When do dogs start recognizing their owners?

Dogs usually start recognizing their owners at around 3 months old. After recognizing their owners, dogs show high degrees of obedience, responding promptly to their owners' calls, following any commands issued by the owners, and submitting to their training. At the same time, dogs demonstrate protective behavior towards their owners. If the owner is in danger, the dog will immediately rush to protect them, and stay by their side while they sleep. Dogs are highly dependent and trusting of their chosen owners, constantly following them and hoping for more affection and companionship. If the owner is not nearby, the dog may exhibit anxious behavior.

Usually, dogs around 3 months old begin to recognize their owners. Once they have identified their owners, they hope to spend the rest of their lives accompanied by them and remain loyal to them. Some common behaviors of dogs that have recognized their owners include:

High Obedience

Due to their strong sense of hierarchy, dogs show high degrees of obedience after recognizing their owners. For example, when the owner calls the dog's name, it will respond promptly; when performing training exercises such as shaking hands, lying down, and refusing food, the dog will follow the owner's commands, concentrate highly, and learn the training movements quickly. Even when the owner scolds or beats the dog, it will not resist.

Protective Behavior

After recognizing their owners, dogs will display protective behavior if they perceive their owners to be in danger or if there are threats to their safety in the environment. For instance, dogs will always stay close by their owner's side while they sleep, acting as guards and protectors. This is because dogs' ancestors lived in the wild, always remaining vigilant to cope with various dangers and enemies. Dogs hope to be able to rush to protect their owners as soon as possible when they are in danger, which is why they stay close by.

Dependence on the Owner

After recognizing their owners, dogs become very fond of and dependent on them. For example, they will constantly follow their owners everywhere, almost to the point of being "inseparable." If the owner goes out, the dog will sit by the door waiting for them. When the owner returns, the dog will be excitedly wagging its tail and jumping into their arms. Some dogs may even exhibit anxious behavior and constant barking when their owners are not nearby.

Full Trust in the Owner

Remember that the belly is the most vulnerable part of a dog's body. If a dog constantly shows its belly to its owner, hoping for the owner to pet it, it means the dog has fully recognized its owner. In addition, a dog's trust in its owner can be seen in many aspects, such as not having guarding behavior towards its food or allowing the owner to touch its puppies. All of this indicates that the dog has fully accepted and trusted its owner.