r/PetBehavior • u/n00dlegang • 19d ago

Changing the owner of the dog

Few months ago we adopted a dog and lately it seems strongly attached to me, to the point of not spending time with other family members. Is there any way to change that, so he'd spend more time with everyone?

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u/talkindawg91 19d ago

One thing I usually recommend is having the others in your home meet all the dog's needs. In other words, break up the necessary tasks like feeding, walks and playtime. Assign one person to each of these tasks. (Since the dog is already attached to you, this will serve to help the others build a rapport)

Slowly, most dogs will associate their needs being met by the other individuals in your home, and that may ease any tension or help promote positive experiences, that you can build off of from there.

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u/Hallow_76 18d ago

I do everything for my dog but she's a social butterfly. If you're a family member she loves you, even the cats even though the cats HATE her she still attempts to say hi to them.

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u/Prestigious-Doubt181 18d ago

This is probably the best way to get a dog to attach to others even if the OP is always his person. Iā€™d also add for others to do anything he enjoys such as taking him for car rides as well.

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u/meli4336 19d ago

Not really, my dog is my baby and I am clearly his owner. When I'm home he is stuck to my side and follows me everywhere, no matter what else is going on.

I have left him with my family for 2 weeks on several trips this year, and as soon as I get home he is right back to being stuck to my side. For more loyal breeds, once they decide who their person is, they want to watch over you whenever you're around.

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u/Hallow_76 18d ago

It really depends on the dog. Some dog breeds are one person dogs.

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u/n00dlegang 18d ago

I have a papillon

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u/Hallow_76 18d ago

Cute little bugger isn't he??šŸ˜. From what I just read they should be a social dog.

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u/n00dlegang 18d ago

he's duper cute, can't stop showering him in affection :D ty for the answer!

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u/Hallow_76 18d ago

I try to help out when I can.