How Dogs Choose Their Favorite Person (And How You Can Become It)

Dogs are incredibly social animals who often adore everyone they meet, from family members to the friendly mail carrier! However, while some dogs spread their affection equally, others form a deep, lasting bond with just one special person. You might notice your dog following you everywhere, resting at your feet, or looking to you first for comfort and guidance.

But how do dogs choose their favorite person? And is it possible to strengthen the bond with your dog if you’re not their number-one human yet? Let’s take a closer look at how dogs choose their favorites.

Dogs Tend to Bond Closely During Puppyhood

One major factor in how dogs choose their favorite person is their early socialization period. Between birth and six months of age, puppies are in a critical stage where their brains are highly receptive to social and environmental experiences. Positive interactions during this window shape their personality and preferences for life.

Dogs often bond strongest with the person who is present during this key developmental stage. If you cared for your dog during puppyhood by feeding them, playing, cuddling, and training, it’s highly likely you became their favorite person without even realizing it.

However, don't worry if you adopted your dog later in life. While early experiences are important, ongoing positive experiences can still have a powerful impact on your relationship.

Attention, Affection, and Quality Time Matter

Another key factor in understanding how dogs pick their favorite person lies in the amount and quality of attention they receive. Dogs naturally gravitate toward the person who spends the most time actively caring for and engaging with them. Feeding meals, taking daily walks, offering treats, and initiating playtime all strengthen the bond. If your dog follows you around, you’re probably his or her favorite.

Physical affection also plays a vital role. Dogs who receive regular petting, massages, and grooming from someone are more likely to seek out that person for comfort and companionship. On the flip side, if someone is aloof or disinterested, dogs often mirror that distance.

Importantly, it’s not just the quantity of attention, but it’s the quality that counts. Focused, undistracted one-on-one time builds a deep, trusting relationship much faster than passive interaction like sitting together while scrolling on your phone.

Positive Associations Are Key

Dogs are experts at forming strong emotional associations. If you’re consistently the source of good things like meals, treats, walks, fun games, your dog will naturally associate you with happiness and security. That’s why dogs often seem especially attached to the person who fills their food bowl or grabs the leash every morning.

Conversely, if a dog experiences fear, discomfort, or negative reinforcement from a person, they may grow wary or distant toward them. Consistency, kindness, and positive reinforcement are critical to becoming and remaining your dog’s favorite person.

Dogs Often Choose Someone with Similar Energy

Believe it or not, dogs often pick a favorite based on matching personalities and energy levels. A playful, high-energy dog may bond most with a lively, active person who loves games and outdoor adventures. Meanwhile, a shy or calm dog might prefer a quieter, gentler companion who offers soft-spoken comfort and slow, patient affection.

This chemistry explains why sometimes dogs seem to "click" instantly with certain people and not others. It’s not about favoritism, it’s about compatibility. Or conversely, when a dog doesn’t like someone, it could be their chemistry is off or feels unfamiliar.

Scent Plays a Role Too

Dogs have an incredibly powerful sense of smell, far stronger than ours, and they use it to identify and remember the people they love most. Your scent provides comfort and familiarity.

If your dog often buries their nose in your clothes, your shoes, or your pillow, it's a sure sign they are deeply bonded to you based on scent memory.

Breed Can Influence Preferences

Certain dog breeds tend to bond more closely with one individual. For example, breeds like German Shepherds, Shiba Inus, and Chihuahuas are often known for becoming "one-person dogs."

Other breeds, like Golden Retrievers and Labradors, are more social and likely to spread their affection among multiple family members. But, with that extra attention or if you are their primary ‘care-giver,’ you will most likely be your dog’s favorite.

How Can You Become Your Dog’s Favorite?

If you feel like you’re not your dog’s favorite (yet!), don’t lose heart. Strengthening your bond with your dog is absolutely possible with time, patience, and the right approach. Here are a few proven ways to deepen your connection:

1. Spend focused one-on-one time together every day. Engage in activities your dog loves: play fetch, tug-of-war, hide-and-seek, or simply explore new places together.

2. Incorporate training sessions. Teaching your dog new tricks or reinforcing old commands builds communication, trust, and mutual respect.

3. Engage in teamwork-based activities. Try dog sports like agility, scent work, or even a casual hiking adventure where you work as a team.

4. Offer plenty of healthy treats and rewards. Positive reinforcement not only teaches but also shows your dog that good things happen around you.

5. Prioritize physical touch. Daily grooming, massages, or even simple petting sessions help your dog associate you with feelings of comfort and happiness. Look to your dog to see what he or she likes the best!

Remember: dogs thrive on consistency, kindness, and respect. Over time, these simple practices will create an unbreakable bond between you and your dog, even if you’re not their "first favorite" yet. 

Final Thoughts: Earning a Dog’s Love and Loyalty

Dogs are deeply emotional creatures capable of incredible loyalty and affection. Whether you were there from day one or met later in life, the key to becoming your dog’s favorite person lies in creating consistent, positive, and meaningful interactions. Respect your dog's unique energy, nurture them with love and patience, and you’ll be rewarded with a bond that lasts a lifetime.

No matter who your dog’s "favorite" may be, with love and effort, you’ll always hold a special place in their heart.