I try not to "favor" any one (all though Magpie is the best dog) but every one has different requirements so it probably looks a lot like I pick favorites. Magpie, Smalls, and Jack are super independent and really couldn't care less if they lived with me or any other person that feeds them. Jonas is an extremely needy dog. We have built a lot of confidence over the years, but he looks to me for reassurance and needs much more attention than the others.
Is It Wrong...
- Thread starter CharlieDog
- Start date
Quinn's definitely the favorite! I don't consider Dally to be my dog though - I live with her, but she's my mom's. I think my mom favors Quinn too though, lol, and I know my dad does. Dally's fun but Quinn is so much more relaxed, gentler, more honest, and Dally has bad anxiety in the car so it's a lot nicer to take Quinn out places.
It depends who you ask. When my parents come to visit they both get on me about how neglected Bear is and how Pig is clearly my favourite. My sister makes fun of me when I talk to Bear, telling him how he’s the absolute best dog in the world, unlike his demon spawn of a sister.
In reality I do more with Pig. She goes out with me far more often and she goes to class every week, I work her much more than I do Bear. But a lot of that is just because of their temperament/activity level differences.
Bear can be DR and is somewhat SSA, so if I know there are going to be other dogs around I leave him behind so he doesn’t get stressed out. He’s also not as into training. He will try to do anything I ask of him if there’s a ball involved, but it’s almost like he’s thinking “why can’t you just throw the ball†the whole time. Pig loves working for working’s sake. Yes, she’s doing it because there is a reward in it for her, but she also seems to just love working things out. So yes, I enjoy training Pig more but a big part of that is because she enjoys it more. Bear is my boy though and I will forever be his person.
In reality I do more with Pig. She goes out with me far more often and she goes to class every week, I work her much more than I do Bear. But a lot of that is just because of their temperament/activity level differences.
Bear can be DR and is somewhat SSA, so if I know there are going to be other dogs around I leave him behind so he doesn’t get stressed out. He’s also not as into training. He will try to do anything I ask of him if there’s a ball involved, but it’s almost like he’s thinking “why can’t you just throw the ball†the whole time. Pig loves working for working’s sake. Yes, she’s doing it because there is a reward in it for her, but she also seems to just love working things out. So yes, I enjoy training Pig more but a big part of that is because she enjoys it more. Bear is my boy though and I will forever be his person.
I feel better now. at least, like I'm not the only one. I have other reasons for playing favorites, notably that Knox is going to be with me everywhere all the time in around eight months give or take a few.
I still do feel badly for allowing him to sleep in the bedroom and not the other two, but I feel better with him in here, especially if Steven is gone, and the other two have spent years sleeping in the bed with us. Knox doesn't get that, by he's on the floor at the foot of my side (on my clothes lol) and not actually on the bed. Plus I'm not willing to give up clean sheets every night for dogs on the bed now. They have the rest of the house to pick sleeping spots, a room dedicated to them, ect
I still do feel badly for allowing him to sleep in the bedroom and not the other two, but I feel better with him in here, especially if Steven is gone, and the other two have spent years sleeping in the bed with us. Knox doesn't get that, by he's on the floor at the foot of my side (on my clothes lol) and not actually on the bed. Plus I'm not willing to give up clean sheets every night for dogs on the bed now. They have the rest of the house to pick sleeping spots, a room dedicated to them, ect
I keep thinking about this but I honestly do not know which dog I favor. Maybe because I've only had Nora for 4 months and I'm still "getting to know" her. It might change, who knows.
I have 2 very awesome dogs. I love how Nora is a food hound and tries so hard when we train. Lacey looses interest in food sometimes during training, I can't use super high value treats with her (lacey) or she will refuse dog food for days. But Lacey aims to please me just because she likes pleasing ME. Whereas Nora only wants to please me if there is something in it for her (treats, a release, ect). But Nora has such drive that I am sure she would try to fly a plane if I promised her a treat for doing so.
Basically Nora is funner to train, but Lacey is naturally obedient without needing a reward. They are both energetic, fun, silly dogs. They madge a great duo.
I have 2 very awesome dogs. I love how Nora is a food hound and tries so hard when we train. Lacey looses interest in food sometimes during training, I can't use super high value treats with her (lacey) or she will refuse dog food for days. But Lacey aims to please me just because she likes pleasing ME. Whereas Nora only wants to please me if there is something in it for her (treats, a release, ect). But Nora has such drive that I am sure she would try to fly a plane if I promised her a treat for doing so.
Basically Nora is funner to train, but Lacey is naturally obedient without needing a reward. They are both energetic, fun, silly dogs. They madge a great duo.
I love Desoto and Radar equally even though they are very different, but I was one the that picked them out (not a spouse or family member) and I think that makes a difference. They can be total brats but they are my brats:lol-sign: and I like them the same
Growing up at home we had Beau (collie) and Sadie (border collie) I sooooo favored Beau he was just everything I wanted in a dog and Sadie was, well...obnoxious lol. Beau was the one I did everything with he was easier to train and take with me and very trustworthy. My sister favored Sadie so it worked out well in the end.
ETA: I think it is normal to bond more easily or closely with some dogs. For me the dog that I can do more with and wants to spend time with me and work with me is the one that is likely going to be favored.
Growing up at home we had Beau (collie) and Sadie (border collie) I sooooo favored Beau he was just everything I wanted in a dog and Sadie was, well...obnoxious lol. Beau was the one I did everything with he was easier to train and take with me and very trustworthy. My sister favored Sadie so it worked out well in the end.
ETA: I think it is normal to bond more easily or closely with some dogs. For me the dog that I can do more with and wants to spend time with me and work with me is the one that is likely going to be favored.
