7 Signs Your Dog Has Formed a Strong Bond With You (Not Every Owner)
Discover 7 unmistakable signs that your dog has formed a deep and special bond with you, showcasing their unique attachment and affectionate behaviors.
Transcript
00:00Dogs are known for their loyalty and affection, but imprinting is something else entirely.
00:05This deep bond goes beyond the usual pet-and-owner relationship,
00:10showing that your dog trusts you with their life.
00:13It's a truly rare and special connection.
00:16So here are seven behaviors that signal your dog has imprinted on you.
00:201. Sleeping with you
00:24Now, this isn't just because your bed is comfier than the floor,
00:28or because you have the softest blankets in town.
00:31In the wild, dogs sleep in packs, close to the ones they trust the most.
00:36Dogs are most vulnerable when they're asleep,
00:38so choosing to sleep with you is their way of saying they feel safest when you're around.
00:43So, when your furry friend snuggles up with you at night,
00:46they're basically saying,
00:47you're my pack.
00:49Also, your scent is incredibly comforting to your dog,
00:53and sharing a sleeping space allows them to be surrounded by it all night long.
00:58Plus, let's be honest, you're pretty warm,
01:01and in the dog world, warmth means survival.
01:04So, in a way, sleeping with you is like hitting the jackpot for them.
01:102. Mirroring your personality
01:13Researchers have found that dogs can indeed reflect their owners' emotions and behaviors.
01:18If you're a couch potato, chances are, your dog might be one too.
01:23Or, if you're all about that early morning jog,
01:26your furry friend is likely on board with the active lifestyle as well.
01:31This fascinating behavior extends to emotional states too.
01:35Studies have shown that if you're the type to worry a lot,
01:38your dog might pick up on that anxiety.
01:40On the flip side, if you're the eternal optimist, always looking at the bright side,
01:45your dog can absorb that positivity.
01:48Think of them as emotional sponges,
01:50soaking up the vibe you're putting out into the world.
01:53But how do they do it?
01:55Well, it all comes down to the incredible bond dogs share with their humans.
02:00They're always paying attention to us, learning from our actions and reactions.
02:05This means they can adapt their own behavior based on what they observe in us.
02:091. Listening to you, but not others
02:14This behavior is especially significant considering dogs' social structure.
02:19Studies have shown that dogs are capable of understanding human social hierarchies
02:24and can distinguish between different family members' roles and statuses.
02:29When your dog listens to you above others,
02:31it's a sign they recognize you as the primary caregiver and authority figure.
02:36This recognition isn't arbitrary.
02:38It results from your consistent training, the tone of voice,
02:42body language and the unique bond you've established with them.
02:46Moreover, this selective obedience highlights the importance of consistency in training and interaction.
02:53Dogs thrive on consistent rules and routines,
02:56and your unique way of communicating commands and rewards has likely made a profound impact on them.
03:02This consistency helps strengthen your bond and reinforces their trust in your leadership.
03:082. Laying in your laundry
03:13It's actually all about your scent.
03:15To your dog, you smell like safety, comfort and love all rolled into one.
03:20In moments when you're not around, surrounding themselves with your scent
03:24can help reduce their anxiety and make them feel closer to you.
03:28Dogs laying in your laundry is a sign of their territorial behavior too.
03:33By mixing their scent with yours, they're marking their territory in the most adorable way possible.
03:393. Knows when you're upset
03:43This goes beyond simple pet-owner relationships.
03:47It's about a profound connection where your dog is deeply attuned to your emotional state.
03:52Research has shown that dogs can read human facial expressions, body language
03:57and even pick up on subtle changes in scent associated with different emotional states.
04:03When you're upset, your dog can sense changes in your body chemistry,
04:07such as an increase in cortisol levels, the stress hormone.
04:11They also notice the nuances in your behavior and posture that accompany sadness or distress.
04:18This heightened sensitivity to human emotions is a result of thousands of years of domestication,
04:24where dogs have evolved to be deeply connected with humans.
04:28When your dog comes to comfort you without being asked,
04:31it's a clear sign they're in tune with your feelings.
04:35They might try to cheer you up by cuddling up to you, bringing you their favorite toy
04:40or engaging in playful behavior.
04:43Always checking in with you
04:46When your dog frequently looks at you, especially in unfamiliar surroundings,
04:50follows you around or comes back to you to make sure you're still there,
04:54they're showing that you are their point of safety and comfort in the world.
04:59First off, this constant checking in is rooted in the dog's instinct for companionship and security.
05:05In the wild, canines are highly social animals,
05:08often relying on the pack for cues about their environment and safety.
05:12By checking in with you, your dog is essentially saying,
05:15you are my pack, and I rely on you to know I'm safe.
05:19It's worth noting the role of separation anxiety in this behavior.
05:23While checking in is a sign of a strong bond,
05:26it can also indicate that your dog feels anxious when you're not in sight.
05:31It's important to differentiate between a healthy attachment and anxiety-driven behavior.
05:37Providing a secure environment and practicing short, positive separations
05:42can help reassure your dog that it's okay to be apart for a while.
05:46This behavior also ties into the concept known as operant conditioning in dog training.
05:52If checking in with you regularly results in positive reinforcement,
05:56such as treats, pets, or verbal praise,
05:59your dog will be more likely to continue this behavior.
06:03It's a way for them to ensure they're on the right track and to seek your approval.
06:12In the dog world, locking eyes is often considered a threat or a challenge to authority,
06:17so when your dog gazes into your eyes,
06:20it's a powerful sign they're going against their natural instincts to show you trust and affection.
06:25This behavior is one of the most profound indicators of imprinting.
06:30Scientific studies, including one highlighted in the journal Science,
06:34have shown that such prolonged eye contact between dogs and their owners
06:39boosts oxytocin levels for both parties.
06:42This hormonal exchange, similar to the bond between parents and their children,
06:47strengthens the emotional connection, fostering feelings of love and trust.
06:52This unique form of communication is reserved for those dogs
06:56that feel exceptionally safe and secure with their owners,
06:59as not all dogs are comfortable with prolonged eye contact.
07:08Firstly, a dog's bond with a person can strengthen or shift
07:12due to changes in the amount of time spent together.
07:15For instance, if someone who previously spent a lot of time away from home starts working from home,
07:21they suddenly become more present in the dog's daily life.
07:25This increased presence and availability for walks, playtime, and affection
07:30can naturally lead to a stronger bond.
07:33It's not just about quantity, though.
07:35The quality of the interactions plays a crucial role in deepening this connection.
07:40Life changes significantly impact a dog's preferences.
07:44Events like moving to a new home, the arrival or departure of family members,
07:48or even changes in the dog's routine can affect who they're most attached to.
07:53Dogs are highly adaptable creatures, but they rely on consistency and familiarity for comfort.
07:59Moreover, dogs are highly social animals and can form strong attachments to multiple people.
08:05However, they often show a preference for the person who matches their energy level
08:10and provides them with the most interaction, including training, play, and general care.
08:16This preference isn't fixed and can evolve based on who fulfills these roles best at any given time.
08:22What grinds your dog's gears?
08:24Sure, there's vet and grooming, but what about everyday things?
08:31Check out this video for 12 reasons you may be giving your dog to hate you without even knowing it.
08:36And be sure to subscribe to our channel and join our doggy-loving community!