How Do I Get My Dog to Like Me More Than Somebody Else?

It can be disheartening to see your dog lavishing attention on others after rebuffing your own actions of affection. In most cases, this behavior can be compared to a child that is acting up with mom and dad, but instantly turns the behavior around when the fun-loving uncle enters the room. As much as you enjoy your dog, this can be hard to accept.

Your first instinct might be to think that something is wrong with you or your dog, but this is probably not the case. Your dog does not have a problem or disorder. There's a time and place for everything, but that doesn't mean you can't combat this annoying behavior. 

As Daniel explains, some dogs will gravitate to a person's energy more than others. In most cases, this happens without much rhyme or reason to the selection process. It seems that dogs have a better connection with certain people from the get-go.

This adjustment might be attributed to the person's energy in many cases. Some individuals have "heavy" energy, while others exude a lighter vibe. It's also possible that the person spends more time with the dog or plays with your pup differently. This might strengthen their bond over time, giving them an advantage in winning affection when they least expect it.

If you feel like there is something wrong with your energy or believe your dog is choosing this person over yourself due to some personal issue, it may be helpful to speak with a professional about the situation.

While it's understandable to be annoyed by this behavior, you don't want to teach your dog that basic human interactions should be avoided. Your pup might become so fearful of being rejected again that he or she will choose isolation over affection from anyone else. This means you'll have an even harder time getting your dog to recognize you as the top dog in the household.

It also means that your pup will not learn proper social skills, which can be dangerous if your pet grows up and encounters a human or another animal that he or she does not know how to handle. In some cases, this fear might lead to an attack on unsuspecting bystanders.

With this in mind, you need to find a way to let go of your anger and frustration. There's no sense in making things harder on yourself than they already are. Be patient with your dog and try to understand that your dog is its own individual. Even though it is deeply devoted to you as its human companion, it will not always act like it. Give your pup the attention it deserves, and take time to play with your furry friend at least once a day. 

Conclusion

Remember that your dog can sense your insecurity. If you are not a confident leader, training sessions will not be as fruitful as they could be. This means that you need to train yourself before training your dog. Daniel Barrett has been working with dogs his entire life and shares the wisdom he has gained through the years. At The Beacon Dog Academy, our goal is to provide you with actionable and helpful information to help you learn how to become the leader your dog needs and deserves. Sign up today and get started with a FREE course introduction video.