Sure, you love your dog, but does your dog love you? It might seem like a silly question, but if your dog follows you around constantly and can’t stand to be more than a few feet away from you, then there’s a good chance they’ve imprinted on you.
Like people, dogs can form deep attachments to the people they spend the most time with. This is especially true for puppies, who often become attached to their owners during the critical socialization period (between 3 and 12 weeks old). But even older dogs can develop strong bonds with their favorite humans.
In this article, we will discuss the signs your dog imprinted on you and what you can do to help your dog imprint successfully.
What Is Dog Imprinting?
Dog imprinting is a learning process that puppies undergo as they observe and learn from their parents. Unlike in birds, dog imprinting is a developmental thing that happens to every puppy. During this time, the puppy imitates their parents and explores the world around them.
If the puppy has a strong bond with its parents, it will be more likely to follow its lead. But if the puppy is neglected or abused, it may have difficulty trusting people and forming attachments.
Stages Of Imprinting In Dogs
There are three main stages of imprinting in dogs. Below, we discuss them:
Canine Imprinting stage
During the crucial 3-7 week mark, a young dog learns from their mother and other littermates. This is when they realize that they are, in fact, dogs.
Human Imprinting Stage
Vets refer to the period between 7 and 10 weeks of age as a sensitive socialization period, during which they learn to interact with other animals but particularly humans.
Fear Imprinting Stage
Puppies aged 8 to 10 weeks are especially prone to developing phobias if they experience any sort of traumatic event.
Signs Your Dog Imprinted On You
They Sniff You
It may not seem like it, but sniffing is a very important part of how dogs interact with each other and their environment. Dogs have an amazing sense of smell, and they use it to communicate with the world around them. When your dog sniffs you, they are learning about your unique scent and taking in all sorts of information about you.
A researcher from Emory University, Dr. Gregory Berns, found that when dogs sniff their favorite person’s scent, it activates the reward center of their brain and releases dopamine, just like when they eat their favorite food. So if your dog is constantly sniffing you, it’s a good sign that they have imprinted on you and see you as someone special. Asides from sniffing you, a bonded dog will also sniff and snuggle your belongings for comfort.
They Greet You At The Door
You may have noticed that your dog gets very excited when you come home, even if you’ve only been gone for a few minutes. Sure, the greeting may be part of your daily routine, but for your dog, it’s also a way to show you how much they missed you and how happy they are to see you again. When your dog greets you at the door with a wagging tail and a big smile, they are telling you that you are the most important person in their life.
They Give You Gifts
If you have owned a cat at a point, you will know they give gifts, but did you know that dogs do too? Unlike cats, who present dead prey to family members as a “gift,” most dogs will bring you a toy or a ball as a way to show their affection. Of course, this behavior is also a way for them to get you to play with them, or they want you to show them some attention. But either way, it’s a sign that your dog sees you as someone special and wants to make you happy.
They Sleep Next To You
Canines are social creatures, and they love nothing more than being close to their pack. Even if your dog has a bed, it will often choose to sleep next to you or on your bed instead. In the wild, they would sleep huddled together for warmth and protection, so sleeping next to you is their way of showing you that they trust you and feel safe with you.
They Follow You Around
If your dog follows you around constantly, it’s not just a nuisance–it’s a sign of their affection for you. Dogs are instinctively packed animals, so if they feel like you’re part of their pack (and therefore trust and protect them), then they’ll want to be close to you as much as possible.
As pack animals, dogs need companionship to thrive. If your dog has imprinted on you, it means that they see you as their best friend and companion. Similarly, if your dog follows you from room to room, it’s a sign that they want to be where you are and be close to you.
And while there are dogs that suffer from separation anxiety and will follow their owners around because they’re anxious when they’re away from them, most dog breeds that follow their owners are just trying to show their love.
However, if you’re worried your dog follows you around too much, take them outside for some exercise. A tired dog is less likely to follow you around.
They Make Eye Contact With You
Generally, dogs tend to avoid eye contact with other dogs because they see it as a challenge. But if your dog frequently makes eye contact with you, it’s a sign that they’re comfortable with you and see you as a trusted friend. Even in humans, eye contact is an important part of communication.
When you make eye contact with someone, it’s a way of showing them that you’re interested in what they have to say and that you’re paying attention to them. Similarly, when your dog makes eye contact with you, it’s their way of saying “I trust you” and “I’m paying attention to you.” Some even say dogs try to read our emotions through our eyes.
They Ignore You Sometimes
Dogs are social animals, but that doesn’t mean they’re always in the mood to be around people. Just like humans, dogs need some time alone to relax and recharge. Dogs who can relax and be comfortable in their own company are more likely to be confident and happy. So if your dog is happy to snooze on their own or play by themselves sometimes, it’s a sign that they’re well-adjusted and have a good relationship with you.
Of course, if your dog is ignoring you all the time, it could be a sign that they’re not getting enough attention or exercise. But if they’re only ignoring you occasionally, it’s nothing to worry about–it just means they need some time alone.
They Perk Up At Your Name
Dogs may be excited when they hear their names, but what about your name? If your dog’s ears or tail perk up when they hear you say your name, it’s a sign that they associate you with something positive.
In other words, they see you as someone who brings them happiness, and they get excited just at the sound of your name. This is one of the clearest signs that your dog loves you and sees you as a trusted friend. Whether you are present or not, the sound of your voice brings comfort to your dog. They know that when they hear your name, good things are coming–like treats, walks, or cuddles.
They Show You Their Belly
This is one of the most classic signs of a dog’s affection, but it’s often misinterpreted. When a dog shows you their belly, it doesn’t necessarily mean they want you to rub it. Some dogs show their belly as a sign of submission. Unlike humans, who hide their vulnerabilities, dogs expose their stomachs as a sign of trust. It’s effectively telling you that they’re comfortable with you and see no threat. Of course, some dogs do enjoy having their belly rubbed. But even if your dog doesn’t want you to touch them, it’s still a sign of their affection for you.
They Give You A “Puppy Dog” Look
Dogs are masters of manipulation, and they often use their cuteness to get what they want. But when your dog gives you a pleading or concerned look, it’s not always because they’re trying to get something from you. Sometimes, this look is simply their way of trying to communicate with you. Dogs are very expressive creatures, and they often use their facial expressions to convey their emotions. So when your dog gives you a “puppy dog” look, they could be trying to tell you that they’re sad, scared, or worried.
Conclusion
Dogs are social animals, and they form strong bonds with their owners. If your dog shows any of the above signs, it’s a good indication that they see you as a trusted friend and care about you deeply.
Of course, every dog is different, and some may show more obvious signs of affection than others. But even if your dog isn’t overly affectionate, that doesn’t mean they don’t love you. Some dogs are just more independent than others, and they may not feel the need to be constantly by your side. As long as your dog is happy and healthy, there’s no need to worry–they’re probably just fine.
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