When we open our hearts to a new dog, it doesn’t take long for them to build an unbreakable bond with us. Dogs bring us joy in a way that creates memories that last a lifetime. We know that puppies are most impressionable, but that doesn’t mean that a dog of any age cannot imprint on humans.
Dogs don’t immediately seek someone to attach to from birth, in fact, they only begin to recognise their mother when they’re about four weeks old. However, dogs do often form very strong attachments to their pet parents – particularly between about seven and twelve weeks of age, dogs go through a critical, sensitive period where they can form a strong attachment to a particular person. If you are your dog’s chosen one, then it’s highly likely that they have imprinted on you.
Here are some signs to look out for:
They hold steady eye contact with you
Eye contact is a big deal for dogs, and you may have heard the old saying that you should never stare directly into a dog’s eyes. While this might not hold much truth with our very domesticated canine companions, for their wolf ancestors, direct eye contact is seen as a threat and a challenge. Some dog breeds that share more wolf ancestry might still feel this way, but for dogs that have imprinted on their humans, eye contact is a sign of love, respect, and a way to feel connected.
It should come as no surprise that it’s not just dogs who receive help from looking into the eyes of their hoomans, we reap the benefits, too! Recent research found that even mutual gazing can have a profound effect on both humans and their canines. A study showed that locking eyes with your dog creates a surge in oxytocin levels, which is the same hormone that allows human parents and infants to bond after birth.
They want to sleep with you
Dogs that have imprinted on humans will often want to sleep with them when it comes time to go to bed at night. Allowing your dog to sleep with you at night is a personal preference. For dog breeds that have thick, dense coats, sharing the bed with you might make them feel too warm and bothered during the night, so the cool floor near your bed might make for a better sleeping choice.
Dogs are pack animals by nature. Although they are far removed from their wild ancestors, co-sleeping with you shows they trust you and that you make them feel safe. Many dogs also like knowing you’re nearby when they’re sleeping because it’s their way of showing you that they can protect you when you’re in your most vulnerable state. Maybe even just at the very bottom of the stairs.
They will roll over and want you to scratch their belly
Trust is a big deal in the animal world. When any animal is on its back, is when it’s most vulnerable to predators and sudden threats. If your pup likes to flash you their belly, this is the ultimate sign that your dog has imprinted on you. Even the friendliest of dogs won't offer you their belly!
They follow you around the house
Is your dog your shadow? Dogs that have imprinted on their humans are eager to know their whereabouts whenever they are home and will even get up from the comfiest of spots just to follow their humans to the other room.
If you find that your dog is your shadow, this is a sign that your dog has imprinted on you.
Just be aware that they may be there, so you don't accidently step on them!
They will sometimes mirror your behaviour
Have you ever noticed that your dog is mirroring you?
Have you ever let out a big yawn, and suddenly your dog yawns too?
Many say that yawns are contagious with people, but when dogs do this after watching their owners, it’s taken as a sign that your dog has imprinted on you.
There are other cute ways dogs will copy our behaviour that you may have noticed, such as “helping you” with work in the garden for instance.
Studies have even shown that a dog can mimic human behaviour even ten minutes after it has occurred.
Does your dog like to bring you gifts?
Dogs are extremely intuitive to human emotions. You may have noticed your dog bringing you their toys (or licking your face) when you are sad as a way of cheering you up. They are doing this to engage with you and lift your mood while showing you that they care. Thankfully, unlike cats that like to bring their owners dead animals as gifts, this is one of the many ways our dogs make us feel special.
Your dog wants to see you happy, and they have no problem being the ones to help you lift your spirits. If your dog has imprinted on you, they know how much you need them in those hard times, and they are eager to brighten your day with their natural ability to make you smile.
Embrace feeling special knowing how much it means to your dog that you are happy.
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