Many funny galleries online about pet owners’ fathers not wanting any dogs but eventually growing fond of the furry friend.
However, there are many cases when our dogs like our dads better than us.
It can be frustrating considering that we are the ones who feed, bathe, and give them all those delicious treats.
It might get us wondering, “why do dogs always like dads the most?”
We collected 12 reasons in hopes to shed light on this age-old problem. Hopefully, some of the answers in this list apply to your specific scenarios.
Dogs and Dads: What’s it all about?
1. He leads the pack
It is no surprise to say that dogs are pack animals. And they have high regard for the hierarchical system within the pack.
You may be the one that feeds him and gives him all the loving.
But if your dog recognizes your father as the pack leader, since he is technically above you, then your dog might respect the hierarchy.
Your father is seen as the leader of the pack, not you.
It results in a deeper, more joyful, and enthusiastic treatment of the leader.
And you are simply a close buddy under your pop’s leadership.
2. A simple case of learned behavior
Dogs are trainable species, and they are capable of following cues.
Now, if your father wakes up at the same time at 7:00 AM and is the one giving breakfast by then, the likelihood that dogs like them more is higher.
The dogs learn that at 7:00 AM, this lovable human wakes up and gives them food.
They learn to look forward to the event and anticipate it. It encourages closeness between your dad and the dog.
3. Your dad is their mom-figure
There is a critical window during puppyhood where dogs observe their mother learn the ropes of living.
This process is called imprinting.
If you got the dog early on, then they might have imprinted on your dad as puppies.
And now they treat your father as the one whom they learned how to live.
Although they do understand that they are neither humans nor are your father its mom. But they saw your dad as a parent figure which might explain the closeness.
4. A severe resource guarding activity
While dogs are naturally keen and guard their resources, this is abnormal behavior in a home raised and trained.
Resource behavior is simply the manner of guarding what they believe to be theirs.
Your father might be treated as a resource if he is a mound of treats and food for dogs.
The problem here is the aggression associated with resource guarding, which includes:
- Hard stares with bared teeth
- Lunging position
- Biting behavior
Dogs exhibiting such must be trained and corrected.
5. Obsession situation
Sometimes, dogs may not necessarily be resource guarding, but they are excessively obsessed.
It is most likely the case if they follow your father everywhere and there is no longer any privacy.
Your dad might even have a hard time leaving the house without being barricaded by the dog and accompanied by whining and crying.
It is another behavior that needs to be straightened out.
6. He is just your dog’s favorite person
Suppose people treat their partners as their favorite people in the world. Dogs can do the same.
The people dogs select usually show them affection and attention and spend time with them the most.
It is not only about the food but also the bonding that makes dogs close with people.
Do not feel bad. Your dog loves you — It just loves your dad more (aww).
7. The comforter
Your dog might have been a bad boy, and you might have been a little overboard in scolding it.
If this happened and your dog found comfort in your dad, then expect them to have a closer bond than you.
Don’t take it personally, but it does happen.
On another note, you might be working days, and your father might be the one spending time with your beloved dog while you are out.
It should not be a concern. Be grateful that someone looks after the dog while you are out.
8. Dogs sense the need to accompany your dad
Dogs are great at sensing negative and gloomy emotions.
Suppose your dad happened to be facing a crisis unknown to you all. Or he might be ill from a sickness.
Your dog might pick this up and provided your dad with comfort.
It is a proactive response in the hope of making your dad feel better.
9. Your dog is used to your presence
It might sound negative, but it’s not. If you spend your time with your dog and bond as frequently as you both could, then your dog might develop a case of “I am used to having you around.”
So, your dog befriends other people, like your dad. He does not like you anymore, but he is confident having you as a part of his life.
10. The dog is exhibiting anxiety
Spanx or separation anxiety is common among dogs. And if you are absent when fear strikes while your dad is available to comfort the dogs, then a relationship is bound to develop.
There is a stress-reliever around that gives the comfort that you fail to provide it with.
11. The stress-reliever
When dogs are bored and idle, they can be highly stressed. Remember that dogs are free spirits, and they need to be free!
If dad is available to provide them company like walking them to the park or playing with them at home, they develop a certain level of kinship.
12. Breed-specific attachment
While their breeds might dictate the weirdest reason, not all species are created equal, and there are one-person breeds that latch on to one person all the way.
If your dog is a one-person breed and latches on to your father instead of you, then tough luck!
Here are some examples of one-person species:
- Akita
- Beagle
- Doberman
- Daschund
- German Shepherd
- Boxer
- Bernard
Key Takeaway
Dogs are fantastic species, and when they love, they love with all their hearts.
If your dog happens to develop a particular affinity to your father, then realize that there is an underlying reason behind it.
Be grateful, despite that.
There is someone else caring and bonding with your dog in your absence.
