A concern many people have when considering adding a new dog to the family is if the dog will bond equally well with all family members or just choose one favorite person and leave the rest wondering what they did wrong.
There are quite a few breeds, such as Shiba Inus, Chihuahuas, Akitas, and Basenjis, who are known for only bonding with one person in the family and often make ideal companions for those living alone.
Other breeds, such as Boxers, Vizslas, and Golden Retrievers, readily form strong bonds with every member of the family. So, what about America’s favorite canine, the Labrador Retriever?
Do Labrador Retrievers bond to just one person? A Lab is more than capable of forming a unique, deep, loving bond with every member of the family but will often be slightly more attached to one person in particular. That favorite person is often, though not always, the main caretaker or leader of the “pack.”
Granted, some breeds are easier to bond with than others are. With a Labrador Retriever, there really is no need to be concerned.
Keep reading to learn more about a Lab’s ability to bond, if they’ll likely have a favorite person, and what you can do to develop a solid relationship with your Lab.
Do Labs Bond With Each Family Member or Just One Person?
There are so many wonderful aspects to a Labrador Retriever’s personality. Labs are friendly (ridiculously so in some cases), gentle, energetic, eager to please, and playful. Their zest and enthusiasm for life can be downright contagious.
Labradors Are Affectionate and Quick to Bond
Perhaps their best quality is their ability to express love and affection unconditionally and without reserve. Labs are not shy about their feelings, and when meeting a stranger they’re much more likely to think, “Yeah! A new friend!” than “Uh-oh. This guy might be trouble.”
In fact, a Lab’s tendency to easily form bonds is one reason that this breed is so often used in service roles. When their training is complete and ownership is transferred to the new handler, Labs adjust well to their new master and establish a strong relationship quickly.
Bonding With Each Member of the Family
A Lab’s love and loyalty know no bounds and the deep well of affection will never run dry. Forming a firm, lasting bond with each member of the family is no problem for a Labrador Retriever. All it takes is a bit of attention, a few kind words, some heartfelt snuggles, and quality time together, and ta-da, their heart is won over.
Labs know who their family is, though the more people they meet, the larger that family seems to be. Adults, teenagers, and little ones can all develop a loving, deeply rooted bond with their Lab.
Though a Lab’s circle of adored friends may be ever-growing, their family always holds the number one position in their hearts.
With Labs, it’s very, very rare for a family member to be excluded from the endless love and affection so freely lavished. That’s just contrary to a Lab’s personality, and in reality, it takes a lot of effort to convince a Lab that you’d rather not be adored. But who would ever want to do that?
Labs will get to know and love each family member quite well, however, the unique bond formed with each one will be slightly different. For example, a Lab may know that the oldest boy in the family is the one to go to for an enthusiastic game of fetch, but when it’s time for a cuddle, the youngest child may be his first choice.
While the preferred activities may vary for each member of the family, there will never be any doubt that a Lab has indeed bonded with everyone and is happiest when he is an active, integral part of family life.
Bonding With Just One Member of the Family
There is no question that a Labrador Retriever will bond closely and develop a unique relationship with each family member, but secretly, will he prefer and have an extra close bond with just one person?
As is true of most dogs, the answer here is frequently yes, even if his preference of one person over the others is barely noticeable.
Bonding closely with one family member is a natural canine behavior, but if a special, strong bond is formed with one person in particular, are the other family members disliked or shunned in any way? Absolutely not. In fact, they may not even be aware that their Lab has a clear preference for one person.
The beauty of Labrador Retrievers is that there is plenty of love and affection to go around. As long as each member invests in quality time with their pet, they should never feel left out or loved any less.
How Do Dogs Choose Their Favorite Person?
Although it’s hard to say for certain how exactly a dog decides who is his favorite person, by studying canine behavior and drawing from past experiences, we can make a few educated guesses as to the factors involved.
Keep in mind that every dog is different and some will love all the humans in their life equally.
“Pack” Leader or Provider
Quite often, a Lab will form the deepest bond with either the family member who is viewed as the leader of the “pack” or with his primary caregiver (often the same person). Considering that dogs are at heart, pack animals, this makes perfect sense.
That is not to say that other members of the “pack” are not valued or loved as much, but for some dogs, the provider, protector, and leader of the family is always the favorite.
Quality Time
Labrador Retrievers crave companionship, affection, and attention. Many times, the person who invests the most quality time with their Lab, frequently showering him with attention and engaging him in fun activities, rises to top position in the dog’s heart. The Lab quickly learns to associate that one person with love, security, and adventure, and an unbreakable bond is forged.
Socialization
A Lab puppy is most impressionable before he turns 6 months old. The person he spends the most time with during this critical period will often likely become his favorite.
Loyalties can change however, especially with a super-friendly breed like Labradors, so this original favorite human might slip into second place as the dog matures and forms new bonds.
Personality
Labs are more likely to bond particularly closely with a person who has similar energy levels and preferences. For example, high-energy dogs who love to be outdoors or out on the lake will often choose the family member who is very active and has a taste for adventure to be their favorite.
Ways to Improve Your Bond With Your Labrador Retriever
It’s not at all difficult to deepen the bond between yourself and your Lab. It will, however, require a focused effort on your part and of course, time. The secret is to teach your dog to associate you with positive experiences while building his trust in you as a confident, competent leader and friend.
Here are some practical tips to get you on your way to enjoying a strong, satisfying bond with your Lab.
Quality, one-on-one time – This involves more than lounging in your backyard hammock, hoping that your dog appreciates you being outside with him. You must make an effort here. Take him with you to dog-friendly stores, enjoy hikes together, let him sleep in your room at night, teach him new tricks, learn a team sport like dog agility together, play fetch, or take him swimming. You get the idea. Make your time together count.
Be his leader – When you step up and assume the role of leader, you will often find that the relationship suddenly “clicks.” Training him in good manners and basic commands, providing him with meals, treats and love; and protecting him from things that frighten him will let him relax and bond with you, knowing that you can be counted on as a true leader.
