on who’s home, which person spoils them, who seems to be the alpha if they feel they need to protect someone or perhaps a child in the family is like a beloved littermate.
Conclusion
Our dogs love us but sometimes show a preference for a particular person who probably tends to their needs. Canines may show preferential treatment to whoever is feeding them, giving them treats, taking them on walks or to the dog park, treating them like they are the gods they are and doing similar things.
If you aspire to be the number one favourite, you can spend extra time playing with, training and engaging with your furry friend. If you’re his second favourite, he loves you more than you can imagine anyway.
