How to Know if Your Dog Has Imprinted on You

Does your dog only have eyes for you? Do they look to you for guidance more than they do other members of the family? This may be a sign that your dog has imprinted on you, making you their most trusted human.

You’ve likely heard of geese or ducks imprinting on humans. Some species, like many birds, cows, and horses, tend to imprint on the first thing they see after hatching or being born. They rely on this person or animal to keep them safe and teach them the ways of the world. But dogs are a little bit different.

Rather than imprint on the first thing they see, they tend to learn about their environment from their mother, littermates, and any humans or other animals that are around. Imprinting, or bonding, occurs when they develop a trusting, dependent, and close attachment to a human or other animal. It often happens at a young age but can occur at various stages in life.

There are many signs that can show your dog has imprinted on you. A bonded dog seeks your company, maintains eye contact, follows you, relaxes in your presence, and responds eagerly to your return. Their body language — relaxed posture, soft eyes, and a wagging tail — signals they view you as their trusted person and secure base. Read on to learn how to know if a dog has imprinted on you and what exactly that means, as well as how to strengthen the bond with your dog. 

How do I know if my dog loves me?

There are a variety of ways that your dog may show that they have bonded with you and love you. Dogs who love their pet parents show relaxed body language while around them; sometimes, this means rolling over to expose their belly.

It may sound obvious, but a dog who loves you will want to be near you: Lying down on top of you or leaning on you is an indication that they feel more secure by your side. If your pup is following your every step, that’s a good sign, too. 

Below are the top 10 signs your dog has imprinted on you. 

10 signs your dog has imprinted on you

You may have a feeling that your dog has put you on a pedestal. But if you want to know for sure that your dog loves you, here are 10 things your dog may do after imprinting on you.

Following you around: Why does my dog follow me everywhere?

If you have a little shadow, this likely means your dog trusts and loves you deeply. You make them feel safe and cared for. It might be annoying that they are trailing you just about everywhere you go — but you’re their person, and that has to feel good.

Mirroring your behaviors: Why does my dog mirror me?

A study published in 2017 by researchers in Austria found that dogs are sensitive to their parents’ emotional states. They can pick up those feelings over time and begin to mirror their humans’ behavior.

Listening to your cues: Why does my dog listen to me but not others?

If you are the only one who has practiced training with your dog, you will likely be the only person your dog listens to. This is why it’s important for all family members — if you do not live alone — to participate in training, so there is consistency in your dog’s behavior. Otherwise, your dog may learn to only respect your commands and not others’ commands.

Checking in: Why is my dog always “checking in” with me?

If your dog is constantly checking in with you, they are probably emotionally attached to you. They feel safe and secure when they are near you and know where you are. Some dogs even like to stay in physical contact with you, leaning on you to show their support and admiration.

Seeking you out: Why does my dog always want to be near me?

Your dog wants to be near you because you provide comfort and safety to them. It could also be that they are trying to communicate something to you. They may be hungry or want to go for a walk.

Maintaining eye contact: Why does my dog look me in the eye?

Your dog stares soulfully into your eyes because they love you. In fact, staring into each other’s eyes releases oxytocin (aka the love hormone) in both humans and dogs, making both of you feel good.

Cuddling your belongings: Why does my dog enjoy laying in my laundry?

The primary reason your pup is obsessed with your laundry basket (and its contents) is because your clothes smell like you. It’s comforting and makes them feel safe to be surrounded by your scent. This is another sign that they want to be close to you.

Reading your emotions: How does my dog know when I’m upset?

Dogs are pretty amazing creatures — they can use all of their senses to understand how we’re feeling. Research shows they can recognize humans’ emotions in our facial expressions. Because your dog can sense your emotions, they can probably pick up on cues when you are craving their attention.

Taking care of you: Why does my dog know when I need attention?

Dogs may show care for you in a variety of ways. Their strong sense of smell means they often know when you’re sick — and if you tend to get extra cuddles when you’re under the weather, that’s a good sign that they’re trying to help.

Playing: Why does my dog always want to play?

A playful dog is a happy dog. If a dog wants lots of playtime with you, they probably see you as their buddy, and they trust you to be a patient and safe play partner.

How to bond with a new dog 

Being a dog parent means more than just providing your pup with food, water, and shelter. Bonding with your dog comes down to spending quality time with them. This means exercising, playing, and training them.

1. Establish a routine.

Dogs thrive when they have a routine. It can help reduce anxiety and give them a greater sense of security to know what to expect each day. Be sure to incorporate exercise into your dog’s routine; take them for walks for at least 30 minutes a day. Try to feed them around the same time each day.

2. Use positive reinforcement.

Most dogs love to learn things, so teaching them obedience cues and tricks is a great way to help them see that you make a great companion. Always use positive reinforcement when training, and never punish your dog. Punishing them can create fear and anxiety, which you don’t want associated with you.

3. Spend quality time with them.

Play games that stimulate their mind and associate you with good times. Interactive games like tug-of-war or fetch are great options because they require close interaction with you. Of course, quality time can also mean a quiet petting session. It doesn’t always have to involve activity.

4. Respect their boundaries.

Just like humans, dogs are more likely to bond with people who respect their boundaries. Make sure they always have a place where they can relax alone, and don’t force affection onto them (sorry, but most dogs actually don’t like being hugged). 

5. Use patience and consistency.

You should always behave this way with your dog, whether you’re training or engaging in everyday playtime. Pets are sometimes imperfect, and a little understanding goes a long way to helping your dog feel secure. 

References

• Albuquerque, Natalia and Briseida Resende. “Dogs functionally respond to and use emotional information from human expressions.” Evolutionary Human Sciences. 6 Dec 2022. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10426098/.

• “Dogs Imprinting on Humans: What You Need to Know.” Ridgeside K9. https://ridgesidek9nc.com/dog-tips/dogs-imprinting-on-humans/.

• “Positive Reinforcement Training.” The Humane Society of the United States. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/positive-reinforcement-training.