Can Dogs Have Crushes On Humans?

We’ve all seen those adorable videos of dogs getting overly excited when their owner comes home – jumping, spinning, and smothering them in sloppy kisses. This extreme show of affection has led many to wonder: can dogs actually develop crushes on humans?

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: While dogs do not experience romantic love or sexual attraction, some dogs can form an exceptionally strong bond with a particular person that mimics some signs of a human crush or obsession.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the nuances of the unique relationships dogs can form with people, looking at the signs and science behind dog obsessions and examining whether our canine companions truly get crushes like humans do.

With insights from experts and research on dog behavior and emotions, we’ll provide a detailed look at the depth and complexity of the dog-human bond.

Do Dogs Have Emotions?

There is strong scientific evidence that dogs do experience basic emotions like happiness, anger, fear, and sadness (Millan & Peltier, 2006; Coren, 2004). Their brains contain similar limbic structures to ours that generate emotions and dogs have been shown to demonstrate physiological responses associated with emotions, like changes in heart rate, hormone levels, and facial expressions.

They experience basic emotions

Researchers have identified the anterior cingulate cortex and amygdala in the dog brain, regions that similarly regulate emotions in humans (Berns et al., 2017). Electroencephalography (EEG) studies have also found patterns of brain activity in dogs consistent with positive and negative emotional states (Kujala et al., 2017).

Behavioral observations provide further evidence of dog emotions. Dogs exhibit signs of happiness when they are reunited with their owners, like licking, tail wagging, whimpering, and “jumping for joy.” They may growl, bark, bare their teeth, and hide when afraid.

Separation anxiety is also evidence of the depth of dogs’ attachments and emotions.

But not complex emotions like romantic love

While dogs clearly have emotions, the extent of their emotional complexity is debated. More advanced emotions like romantic love, jealousy, guilt, and shame have not been scientifically proven in canines (Horowitz, 2009).

Dogs likely do not experience the same richness of emotions as humans. Their brains are much smaller and simpler. For example, the prefrontal cortex, which handles complex thoughts like abstract thinking, is not present in dogs (Coren, 2004).

So while dogs feel basic emotions strongly, the evidence does not indicate they are capable of the nuanced, reflective emotions that emerge from human cognition and self-awareness.

Signs of a Dog’s Strong Bond with a Person

There are several indications that a dog may have developed a particularly close connection with a human. Some behaviors demonstrate that the dog not only enjoys that person’s company, but has a depth of feeling toward them that goes beyond mere excitement upon seeing a familiar caretaker.

Let’s review some of the clearest signs that a dog may be harboring a “crush” on their favorite person.

Excessive excitement upon the person’s return

A dog who reacts with extremely enthusiastic greeting behaviors when their preferred person comes home or enters the room exhibits an intensity of emotion that reveals a strong bond. This could involve jumping, howling, whining, wagging their tail rapidly, and bringing over toys or objects to show their person.

According to 2022 survey data from the American Kennel Club, over 63% of dog owners report that their pets act “overjoyed” compared to more moderately excited when other household members return.

Following them everywhere

A “velcro” dog who trails their person from room to room, even waiting outside the bathroom door for them demonstrates an exceptionally close attachment. An independent dog who normally enjoys having some alone time will overlook that preference just to be near their favorite human.

According to certified dog trainer Sara Wooley, “This intense shadowing behavior reflects the dog perceiving that human as their most important companion and resource. “

Bringing them toys or attempting to play

A significant percentage of dog owners notice their pets making consistent efforts to engage their special person in play and interact with toys primarily when that individual is present. This singling out is a strong indicator of the dog’s bonding and desire to have positive shared experiences.

2022 findings suggest over 71% of companion dogs prefer to initiate play specifically with the person they are closest to.

Intense desire for attention and affection

Dogs generally enjoy receiving affection from familiar humans. However, a dog with a profound attachment to someone often acts demanding when it comes to soliciting petting, cuddling or praise from their person.

They may paw, nuzzle, bark or whine frequently for attention only from that individual while ignoring others in the home. According to a recent survey of dog owners in committed relationships where one partner was clearly the dog’s favorite, over 87% reported their pet insisted on sleeping with or next to the preferred person even when they were not present in the bedroom.

As the above comparison indicates, dogs stuck on a particular person often interact with them quite differently, and with more intensity, than they do with other humans in their life. Carefully observing your dog’s behavior could reveal whether there’s someone they just can’t get enough of!

What’s Behind a Dog’s Fixation on a Particular Person?

The imprinting process

Dogs can form strong attachments to humans through a process called imprinting. This occurs during the first few weeks of a puppy’s life, when it first opens its eyes and begins exploring the world. If a puppy interacts regularly with a particular person during this crucial development window, it may imprint on them and see them as a primary caregiver.

According to the American Kennel Club, imprinted pups will likely show affectionate behaviors toward their chosen person, like cuddling, following them constantly, and desiring physical closeness. So in a sense, imprinting enables very strong puppy love bonds.

Dogs are social animals

As pack animals, dogs crave belonging and connection. When a dog is consistently cared for by a particular owner – through feeding, play, training, walking, etc. – a social attachment grows. Positive and consistent human interaction promotes the release of oxytocin – the bonding hormone – in dogs.

According to Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Patricia McConnell, this bio-chemical bond is powerful enough to look like infatuation. So dogs absolutely can develop intense preferential relationships with us.

For example, when you return home after work, does your dog go bonkers with utter exhilaration? Their extreme excitement upon your arrival is a hallmark sign of a crusher dog.

The oxytocin connection

Oxytocin promotes bonding by triggering emotional reward circuits in mammalian brains. When dogs interact with beloved owners, oxytocin is released, associating that person with comfort. This reinforces the attachment bond between species.

In fact, according to a 2015 study, dog owners experience an oxytocin boost from stroking their pups too!

Interestingly, female dogs appear more inclined toward interspecies crushes than males. In general, female mammals have more sensitive oxytocin receptor systems driving their bonding behavior. Additionally, dogs likely find women’s voices more rewarding.

So if you’re a female beckoned by doe-eyes from your devoted dog pal, congratulations – you have a canine crush!

Other Explanations for Dog Obsessions

Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety is a common reason why dogs become obsessed with their owners. It stems from a dog’s instinctual need to be part of a pack. When left alone, they can feel abandoned and insecure, leading them to anxiously await their owner’s return.

This may cause them to become velcro dogs who follow their owners everywhere. Signs of separation anxiety include whining, barking, destruction, and even loss of appetite when an owner is away. To help relieve separation anxiety, experts recommend slowly getting your dog used to being alone through gradual absences and providing stimulating toys for them to focus on when you’re gone.

Lack of proper training and boundaries

Dogs thrive on structure and consistency. Without proper training and enforced boundaries, some dogs don’t learn when obsessive behavior towards their owners is unwanted. They fail to grasp that following you from room to room or constantly nuzzling you when you’re busy isn’t appropriate.

This can lead to clingy, attention-seeking actions. Obedience training and setting clear rules can teach dogs when their advances are welcome versus when space is needed. Rewarding calm, independent behavior at opportune times helps too.

With patience and consistency, dogs can learn when it’s OK to approach and when they should lie down in their own space.

Medical or psychological issues

In rarer cases, a dog’s obsessive attachment may stem from an underlying medical or psychological condition requiring veterinary attention. Examples include thyroid imbalance, dementia, anxiety disorders, and others.

Symptoms like sudden appetite or behavioral changes, agitation, trembling, or lethargy may indicate illness. Dogs also sometimes develop obsessive compulsive disorders leading to repetitive, ritualistic actions for stress relief.

If obsessive behaviors persist despite lifestyle changes, it’s best to have your dog examined for other causes. Vets can provide medical care or prescribe medications to help correct any imbalances contributing to your dog’s unhealthy fixation.

Tips for Managing an Overly Attached Dog

Reward calm behavior, not obsessive behavior

It’s natural to want to comfort your dog when they seem stressed about being separated from you. However, giving them attention when they whine or follow you obsessively actually rewards and reinforces the clinging behavior.

Instead, make sure to give your dog praise, treats, and affection when they are calm and relaxed on their own.

Practice separations

Gradually get your dog used to being alone by starting with very short separations. For example, step outside for just 5-10 seconds initially and then return. Slowly increase the duration of the separations from a few minutes to a few hours as your dog is able to handle it.

This will help ease their anxiety. Consider leaving them with a puzzle toy containing treats to focus on.

Provide plenty of exercise and stimulation

Make sure your dog gets adequate physical and mental exercise every day through play time, training sessions, puzzle toys, and walks. A tired dog will more easily settle down on their own when you leave instead of getting stressed.Aim for at least 30-60 minutes of activity per day depending on your dog’s age and breed.

Train impulse control

Building your dog’s impulse control will help manage extreme attachment behavior like mouthing/nibbling, jumping, whining, etc. Useful skills to train include “sit,” “stay,” “wait,” “go to mat,” and “place. “ Reinforce these behaviors before providing affection, treats or allowing desired activities.

Consult a professional if needed

If your dog shows signs of separation anxiety like destructive behavior, house soiling, or excessive barking and howling when alone, contact your veterinarian. They can refer you to a certified professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist.

These experts can design an appropriate treatment plan which may include desensitization training, antianxiety medication, or dog appeasing pheromones.

Conclusion

While dogs may not experience romantic feelings, their capacity for deep social bonds and emotional attachments to humans should not be underestimated. An intensely bonded dog who fixates on a particular person displays powerful evidence of the truly remarkable depth and loyalty of the dog-human relationship.

With proper training, boundaries, and care, that bond can provide wonderful companionship and comfort for both dogs and their lucky humans.