Opening our hearts and welcoming dogs into our home, we quickly build a relationship and bond with them. For dog lovers like you, there is no question that dogs bring us memories that will last a lifetime. Puppies are known to be impressionable, but these cute pups can still imprint on their owner.
According to Dr. Jessica Piece on Rover.com, dogs do not seek someone to attach to immediately after birth. Dogs only start to recognize their mother and littermates at 4 weeks old. This is why dogs have very strong attachments to their pet parent: they go through a sensitive period in forming a strong bond and attachment at 7 to 12 weeks.
But what does dog imprinting on you mean? Dogs imprint on their owner when they have trusted them after forming a strong bond and loving relationship. A dog's imprinting on their owner is their means of learning about the world through their owners' guidance that helps them survive and grow. How can you tell if your dog has imprinted on you? Keep reading to find out.
They engage in eye contact with you.
You may have heard that you should not stare directly into a dog’s eyes as this may be seen as a challenge or a threat to them. This may be true to their ancestors - the wolves, to our domestic pets eye contact is a sign of respect, love, and attention. This gaze benefits not only your dog but pet parents as well. Starting into your dog’s eye can release a surge of oxytocin, the “love hormone” that is responsible for elevating your mood.
They ask for belly rubs
In the animal world, trust is a very important thing in building relationships and bonds with humans. Dogs always protect vulnerable body parts to predators and their belly is one of them. The fact that your dog is on its back facing upwards to show their belly to get a good belly rub from you means that your dog has imprinted on you and fully trusts you.
They want to sleep with you
Letting your dog sleep beside you on your bed can be a personal preference. But if you notice that your dog is eager to sleep with you on the bed or the couch, this is a clear sign that your dog has imprinted on you.
Dogs and their wolves' ancestors are pack animals by nature, so they always prefer to sleep with someone who makes them feel safe. Dogs also prefer to sleep whenever their pet owners are nearby, indicating that they trust you and that you will be able to protect them in their most vulnerable state.
They always follow you wherever you go.
Your dog will always follow you around the house wherever you go and whatever you do when they trust and love you. Even if you don’t have a snack on your hands, sometimes your presence and your attention are all they need. Just be careful not to step on them when maneuvering around the house.
They bring you gifts.
As much as dogs want us to give them attention and love, they also want to do the same thing for you. Dogs will bring you their favorite toy or treats to make you happy as much as those things make them happy. This is something that dogs do that makes us dog parents special especially when they have imprinted on you.
They mirror your behavior
Have you noticed that when you yawn, your dog yaws too? Yawns may be a contagious thing when it comes to humans but dogs imitate you when they have imprinted on you. This is a specialized form of rapid learning from observing you all the time.
So, has your dog imprinted on you? If yes, then it means that you have successfully built a strong bond with your dog. Share this article with your friends and family to see if their dogs have imprinted on them as well!
