Researchers in Hungary wanted to learn more about the relationships people have with their dogs, and how those relationships compare to the ones they have with fellow humans. What they found might be surprising to some. For dog parents who have a strong connection with their canines, though, the results may confirm that they aren’t alone in how they feel about their pets. Keep reading to learn more about this study.
Experts asked 717 people about their bonds with their romantic partners, closest friends and relatives, children, and dogs. They found that pet parents have very special and fulfilling relationships with their dogs. The phrase “man’s best friend” is true, as dogs provide the companionship of close friends. But they go beyond this, as they can also feel like children.Here are some interesting findings:
- People derived roughly the same amount of satisfaction from their interactions with their dogs as they did from their interactions with romantic partners and kids.
- People were more satisfied by their interactions with their dogs than those with friends and relatives.
- People feel they get roughly the same amount of reliability, affection, and reassurance from their dogs as they do from their kids.
- People said their relationships with their canines provided them with more nurturance and more companionship compared to relatives, friends, and romantic partners.
- People said their interactions with dogs were more positive, with less conflict compared to their relationships with kids, relatives, and romantic partners.
It’s important to note that dog parents have control over their pets, and this can influence the way people feel towards their canines versus other people in their lives.
Another fascinating finding: people with stronger relationships with other humans also had stronger relationships with their dogs. So, even though you might think that people who have poor relationships with others would use their canines to fill in the gaps, this isn’t the case.
Dogs provide emotional comfort, they’re fun, and they keep you company and give you someone to nurture. The human-dog bond is a strong one for many reasons, and studies like this prove how important these pets are to so many people.
