Vet shares simple way to tell if your dog loves you more than their other owner

When your dog has more than one owner, some people start to question whether they're the favourite or what they can do to win over their pet.

It is widely thought dogs 'favour' the owner who walks them, plays with them, and, most importantly, feeds them. However, the experts at Rover believe a dog's favourite person is more often the one "who matches their own energy level and personality."

Dr James Greenwood, resident vet on ITV's The Pet Show, has shared the tell-tale signs you're the 'favourite' and the best ways to strengthen this bond between you and your pet.

According to Dr Greenwood, you only need to look at your dog's tail to know whether you're its 'favourite human'. He said: "It's all about the tail with dogs! They can express a whole range of emotions through their tail wag. Whilst it's important to note not all tail wagging is a sign of happiness, there are two types that signal pure joy in our dogs."

To test this out, watch your dog's reaction when you return home from work or from nipping to the shops to see who they approach first and how their tail is wagging.

He added: "Firstly, the whole-body wag that starts at the shoulders and wiggles all the way down to the tip of the tail is quite literally their happy dance.

"Secondly, the helicopter tail wag is usually reserved for those who are viewed as especially important. Finally, that super excited greeting when you get back from leaving the house the jumping and licking, sometimes they may bark or bring you a toy is a genuine signal that they are pleased to see you."

However, this isn't the only sign of affection. Dogs may choose their 'favourite' owner as their snuggle buddy when lounging on the sofa late at night.

According to Dr Greenwood, if your pet approaches you on their own terms, it's a clear indication they love you and trust you'll keep them safe while they rest.

To strengthen your bond with your pet, Dr Greenwood advises spending quality time with them. He further added: "A daily walk is essential; dogs love using their senses to smell and explore and need to burn off calories exercising. I would also suggest setting up an obstacle course or using puzzle feeders to get them thinking and problem-solving.

"Food is also a big motivator for dogs and you can use this to your advantage when training by using treats as a reward for good behaviour."

Pet owners have been sharing their own ways to "tell a dog has chosen you as their person" on social media. One Reddit user shared: "My oldest dog was actually adopted for my son, but she has definitely chosen me as her person. She comes to me for comfort when she's scared, she sleeps in my bed, and gets extremely jealous when our cats and younger pup try to be near me.

"Our younger dog sings the craziest song whenever she sees my daughter's cat pull into our driveway. She acts like my daughter has been gone for a year, and rears up on her little hind legs, puts her paws together, and prances when she sees her come in the door. It's heartwarming."

Another user added: "Mine definitely has a favourite. I feed, walk, and spend most of the time with our boy but if I come home with my wife, no matter how far behind she is when I open the door, he'll beeline for her without ever recognising I exist for a couple of minutes."