How did John Thornton treat his dogs?

John treated the dogs really well compared to the others. He bonded with Buck and the two held a sense of loyalty and respect for each other.

Buck has never felt this way before. He is full of passionate love for John Thornton, who not only saved him, but is also the ideal master. His dogs are his children. John talks to them for long periods of time. He grasps Buck's head and rests his own upon it. It is almost as if he understand what Buck says to him.