Dogs are amazing, loving creatures that constantly want to please their humans. I mean, who wouldn’t want to meet a smiley face full of excitement when coming home from work? It’s all you may need at the end of a tiring day.
Sometimes it feels like a dog has a special bond with a specific family member more than the others. If you’re the lucky fellow, your puppy may have imprinted on you. So, how do you know for sure? What are the signs your dog imprinted on you?
Keep reading to find out what imprinting means and how to know for sure your floof has imprinted on you.
What Is Imprinting?
Imprinting in nature is more related to precocial species, such as birds, cattle, etc. These types of creatures enter the world with all their senses fully developed. So, they start following the first thing they see moving, which is usually the mother.
Dogs, on the other hand, are altricial species. This means their senses need more development after birth. That’s why their imprinting period works a bit differently.
From birth up to eight weeks of age, dogs only learn intra-dog relationships and social skills. After that, they start exploring the bigger world around them and form strong bonds with their humans. This is when the dog begins imprinting on a human.
That said, even if you got your dog at a later point, there’s still a possibility of forming a special bond. It might take time, but don’t let that discourage you.
7 Signs Your Dog Imprinted on You
Although dogs love all their human family members, their special person has a bigger place in their hearts. Generally, many telltales are giving that behavior away.
Here are 7 signs your dog imprinted on you:
1. Following You Around
This is one of the most obvious signs. It may be annoying when your dog tries to follow you to the bathroom, but it’s just a sign of love and affection.
Naturally, dogs are pack animals who need to stay together. So, your dog staying around you all the time is a way of saying “You’re my BFF!”
2. Getting Excited When Seeing You
Running and jumping around when seeing you doesn’t happen with any person. I know, a happy dog is a happy dog. However, the extra boost of over-excitement that appears just for you is a strong sign your pup imprinted on you.
3. Mirroring Your Actions and Moods
When your dog sees you as a mentor, it starts imitating you. A smart floof may try to open the door or switch the lights on. Yet, it doesn’t only stop at mirroring actions.
Generally, dogs are emotional creatures that can react to and reflect their human’s stress, anger, fear, sadness, etc. You’ve probably experienced your dog becoming sad when you’re feeling down or staying beside you for comfort. That’s another imprinting sign.
4. Checking in on You Constantly
As the imprinting develops, your dog grows a sense of responsibility towards you. Feeling the need to protect you, you notice your pup checking in on you frequently. That happens especially in new environments.
Whether you’re going for a hike or visiting a new place, your dog will definitely stop and make sure you’re ok now and then.
5. Seeking Attention and Physical Affection From You
When I say physical affection, I don’t mean hugs. In fact, most dogs don’t enjoy this kind of interaction. Instead, your dog seeks a backscratch, a belly rub, or even a nose bop. These simple actions are more than enough to satisfy your dog’s physical needs.
6. Following Your Commands and Listening To You
Just like a little kid listening to the parents, your furball follows your commands, sometimes exclusively. When your dog imprints on you, you become a source of behavior. So, you might want to take advantage of that and try training your dog.
7. Snuggling With Your Possessions
Your dog doesn’t jump into your pile of laundry or carry your shoe just to annoy you. Contrarily, it’s a powerful sign your beloved floof has imprinted on you.
Dogs feel closer to their humans by carrying their stuff around because they’re attached to smells.
How to Make Your Dog Bond with You
- Quality Time: Spend dedicated time engaging in activities your dog enjoys, such as playing, walking, and cuddling.
- Positive Reinforcement Training: Use rewards and praise to reinforce good behavior, creating a bond based on mutual understanding.
- Physical Affection: Show your dog physical affection through gentle petting and grooming, making them feel loved and secure.
- Establish Routine: Create a consistent schedule for feeding, exercise, and playtime to provide structure and security.
- Patience and Understanding: Be patient and understanding with your dog’s behavior, practicing empathy and support.
Final Thoughts
Dogs are a source of unconditional love and are a blessing to have around. Following you around, sniffing your items, and following your commands are among the most common signs your dog imprinted on you.
Thus, when your puppy does some of these actions, you should feel proud and cherish every moment.
