Are Senior Dogs More Loyal than a young pupper? Probably so, just because they’ve had so many years to perfect it. It really is case by case depending on the dog of course.. Being chosen is a whole different thing, and I have found that to be mostly true. Every dog is loyal to an extent, and for me, my older dogs have stuck by me like no other. Every dog given a chance, will bond with their special human and show them their eternal love and affection – along with the loyalty dogs are known for.

Take my Jackie Chan for example, Am I her favorite person? Not really, but she is very loyal in a protective kind of way. Is it that I’ve looked out for her this past 11 years of her life? Maybe, and that she is a sensitive and unpredictable dog, could play a role as well. Pity the person who comes near me she isn’t familiar with, she will protect me no question. Thankfully I live in a country that I’ve never felt unsafe in any way. Grateful for that! 

Dogs will bond with the person that they choose and feel a connection with. Jackie Chan has loved many more people than myself, whether it’s a friend or a pet sitter. I’ve never seen her bond to someone like she has to a couple male pet sitters in particular. Dogs are like humans in that way, they like who they like and are comfortable with. I feel sometimes it’s just that simple.

For some of us that have a dog like Jackie Chan,, it’s a bit of a mystery as to why our dog loves someone else more that us. I mean, how is it possible that the person who has raised them, fed and cared for them, and done everything they could to ensure their healthy, happy life, could ever like or even love someone else more? As I’m not a canine psychiatrist, I have no idea but it happens.

Jackie Chan was tormented by young boys, teenagers especially, so she doesn’t care for men too much in general. Unfortunately, I wasn’t there for her in her first early formative months for socialization, Jackie had her socializing on the streets like so many street dogs.. Once she came to live with my other dogs,, Bolo and Khao Wai (gentlest dog in the world), they opened their hearts and home to JC immediately. She never felt in danger, and was a loyal member of our pack.

This brings us back to the loyalty; It’s a two-way street. I walk Jackie Chan down the road late at night as she needs an escort to go passed the house with three yellow labs. This may seem funny as they’re so friendly, but Jackie was jumped by the whole neighborhood pack our first walk outside, and she has a good memory. Mind you she started it, but to her, they are threatening. Poor girl has such a hard time connecting, bless her.

Affection is key to our interaction, and play time. She gets spunky at night and excited to play and go out. This is our bonding time, followed by treats and a massage. Naturally though I have to play bad cop when she’s going out getting tangled in weeds and wants to do her ‘own thing’. I’ll tell you what though, if a person comes down the other side of the street, she appears at my side instantly. Loyalty.

A dog and person’s personality come into play when speaking of loyalty. As mentioned before, people and dogs choose who they bond with. And for some of us, we have to learn to live with this fact. I also feel that me being the alpha, doesn’t always go over in Jackie’s stubborn mind. She is a unique kind of dog, that’s for sure. She’s a Thai mix and some of them, like any dog that has been mistreated, can be unstable in some situations. Through it all, Jackie Chan remains loyal, and I love her for that.. Yet I still don’t feel chosen by her. It’s an odd thing I’ve never experienced before. I find that we’re growing closer now that it’s just the two of us. Respect and space is also necessary for our strengthening connection.

Make time for R&R, play and walk time, massage, etc. This will be the positive reinforcement your dog needs to feel fulfilled, safe and engaged. Loyalty we always be there in some form, but for some dogs, it takes a bit more work than we are used to, to be chosen. Put in the time and see your bond and the loyalty you share grow into the best relationship it can be. Love on your dog, for we never know how long either one of us has, tomorrow is not promised.