Dogs may not be able to tell us exactly how they feel. Sometimes that's a good thing – I, personally, would rather not know exactly why my dog is so obsessed with eating poo. But sometimes it leaves you wondering: how does my dog really feel about me? Do they love me as much as I love them?
Fortunately, animal behaviourists can help us to decode all the other ways our four-legged friends show affection. From following us around the house to gazing into our eyes, many everyday behaviours can show just how strong your bond really is.
Jump to:
- 1. They follow you from room to room
- 2. They greet you like you’ve been gone for years
- 3. They look you in the eyes
- 4. They bring you their favourite toy
- 5. They choose to sleep near you
- 6. They check in with you on walks
- 7. They lean against you
- 8. They seek you out when they’re worried
- 9. They seem happiest when you’re together
But can dogs really have a favourite person?
According to dog expert Axel Lagercrantz, CEO of Pets4Homes, the answer is yes – although not quite in the way we might imagine. "Dogs are deeply social animals," Axel explains. "While it's not quite accurate to say they have a single 'favourite person' in a human sense of exclusivity, they often form a primary attachment figure."
This can be based on practical considerations. Petplan's dog behaviourist, Nick Jones, says: "Dogs often gravitate towards the person who cares for them the most, particularly up until they're six months old."
Equally, attention and affection have a role. "Regular play sessions, time spent together and positive experiences all help deepen the connection with your dog," says Nick.
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Axel adds: "Dogs are constantly reading patterns of behaviour, tone of voice and emotional energy, and they tend to orient themselves towards whoever makes them feel most secure and understood."
So how can you tell whether you're your dog's preferred human? Here are nine signs experts say to look out for...
1. They follow you from room to room
Many dog owners know the feeling of turning around to find their pet right behind them – whether they’re heading to the kitchen, the garden or even the bathroom.
Axel says this is one of the clearest signs of attachment: “Many dogs will actively choose to position themselves close to you without being prompted – settling in the same room, following you from space to space or orienting their body towards you even when there are other people around.”
Dogs are social animals and often choose to stay close to the people they trust most. If your dog likes to keep you in sight throughout the day, it’s usually a sign they enjoy your company and feel secure around you.
2. They greet you like you’ve been gone for years
Whether you’ve been out for five minutes or five hours, does your dog react as though you’ve returned from a grand adventure?
Excited greetings are one of the clearest signs of affection. As Axel explains: "A dog may greet several members of a household, but often the intensity, duration and physicality of their response is most pronounced with the person they feel most attached to – whether that’s a full-body wag, vocalisation or bringing toys as an invitation to engage."
3. They look you in the eyes
Long, relaxed eye contact is a powerful form of communication between dogs and humans.
Research has found that when dogs and their owners gaze at one another, both experience a rise in oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone”. If your dog frequently seeks eye contact with you or stares, it’s a strong indication of trust and affection.
4. They bring you their favourite toy
To a dog, a treasured toy can be one of their most prized possessions.
If your pet regularly drops a favourite ball, squeaky toy or well-loved teddy at your feet, they may be inviting you to play – but they’re also sharing something important with someone they value.
Axel notes that bringing toys can be one way dogs express a particularly strong attachment to a person.
5. They choose to sleep near you
Dogs are at their most vulnerable when sleeping, so where they settle down can say a lot.
Whether they sleep beside your bed, curl up at your feet or sneak onto the sofa next to you, choosing to rest close by is often a sign that they feel safe and comfortable in your presence.
6. They check in with you on walks
Some dogs love exploring independently, but many will regularly glance back, return briefly or stay within sight of their favourite person.
According to Axel, this behaviour is especially telling. “You may also notice that your dog checks in with you visually during unfamiliar situations, or looks to you first before responding to a new person or sound. That ‘check-in’ behaviour is a strong indicator of trust and emotional reference.”
Even when there’s plenty to distract them, your dog still wants to know where you are.
7. They lean against you
A dog leaning gently against your leg might not seem significant, but it can be a unexpectedly affectionate gesture.
Dogs often use physical contact to get comfort, reassurance and connection. If your pet regularly leans into you during quiet moments, it’s likely because they enjoy being close to you.
8. They seek you out when they’re worried
Thunderstorms, fireworks, unfamiliar visitors or a trip to the vet can all make dogs feel anxious. If your dog instinctively comes to you when they’re nervous, it’s a sign they see you as a source of safety and reassurance.
As Axel explains: “When a dog is feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, they will typically gravitate towards their favourite person for comfort, sometimes pressing in close, leaning against them, or seeking physical contact. These are all quiet but meaningful signals that reflect where a dog has placed its emotional trust.”
9. They seem happiest when you’re together
Perhaps the biggest sign of all is simply that your dog enjoys being with you.
Whether you’re gardening, walking, reading or relaxing at home, dogs often gravitate towards the people they love most. If your pet chooses your company whenever they have the chance, and enjoys relaxing and playing together, there’s a good chance you’ve earned the coveted title of 'favourite person'.
Can dogs really have a favourite person?
While many dogs adore everyone in their household, experts agree it's common for them to develop a particularly strong attachment to one individual.
This usually develops through a combination of trust, routine, positive experiences and daily care. In other words, it’s not necessarily about who fills the food bowl – it’s about who consistently makes them feel safe, understood and secure.
Nick notes that not all dogs will pick a favourite person, though, with individual personality and breed tendencies affecting preferences: "Some dogs prefer one specific person, while others enjoy spending time with different people equally."
However, if your dog shows several of the behaviours above, you can be confident that you’re very high on their list of top humans.
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Cara is Commissioning Editor at Country Living, covering everything from style and interiors to sustainability, artisans and the great outdoors. She has previously worked for Good Housekeeping, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Prima and Red, and has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and a BA in Music from the University of Oxford. Follow Cara on Instagram @caralaskaris or Linkedin.
