When your pet follows you around the house, it’s cute, right? Although your furry friend can get underfoot, it’s nice to feel so loved! Well, did you know that this is one of the signs your dog has imprinted on you?
In this guide, we’ll look at what it means for a dog to imprint on you, whether it’s problematic, and the signs to look for to recognize whether your pup has imprinted on you. Let’s get started!
Before reading this article, “Signs Your Dog Imprinted on You,” check out: Signs That Your Dog Is Jealous of Your Baby! (2023) and 6 Common Signs Your Dog Needs to Be Neutered! (2023).
What is Imprinting?
Imprinting is a type of bonding between a dog and its owner. It typically occurs at a very early age, when your dog is just a little puppy.
It’s commonly held that there are three stages of imprinting in dogs. First, there’s canine imprinting. Your puppy is usually up to two months old during this stage, and he’s now learning that he’s a dog. He’ll take cues from his mom and sometimes dad, and will learn from his littermates, too.
Once your puppy goes home with you, he enters the human imprinting stage. This is an ideal time to socialize with your dog, as he’s most likely to learn good manners with humans around this time.
Finally, when your puppy is between eight and ten weeks old, he’ll experience the fear imprinting age. Be gentle with your dog during this phase, as this is when he learns who and who not to trust. Big changes and “traumatic” experiences will leave a lasting impression on your dog during the fear imprinting stage.
Why Do Dogs Imprint?
If you’re looking for signs your dog imprinted on you, you’ll probably want to know why they imprint at all. Well, in an evolutionary sense, your dog needs imprinting for survival. He imprints on Mom and Dad to learn who his family is — they are the dogs that will keep him safe.
Imprinting helps your dog learn who to mate with, also. Most mammals, including humans, imprint for the survival of their species.
Some scientists think that dogs can only imprint once, on their mother. Others hold that imprinting can happen at any time. Your dog may imprint on a human, as a puppy, or may even be able to do so as an adopted senior dog.
So how do you know your dog imprinted on you? Let’s take a look at the signs.
Signs Your Dog Imprinted on You
Your puppy will most likely get along perfectly well with every member of your family. However, there may be one family member your puppy likes just a little more, a family member he’s imprinted on.
Here’s how to tell if that’s the case.
He Sniffs You and Your Belongings
Your puppy loves your scent. If he’s imprinted on you, you’ll notice him sniffing you, your shoes, your bedding, your clothing, and even the place you just sat.
He’s the First to Greet You at the Door
Imagine you and your family returning home from an outing. Your puppy greets you at the door, but he’s not interested in the other members of your family — his eyes are on you and you alone. This is one of the signs your dog has imprinted on you.
He’s Submissive
Dogs show that they’re submissive in several ways. Most commonly, your puppy will roll over and show you his belly. He may maintain eye contact with you, or he may even leave a little puddle on the floor when he greets you. If your dog exhibits a submissive demeanor, he may have imprinted on you.
He Follows You Around
If your puppy has imprinted on you, there’s a good chance you can’t even escape to the bathroom on your own without a puppy in tow. It’s cute, it’s aggravating, and it’s a sign of imprinting. Your puppy will tolerate, or get along with, other humans in your family but he’s got a special soft spot for you.
He Checks on You
Your dog may peek in the door to check that you’re okay, or even lie down, half asleep, with one eye on you. If your dog constantly checks that you’re okay, he’s probably imprinted on you.
He Listens to You
Puppies are quick to learn, and they’ll pick up on what you mean when you say “sit” or “leave it.” But that doesn’t mean they’ll always listen. If your dog obeys your commands more than others’ commands, he may have imprinted on you.
Overall, if your dog has imprinted on you, you’ll know it! He’ll demonstrate a desire to be your BFF, sometimes to the exclusion of others in your family.
He Matches Your Mood
Finally, dogs are empathetic beings. If you’re sad, your dog can sense it, and if you’re happy, your pup’s tail will be a-waggin’, too! If your dog typically matches your mood in this way, it’s likely he’s imprinted.
How Can I Get My Dog to Imprint on Me?
Your dog will naturally gravitate toward the human he likes most for a number of reasons. As you now know, imprinting is instinctual and evolutionary. Your puppy imprints to stay close to those who will feed and protect him, particularly when he’s small.
If you’re the one who feeds, walks, and trains your dog, he will most likely choose you to imprint on.
However, you can increase the probability that your dog “picks” you in a few ways.
- Take over your dog’s bathing and grooming. This is the quality time you can spend with your dog, easing you both into a trusting and loving relationship.
- Establish a routine with your dog — when he knows what to expect from you he’s more likely to trust you.
- Establish yourself as the pack leader by setting and enforcing boundaries for your puppy.
- Give your dog his space. Even the most affectionate puppies need a little alone time, so be sure you give your pup a comfy and secure place of his own to hang out when he’s overstimulated.
What to Do if Imprinting Becomes Problematic
It’s cute when your dog follows you around, but imprinting can cause undesirable behaviors in dogs. You may find that your puppy is especially attached to your belongings — he just won’t let go of your slipper. He may be jumping on the furniture to be closer. Or he may not let other family members near you.
If you’ve found your dog’s behaviors worrisome, it’s time to establish some rules. Train your dog on what is acceptable and what is not. Make sure you’re firm with your dog, and let him know you’re the leader.
Finally, talk to a professional trainer about how to improve your dog’s relationships with others in the home. Your sweet fur baby may only be protecting you, but it’s obviously problematic to have your puppy snapping at others in the family. Train your dog early on to avoid these behaviors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions about dog imprinting? Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions by readers at We Love Doodles.
Your dog will pick his favorite person in one (or more) ways! Remember that human imprinting begins at adoption time, so usually at around seven and twelve weeks of age.
If, during that time, you’re the person who provides the dog with food, love, and other comforts, you’re probably going to be the one he chooses.
Some of your dog’s choice is based on his natural instincts, too. If you’ve established yourself as the pack leader, your puppy will naturally imprint as a means of survival.
If your dog imprints on you, you’ll earn the jealousy of your family members. His face will light up when you enter the room — and he may even leave a puddle.
If your dog has chosen you, however, your other family members need not worry. Your dog can protect you “the most” while still getting along swimmingly with kids, other adults, and other pets in the home.
If your dog is bonded to you, you’ll notice that he’s always excited to see you, more so than other family members. He may show signs of submission. He may follow you around like a shadow, or you may just find him checking on you.
If your dog has “chosen” you, you’ll know it!
There are three stages of imprinting.
1) Canine imprinting happens during the very first weeks of your dog’s life.
2) Human imprinting occurs between seven and twelve weeks of age.
3) Fear imprinting happens between eight and ten weeks old.
Bonding with your dog from an early age is essential to his mental health and social aptitude, and it also helps your dog imprint in a natural way.
If your dog has imprinted on you, you may find that he presses against you as he naps. This, too, is instinctual. You are his protector and he feels safe when he’s close to you. You also provide warmth, of course, so snuggle time is especially comfortable.
If you consider this undesirable behavior, set boundaries gently. Don’t push your dog away. Instead, slowly teach him to stay off the furniture and your bed. Abrupt scolding can hurt your dog’s feelings, of course, but can also cause trust issues in your dog.
Conclusion for “Signs Your Dog Imprinted on You”
What are the signs your dog imprinted on you? Well, there’s a good chance you’ll spot them if they’re there! An extra-loving dog that becomes your shadow has likely imprinted on you.
Remember that even though your dog “chose” you, he’ll still get along just fine with other family members and pets. Make it clear that you’re the pack leader, and establish rules for your dog early in his life to deter unwanted behaviors.
If you find this guide, “Signs Your Dog Imprinted on You,” helpful, check out:
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Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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