Do Pets Choose Their Favourite Person In The House? Here’s The Truth
Aradhana Jha | TimesPets Bureau | Feb 23, 2026, 16:53 IST
Do pets choose their favourite person in the house? Here’s the truth
If you’ve ever joked about “the dog loves dad more” or that your cat obviously has a preference for one member of the family, you’re not just dreaming. Many pet owners have noticed that their pets seem to have a special affinity for one member of the family. But is this just a case of human projection, or is there really something to this preference?
If you’ve ever joked about “the dog loves dad more” or that your cat obviously has a preference for one member of the family, you’re not just dreaming. Many pet owners have noticed that their pets seem to have a special affinity for one member of the family. But is this just a case of human projection, or is there really something to this preference?
The answer is yes, pets do tend to have a preference for one member of the family. But the reasons for this are far more scientific than you might think.
Dogs link these positive interactions to feelings of security and comfort, which in turn enhances their emotional bond with the person.
What is even more interesting is the fact that early socialization also has a significant role to play. If the dog has the opportunity to bond with one member of the family during its most impressionable period, which is usually the first six months of its life, that person may become its lifelong attachment figure. Just like human beings, dogs also feel emotionally secure through positive exposure.
Another aspect that is often overlooked is personality compatibility. High-strung pets will naturally gravitate towards an energetic person, while a more subdued pet will be drawn to a less energetic person. The natural personality of your pet will, of course, be compatible with the person whose personality matches theirs. It’s not about playing favorites in the dramatic sense of the word but about comfort and compatibility.
Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!
The answer is yes, pets do tend to have a preference for one member of the family. But the reasons for this are far more scientific than you might think.
Dogs link these positive interactions to feelings of security and comfort, which in turn enhances their emotional bond with the person.
What is even more interesting is the fact that early socialization also has a significant role to play. If the dog has the opportunity to bond with one member of the family during its most impressionable period, which is usually the first six months of its life, that person may become its lifelong attachment figure. Just like human beings, dogs also feel emotionally secure through positive exposure.
Another aspect that is often overlooked is personality compatibility. High-strung pets will naturally gravitate towards an energetic person, while a more subdued pet will be drawn to a less energetic person. The natural personality of your pet will, of course, be compatible with the person whose personality matches theirs. It’s not about playing favorites in the dramatic sense of the word but about comfort and compatibility.
Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!