Why Are Dogs Attracted To Me?

There are a lucky few of us out there that are like magnets to dogs.

No matter where they go, it seems that dogs can’t resist coming up for a sniff or asking for a pet.

While others seem to get the cold shoulder.

But even if you are one of the lucky people that are constantly popular with the pups, you still may not know why. So why are dogs attracted to you?

Dogs naturally enjoy human companionship and they are attracted to us for so many reasons. Dogs may love you because you have an upbeat personality, the way you smell, because you’re not intimidating, they enjoy your tone, you provide food, you are inviting, they are curious about you, and many more reasons. 

So whether it’s just because you always carry beef jerky in your backpack or because you have a long list of natural characteristics that dogs love, you should consider yourself at least a little lucky!

While that’s the quick answer, we’re going to go in-depth on all the reasons why dogs may be attracted to you!

Reason #1: You Have an Upbeat And Friendly Personality

Those of us who love dogs get excited when we see one of our furry friends! 

It could be your own dog or someone else’s that cause our excitement. Your upbeat and exciting personality is attractive to most dogs. When a dog with an equally upbeat personality meets you, they are instantly attracted based on the similarities that you share. Especially if the people they’re usually around are a little quieter. 

Dogs will see your behavior and realize that they enjoy being around you when you have a positive attitude and an upbeat personality.

Reason #2: They Like Your Smell

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell. A dog’s sense of smell is between 1,000 to 10,000 times stronger than ours. That means dogs are smelling things on us that we don’t even know are there. 

When a dog smells something they like, such as your skin, hair, or your pheromones, they can instantly become attracted. It could even be the scent of another dog or pet lingering on your shoes or clothes.

Dogs aren’t just attracted to lingering smells of food, lotion, or detergents on our bodies. They can be attracted to our emotions, too. Researchers say that dogs can pick up on whether you are happy or sad, just based on how you smell. If they can sense your happiness, they will reciprocate that happy energy. If you have a sad smell, it may cause the dog to show concern.

Our furry comrades also have an incredible scent memory and the ability to recall scents from long ago. When a dog that you haven’t seen in a while comes running up to you with excitement, they remember you and are happy that you have returned!

Even if you’ve never met a particular dog before, you may smell similar to people they’ve liked in the past which will be enough to fuel their attraction! Unfortunately, dogs are also attracted to unpleasant smells too so just because dogs are attracted to you doesn’t mean that you smell good!

Reason #3: You Like Them

Dogs know when you like them- even if you’re trying to play it cool. When you like a dog, you are more likely to be friendly and offer things to the animal, such as things they need or want. If a dog picks up on the fact that you will accommodate it, they will see this behavior and quickly make you their friend!

Those who like dogs tend to go above and beyond for them, they have learned to stay close to those who enjoy buying them new toys and treats!  

At the end of the day we all just want to be liked, right? Dogs can certainly agree!

Many times, dogs are able to pick up on subtle cues that you’re interested in them even if you don’t realize you’re doing it!

Reason #4: You Are Not Intimidating

Dogs are naturally protective animals, and they can sense predators with ease. When you are not an intimidating person and show no signs of threatening behavior toward dogs, they will naturally be attracted to you. 

Science Daily posted a study about how dogs view emotions and recognize people who show threatening behavior. When dogs see someone who they perceive as a threat, they are more likely to stare them down for an extended period or avoid them altogether.

Reason #5: They Like Your Tone

I know that my voice goes up a full octave when I see a dog, especially one that I want to pet! My tone when talking to dogs is equivalent to when I talk to small children. It’s fun, welcoming, and warm. Dogs recognize the happy tones that we use and become attracted to them. 

A study done by Science.org shows how dogs process your words and the tones you use when speaking. Dogs process the tones you use with the right hemisphere of their brains. They process the words that you use with the left hemisphere, similarly to the ways humans do. When the tone used was exciting, their brains’ pleasure center was activated. When your dog’s pleasure center in their brain is activated, it causes the dog to be responsive.

This study can help explain why dogs are attracted to a high tone of voice. It can also help us see why dogs are attracted to us when we have approving and exciting tones of voice.

Reason #6: It Is In Their Genes

We love to compare our dogs to ourselves when looking for reasons to justify why dogs love us so much. We look for similarities in our personalities to see why a dog is a man’s best friend. Dogs and humans may not be the same species, but we do have more similarities than what we see on the surface.

Princeton University had researchers study what genetic reasons could cause dogs to be attracted to humans. What they found was pretty awesome. They noticed that dogs have a genetic addition to the chromosome 6 region of their brain that causes them to be friendly toward humans and seek them out for assistance.

I always knew that my dogs were genetically linked to me somehow!

But even when it comes to unfamiliar dogs, you may just be frequently running into dogs that are genetically more predisposed to being friendly.

Reason #7: You Provide Food or Treats

This reason is a given! Dogs love to eat, especially treats, and when you provide food or treats they will love you instantly. Providing resources to a dog makes them feel happy. When you give a dog something to eat, they will associate you with food and probably expect it to happen again!

Dogs have great memories, so the next time you see a dog you previously fed, it will probably be ready and waiting for a snack! 

Additionally, if one dog sees you providing treats to another dog, you can expect other dogs to come running!

Reason #8: You Are Inviting

How many of you open your arms and do that little wave with your hands when you see a dog? Basically, inviting them to come to jump onto your lap for a snuggle. This behavior is an inviting personality trait that dogs love. They may have also been trained to react to your gestures by their previous or current owners. 

Dogs enjoy physical contact with their owners and new friends. They use this invitation as a way to get closer to you and find out other reasons why they like you so much. 

This dog loves when his human opens his arms and invites him over for some extra lovin’.

Reason #9: You Are Eating (Or Have Food)

When we are eating something delicious, our pups would love it if we would share. Just as if you were giving a dog a treat, they will want to get a little closer when you are eating your food. Dogs know that you may drop a piece of what you are eating, and whatever falls onto the floor will become theirs. They love to help clean up any of your dropped food!

They also remember who will sneak them a little treat under the table!

But if you aren’t eating, if you’re carrying food anywhere there’s a good chance a dog’s powerful nose will sniff it out. That means just carrying your lunch or an afternoon snack in your backpack can lead to some very interested canines that will happily approach you for a better sniff!

Reason #10: You Make Them Feel Safe

Dogs are always alert when it comes to safety. When you give a dog a safe environment, they see you as a safe person. We provide safety in many ways, such as giving our dogs shelter and food. But safety for a dog can mean much more than that. 

Dogs also consider a calm temperament as a safe environment. When you have a safe and peaceful demeanor, dogs will be attracted to you.

When you first meet a dog, stay calm and relaxed. They will pick up on your energy.

Reason #11: You Are A Menstruating Women

As we read earlier dogs have a strong sense of smell, which can be one reason why they gravitate toward menstruating women. But, did you know that dogs can also detect hormonal changes that occur when women are on their monthly cycle?

When a woman menstruates, she produces new smells that dogs can pick up on. These smells are caused by the hormonal fluctuations of the women’s period. Dogs, being the curious creatures that they are, will try to figure out why there is a change in the way that the woman smells.

Reason #12: You Are A Pregnant Woman

As we said before, dogs are very keen on detecting hormonal changes in women. Studies suggest that dogs can notice as early as the first trimester that a woman is pregnant. During a women’s pregnancy, her body is constantly changing, and her hormone levels continue to rise for the duration of the pregnancy. Dogs can sense these changes and often become more protective of the mother-to-be.

So even if you’re early in your pregnancy, dogs may be more attracted to you because of it. After all, you’re suddenly much more interesting and a curious canine can’t help but explore you a bit more.

Reason #13: You Need Comfort

Since dogs are good at recognizing human emotions, they may be able to detect when you are feeling blue. Dogs will try to cheer you up in the best way that they know-how. Usually, this will involve kisses and belly rubs! For them of course! 

Dogs are a great motivator when it comes to cheering up. While many dog owners would have guessed this already, studies suggest that dogs can feel empathy and so they may be more attracted to people who are upset. Hopefully, you aren’t upset so frequently that dogs on the street are pulling on the leash just to console you but it could be part of several factors that make you interesting to dogs.

Reason #14: You Are Playful

Dogs love to play. Playtime is important for a dog’s development. They need playtime for physical exercise as well as mental exercise. If you are playful they will be drawn to you because they enjoy playtime. 

Dogs look at playtime as quality time. It is a great way to bond with your dog and also stimulate their well-being. 

Playtime can help release your dogs’ natural instincts as well! Games that encourage your dog to chase a toy can help them fulfill their instincts. When a dog knows that you will play with them they will repeatedly come to you for satisfaction.

They Like More Than One Thing About You!

Dogs can be attracted to people for multiple reasons. There is no one size fits all answer to why dogs are attracted to you!

I know that for myself, dogs love me because I am loving and affectionate and use tones that get them excited, it also helps that I will give them treats! And there could be a mix of more reasons depending on the day and the dog. 

Dogs recognize good people and they know when someone will appreciate their love. If you are a dog lover, chances are that dogs love you too. You should not be alarmed if dogs come to you first before they approach anyone else!

What Should I Do If I Don’t Want Dogs Attracted To Me?

First off, shame on you! I’m just kidding. I understand that some people can be afraid or intimidated by a dog, especially if they are not yours. 

If you don’t want dogs to take interest in you, it may be best to ignore them and briskly walk away. They will see that your lack of interest doesn’t excite them. And they will find something or someone else to play with.

You might assume that avoiding eye contact would send a clear signal, but avoiding eye contact can actually have the opposite effect as many dogs prefer to avoid direct eye contact.

Consider whether dogs are attracted to you for a reason you can control like carrying extra food or a pair of shoes that smell especially interesting. Change it if you can, but it’s honestly best to just embrace it and let dogs do their thing! I can promise you, having dogs gravitate to you is a lot better than having them ignore you or even worse constantly barking at you!

Should I Be Concerned That Dogs Are Attracted To Me?

Dogs are naturally loving animals and are attracted to people that they see as potential friends. You should not be concerned if dogs gravitate to you. It probably means that you are friendly and approachable. Or maybe you just smell like food!

The only time that you should be concerned is if the dog tries to dig at a certain area of your body. Some dogs have been known to be able to detect the presence of cancer. If your dog is constantly raising awareness about a particular part of your body by nudging you or even light nipping, you may want to get it checked out. Of course, you don’t want to jump to conclusions and this doesn’t apply to strange dogs as much as your own familiar canine. 

When it comes to dogs that you live with, sudden changes in behavior are always worth exploring a bit more so if your dog suddenly goes from their usual interest to not wanting to leave your side look for possible things that could be stressing them out.

Closing Thoughts

When dogs are attracted to you, it could mean several things. It most likely means that you have an inviting personality, a good smell, or a happy demeanor. Dogs are usually aware that you have love for them, and act accordingly. 

Dogs are intelligent animals who love to be adored, they can be self centered(in a good way!) and insist that we always show the same level of attraction to them, as they do to us.

Don’t be afraid to let new dogs know that you need some space if you feel intimidated. But correct them responsibly and always treat all dogs with respect. Be kind to dogs of all breeds.