Why Your Dog Chooses Guests Over You

Blog Introduction: Do you ever feel like your dog loves your guests more than they love you? If so, don’t worry—you’re not alone. It’s actually quite common for dogs to be more interested in visitors than their regular guardians. But why is that? Let’s take a closer look at the reasons behind this seemingly baffling behavior.

Whether you have a rambunctious puppy or a mellow older dog, chances are they go absolutely crazy when you have guests over. They jump all over the place, steal food off the counter, and basically make a nuisance of themselves. But why do they do this? Is it because they don’t like your guests or because they’re just trying to get attention?

The History of Dogs

Dogs have been domesticated animals for centuries, tracing back to the days of early humans. In fact, the domestication of dogs is thought to have begun around 15,000 years ago. It is believed that early humans began to domesticate wolves for two reasons: for protection and for help with hunting. Over time, these wild animals evolved into the domesticated dogs that we know and love today.

However, even though dogs have been living alongside humans for millennia, they still retain some of their original animal instincts. One of those instincts is the pack mentality. To put it simply, the pack mentality is the instinctual behavior of animals who live in groups (or packs).

This includes things like following a leader, working together for the common good, and protecting group members from outsiders.

It Comes Down to Science

As it turns out, there’s a bit of science behind your dog’s behavior. A study conducted by Stanley Coren, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia, found that dogs are more likely to pay attention to and obey commands from strangers than from their own owners.

In other words, your dog probably knows exactly what you’re telling them to do—they’re just choosing to ignore you in favor of someone they perceive as more interesting.

The Psychology of Dogs

Now that we’ve established that dogs have a pack mentality, it’s easier to see why your dog would gravitate toward a guest instead of you. In their mind, you are part of their “pack,” while the guest is not. Therefore, it’s only natural for them to be more interested in someone who isn’t part of their “family.”

Of course, this doesn’t mean that your dog doesn’t love you—they do! However, their instinctual pack mentality will always kick in when they’re around someone new. If you’re looking for ways to get your dog’s attention when there’s a guest over, try treats or toys that are only reserved for special occasions. This will help your dog realize that guests aren’t always just another member of the pack; sometimes, they’re something special.

Dogs Are Social Creatures

Dogs are social creatures by nature, which means they crave attention and interaction with others. When a new person comes into their home, they see it as an opportunity to fulfill that need.

Dogs also tend to be more attracted to people who show them affection and attention, which is often the case with guests since they want to make a good impression. On the other hand, guardians usually show their love in more subtle ways, such as through petting or treats, which dogs may not interpret as being as affirming.

Dogs Respond to Different Stimuli

Another reason dogs may prefer guests over their regular guardians is that they simply respond better to different types of Stimuli. For example, some dogs may get excited when someone new comes over and wants to play fetch, while others may enjoy being petted more than anything else.

If your dog isn’t responding well to the way you’re showing them love, it may be time to try something new. In any case, it’s important to remember that every dog is different and will therefore react differently to different types of Stimuli.

Dogs May Be Bored

In some cases, dogs may prefer visitors because they’re simply bored with their guardians. This is more likely to be the case if you work long hours or are away from home for extended periods of time. If your dog is left alone for too long, they may start seeking attention and companionship from any source they can find—including guests.

The best way to prevent this from happening is by making sure your dog has enough exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day.

There Are Exceptions

Different breeds tend to be more protective of their humans and territory. An Australian Shepherd will be slower to warm up to a stranger than a Border Collie – who, if they were a human, would help a burglar carry things out to their car. Ha!

Final Thoughts:

There are a number of reasons why your dog may seem to prefer visitors over you. The most likely explanation is that dogs are social creatures by nature and crave attention and interaction with others.

However, it’s also possible that your dog is simply bored or isn’t responding well to the way you’re showing them love. In any case, there’s no need to worry—it’s perfectly normal for dogs to be more interested in visitors than their regular guardians.

Check out these other articles of ours:

• Do Dogs Get Sad When You Yell at Them? Exploring the Emotional Impact of Verbal Discipline on Canine Companions
• Can Dogs Eat Turnips? A Comprehensive Guide to Feeding Turnips to Your Canine
• How to Pen Train a Puppy: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Can Dogs Eat Caramel Popcorn? A Veterinarian’s Perspective
• Can Australian Shepherds Be Left Alone? Expert Insights and Tips