There’s something magical about the way a dog’s eyes light up when they see someone special. Maybe you’ve caught your furry friend sneaking into your room for cuddles, or perhaps they seem to follow you around like a four-legged shadow. If you’ve ever wondered whether you hold the golden title of “favorite human” in your household, you’re definitely not alone. The truth is, dogs absolutely do choose favorites, and there are some pretty unmistakable ways they show it.
They Follow You Like Your Personal Velcro Shadow
Ever notice how your pup seems magnetically drawn to wherever you are? Dogs that follow you around like a shadow are showing a clear sign of love and preference. Dogs are pack animals, and when you’re their favorite pack member, they feel safest by your side.
This behavior goes way beyond just wanting treats or attention. If you have a little shadow trailing you everywhere, it means your dog trusts and loves you deeply – you make them feel safe and cared for. Dogs who enjoy being near you feel secure in your presence, even if it means awkwardly squeezing into the bathroom with you!
Their Eyes Say It All When They Look at You
Dogs make direct and prolonged eye contact with you if they feel safe around you. Unlike other animals where eye contact can signal aggression, when your dog meets your eyes for a few seconds with a soft, relaxed expression, it’s a clear sign they’re comfortable with you and confident you’d never do them harm.
The science behind this is absolutely fascinating. Canine brains have been known to release oxytocin while making eye contact with their favorite people. Dogs have evolved to make direct eye contact with humans, which triggers the release of oxytocin – the “love hormone” – in both species, strengthening the emotional connection. It’s literally like they’re giving you love eyes!
You Get the Most Enthusiastic Welcome Home Greetings
The jumping up, licking, intense tail wagging, and general excitement at you re-entering their presence are all huge indicators of your dog’s love for you. Greeting you at the door is a strong sign your dog feels connected to you – the alternative is a dog who retreats, which would be a bad sign.
Dogs tend to express their deep connections by wanting to be in close proximity, often seen in behaviors of leaning in and vocalizing excitement when meeting – a dog greeting you at the door with a wag and whine means they’re happy to see you. If you’re getting the full-body wiggle treatment every time you walk through the door, congratulations – you’ve won their heart!
They Choose to Sleep Near or With You
Sleep is a vulnerable time for your dog, so it’s an act of love and trust when your pup curls up right next to you or near your feet. Dogs don’t feel vulnerable when curled up next to you – studies show that dogs with secure relationships with their humans sleep better when they’re close, and it’s about the deep sense of security they feel nestled up with you.
If your dog sleeps with you, they see you as family – sharing a bed demonstrates their desire to be close to their owner, reinforcing their sense of belonging and security. Even if they just position themselves where they can see you while sleeping, it’s their way of keeping watch over their most important person.
Your Scent Is Their Security Blanket
Here’s something that might surprise you: One quirky way dogs show love is by stealing your clothes, socks, or underwear – dogs navigate the world using scent, and if your pup has become a laundry thief, they might just want to be close to your smell. Your scent is comforting to your pup – curling up on your laundry provides a sense of security and familiarity, especially for young puppies adjusting to a new environment.
Dogs show their affection by laying on the clothes of their loved ones, which puts into context why pets are often found sitting on piles of laundry. So the next time you find your favorite shirt being used as a doggy pillow, take it as the ultimate compliment – you literally smell like home to them!
They Bring You Their Most Treasured Possessions
Dogs that bring you their favorite toy show trust and affection – this behavior is an invitation to play and shows they trust you with their prized possessions while enjoying spending time with you. Dogs express love by bringing gifts, and the most common dog present is their favorite toys – these are treasured items, so it’s a clear sign of affection when your dog brings them to you.
When your dog drops their toys near you and walks off for a rest, it should warm your heart – your dog is sharing their treasures with you, their favorite person. Sometimes they might even bring you less appealing “gifts” from outside, but remember – in their mind, they’re offering you something valuable!
Physical Touch Is Their Love Language
One of the most common ways dogs show affection is by seeking physical contact – when your dog leans on you, it’s actually a sign of affection, as experts suggest dogs seek out physical contact with the ones they love, which is why even giant breeds often try to be lap dogs. When your dog leans their full weight against your legs, they’re showing they trust and love you implicitly – for many dogs, the lean is akin to hugging.
Dogs who love their pet parents show relaxed body language while around them, sometimes rolling over to expose their belly, and lying down on top of you or leaning on you indicates they feel more secure by your side. When dogs rest with their belly up next to you, it means they trust you completely – this vulnerable position shows they feel safe and comfortable in their owner’s presence.
You’re Their Go-To for Everything Important
Most dogs tend to bond to the person who gives them the most attention – for example, in a family, the dog may favor the parent who fills their bowl every morning and takes them for a walk every evening. A bonded dog seeks your company, maintains eye contact, follows you, relaxes in your presence, and responds eagerly to your return – their body language with relaxed posture, soft eyes, and wagging tail signals they view you as their trusted person and secure base.
If you’re the one they look to during thunderstorms, the person they check in with during walks, or the human they seek out when they need comfort, you’ve officially earned top-dog status in their heart. The more positive associations a dog makes with a person, the likelier that person will be their favorite – positive associations include being given food or treats, being taken to the dog park, going for long walks, or anything else a dog enjoys.
Conclusion
Being your dog’s favorite person isn’t just about the big gestures – it’s built through countless small moments of trust, care, and connection. Dogs often choose a favorite person who matches their own energy level and personality, but more importantly, they gravitate toward those who make them feel safe, loved, and understood.
Don’t fret if you aren’t your canine’s favorite person – your dog still loves you tons, they just have a tiny bit stronger bond with someone else. If you feel like your dog is favoring someone else, don’t worry – you can still work on building a stronger bond by engaging in activities that your dog enjoys and maintaining a consistent routine, with patience and understanding being key.
Remember, every tail wag, every sleepy snuggle, and every stolen sock is your dog’s way of saying you matter to them. The love between humans and dogs is one of life’s most beautiful relationships – cherish it, nurture it, and never take those adoring puppy eyes for granted. After all, isn’t it amazing that we get to share our lives with creatures who love so purely and completely?
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
