September 21, 2026, 1:45 pm | Read time: 6 minutes

Why do dogs like some people more than others?

It was love at first sight: No, I don’t mean my partner, nor my previous boyfriend, or any of the others before. Such a thing as “love at first sight” I actually only know from my dog Rudi. Between Rudi and me, there was an immediate sense of trust, enthusiasm, and deep affection for each other from the start.

Originally, he was supposed to stay with me only temporarily, a small former street dog from animal welfare. When he was handed over to me wagging his tail at a highway rest stop, confidently climbed onto my lap in the car, and licked my comfort food, an ice cream from the fast-food drive-in, it was all over for both of us.

Rudi liked me, I liked him, and I couldn’t imagine him being better off anywhere else than with me. That’s possible, says dog expert Laura Garvs from the online dog school wedog upon request from PETBOOK. According to the expert, dogs are very social animals and can therefore form particularly strong bonds with people. It can also happen that they don’t quite “warm up” to some people.   

How should I react when my dog gives others the cold shoulder?

Colleagues who soon got to meet my dog Rudi, Rudi liked them too. Just like almost all people–except for a few rare encounters that meant well but from which he turned away disinterestedly. Sometimes it seems as if he wants to choose for himself whom he gives attention to and whom he doesn’t. I’ve had situations where Rudi gave the cold shoulder to dog-loving people who lovingly whispered, “Well, who are you, sweetie?” I regularly feel sorry about that. But I shouldn’t. 

“It’s completely normal for a dog not to want to be petted sometimes,” says dog trainer Laura Garvs. “A dog doesn’t have to like being touched by various, perhaps even unfamiliar, people.” Dog owners have the important task of recognizing the feelings and needs of the dog and standing up for them. “Only then can the other person understand the dog’s behavior and pay attention to the dog’s body language next time,” the expert says. 

Dogs decide for themselves whom they like or not. Often, however, they are not completely uninfluenced. As owners, we may unconsciously help them decide how the dog feels about our counterpart.  

Also interesting: Are small dogs more aggressive than large ones?

Owner’s behavior could influence whether dogs like someone

Dogs, generally considered very empathetic, likely model their behavior toward other people on their owners’ behavior. This is suggested by a study from Kyoto University in Japan, which states that the animals, much like small children, observe the social interactions of their human family members and mimic the behavior. If your dog is indifferent to a person, it could be due to your attitude toward that person.  

Positive and negative experiences

It’s not always your behavior that influences your dog. Experiences the dog has had in the past–both positive and negative–also affect their later preferences and aversions. If dogs react negatively to a certain “type” of person, they often have had negative experiences with that type of person.

This can include both blonde women and tall, dark-haired men. If your dog, for example, grew up with women, they will still feel drawn to women later. However, if they were teased by a child, the chances are slim that your dog will be particularly fond of children.  

There is a positive dog aura

Perhaps you also know those enviable people who always seem completely relaxed. Often, it’s such people who are particularly attractive to dogs: the more indifferent a person is, the better. Confidence is attractive because alpha animals in a pack also exude sovereignty. There are also studies that suggest dogs observe social interactions in groups and draw conclusions from them.

Your dog’s judgment would then depend on how their counterpart generally behaves toward other living beings; if a person appears generous, they would be more trustworthy to your dog than someone who frequently gets into conflicts or is very cold toward others. However, the current state of research questions this theory, according to the Information Service Science.

More on the topic

Dog Trainer Warns 5 Things You Shouldn’t Subject Your Dog To

PETBOOK Interview TV Star Jana Schölermann: “My Dog Knew About My Pregnancy Before I Did!”

Do I have to be my pet’s favorite person?

Dogs can sometimes be real opportunists. If your dog once again eagerly accepts a treat from the vet or greets your brother-in-law whining with joy at the door, you might wonder if you are really their “favorite person.” The perhaps disappointing answer here: not necessarily. Even if you are the primary caregiver, that doesn’t mean your dog prefers you over other people. Because that depends on various factors.  

The closest bond dogs usually have is with people who took care of them during their socialization period, from puppyhood to about six months. These experiences shape young dogs for their future life, so it’s important to give your dog trust and convey security during this time. Every positive encounter makes your puppy a confident, happy dog.

Try to create many positive interactions with a variety of people, places, and things. If you adopted your dog later, you can still work on a deeper bond. Give your dog attention, frequently try new things with them, and work with positive feedback. Physical closeness, petting, and playing also create emotional closeness and trust. Take regular time for this. 

Conclusion: Dogs have their own unique taste

Dogs have their own taste when it comes to whom they like or not. Often, however, the dogs orient themselves to their owners and decide based on your relationship with said people whether they like someone or not. Sometimes positive or negative experiences also play a role in your dog’s behavior.

If your dog prefers you over other people and you are not one of their absolute “favorite people,” don’t take it personally. Instead, try to work on your bond with the animal, because it’s never too late for that. You don’t have to be number one everywhere.