Determining the Primary Owner When Two People Feed a Dog

Typically, when two people feed a dog, the dog will consider both of them as owners. However, it can differentiate between a primary and secondary owner. The person who spends more time interacting and feeding the dog is usually perceived as the primary owner. When both people call the dog simultaneously, it will often go to the primary owner first, showing more affection towards them.

If two people feed a dog, it will remember both and consider them owners. There’s no need to overthink who the dog recognizes as its main owner. Dogs can sense the kindness from their owners and will reciprocate with affection. If you treat them well, they will be affectionate in return. However, they will generally show a stronger dependency on their primary owner. This is often the person who spends more time playing with the dog and preparing its favorite food, leading to a stronger bond.

How to Determine Which Owner the Dog Recognizes as Primary

1. Scent Preference

Dogs usually prefer the scent of their primary owner. If two people are at home, you'll notice the dog likes to stay close to the primary owner, seeking their attention. It might also enjoy smelling their clothes and shoes, even sleeping with their shoes as a pillow. This indicates that the dog loves you most and considers you the most important person in its life.

2. Physical Closeness

When two people are at home, the dog will habitually stay close to the most important owner. For example, after eating dinner and watching TV, it will often lie on the primary owner's lap, trying to stay close and show affection. This highlights the dog's emotional intelligence, understanding who is more important to them. If the primary owner isn't home, it will transfer its attention to the other person. This makes raising a dog a very interesting experience.

3. Possessive Behavior

Dogs are often possessive and jealous, wanting to be the sole focus of your attention. If the dog sees you showing affection to another person, it might tug at your pants or bark. If the two of you pretend to fight, it will likely side with the person who is kinder to it.

4. Back Facing the Owner

Many people mistakenly think that when a dog turns its back to you, it means they are annoyed. Actually, it's quite the opposite. A dog may turn its back to its favorite owner, expressing a strong sense of possessiveness and trust.Related resource:Pet Training