Dogs fill unique social roles between children and friends

Ever wonder why your dog feels like your best companion and baby? Scientists just discovered that our relationship with dogs is cool!

A new study published in a scientific report shows that our connection to dogs is very special—like the mixing of how we feel about friends and children.

Scientists asked more than 700 dog owners about their relationship with dogs, friends, family, romantic partners and children. They want to find out exactly what makes dog-Human Bond different.

“The relationships of owner-dogs all show the characteristics of a child and best friend relationship, combining the positive aspects of the parent-child bond with the minimal negative interactions of close friendships,” the researchers explained.

What’s really interesting is that people report being happier with their dogs than almost anyone in their lives (except for children). Dogs score very high, become good companions, give owners care and reliable dogs, while causing fewer problems than most humans!

Scientists have discovered something surprising, too. People who have good relationships with people also tend to have good relationships with dogs. This means people are not getting dogs because they cannot connect with humans – dogs are actually increasing already good social life.

“In our sample, people did not seem to use dogs to compensate for support in their relationships,” explains co-author Dorottya Ujfalussy.

Is a big difference between dog relationships and human relationships? strength. Relationships are usually quite equal with your friends and family. But with dogs, humans make most decisions, almost total control – which is probably why people are so satisfied with dog relationships.

Senior writer EnikőKubibinyi pointed out: “The control of organisms, which can control organisms, is a basic aspect of dog ownership.”

People without children tend to have higher connections with dogs and dogs than dog owners who have children. This suggests that dogs may partially fill in some people’s childlike roles.

So next time someone laughs at you treating dogs like a human, you can tell them that science actually supports your dog between your best friend and child in the social circle!

This is great for you and your furry friends!

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