In a viral TikTok video, a dog owner reveals the struggle that results when asking your pup for cuddles when you are its "spare human."
The hilarious clip, shared in November under the username @theblacklabrador_poppy, shows the pup, Poppy, chilling on the floor as her owner approaches her for cuddles. But she rejects the love while looking rather annoyed that the owner even tried.
"POV: trying to get your dog to come cuddle but you're the spare human," reads the laid-over text on the video.
Most dogs that live in multiple households have a favorite human, and it's not always their main caregiver. So what makes a dog choose one person over everyone else?
Georgia-based veterinarian Jess Kirk says on the website Vet Explains Pets that there are many reasons why dogs may lean toward one human, but perhaps the one that counts the most is the amount of time spent together.
Because dogs are social animals that thrive on companionship, Kirk says, they tend to bond more closely with the person who spends the most time with them, which can be anyone from their owner to their walker or sitter.
Other factors that influence this decision are the human's body language (dogs usually prefer people who can provide them with comfort over those who are overly stressed), specific personality traits, age and gender.
Signs that you are your pup's No. 1 human include wanting to be near you all the time, wagging its tail when it sees you, keeping eye contact, rubbing its face all over you, following you, sleeping with you and generally feeling safe and relaxed around you.
Dogs can also have multiple favorites, so if your dog behaves like this with every one of its family members, it loves you all equally.
If you think you're not among your dog's favorite people, you can easily change its mind. Spend more quality time with it, sneak it a few treats now and then and engage in activities you know it loves doing, like taking long walks or hikes.
You can read more about how to become your pup's best friend here.
The video quickly went viral and has so far received over 780,500 views and 63,500 likes.
One user, Heather, commented: "Pup said we're in the same room, is that not enough?"
Jenandmags said: "I'm the favorite, but mine hate cuddling. They ignore my pats and run away when I try to grab [them]. When I do cuddle them, they continuously plot my murder and how there escape plan!"
Avianna mumm said: "But if dad just looks at the dog it's tail wags and kisses."
Newsweek reached out to @theblacklabrador_poppy for comment via TikTok comments and could not verify the details of the case.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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