A very interesting subject.
I have a yellow labrador who actually has bonded with me more than my other dogs appear to have done.
My Wife says that I favour Purdey more than the others, I don't think I do.
But here is the odd thing, I come home at various times during the day either in my own car, or I have a lift off someone else, or I walk home from somewhere. No matter what time I arrive the labrador , Purdey, becomes excited and expectant !
Sometimes my wife takes the dogs for an exercise walk without me, when I arrive home and find them gone I will often go to the woods where they will be, if I do, the dogs will turn back and come and find me ?