The relationship between a person and their dog is not only affective, but it combines emotional aspects from different human relationships. This is affirmed by a study from the University of Budapest, in Hungary, which analyzed over 700 dog owners and concluded that dogs play a mixed social role: they provide the unconditional affection of a child and the conflict-free companionship of a best friend.
Published in the journal Scientific Reports, the research aimed to go beyond the typical classifications of “pet” or “family member” and compared the dog-owner bond with other key human relationships: partner, child, close relative, and best friend. The goal was to understand more precisely the place dogs occupy in their owners’ social network.
While many consider their dogs more important than any person, the study showed that good human relationships also enhance relationships with dogs. That is, the bonds with dogs do not replace, but complement traditional social relationships.
Helps strengthen the bond.
A new social role for dogs
Since their domestication, dogs’ place in society has changed drastically. From working animals, they have become emotional companions and, in many cases, “surrogate children.” However, until now little was known about the specific roles they play within our everyday social relationships.
Humans build social networks with different types of relationships, each providing its own type of support: romantic partners offer intimacy; children, care and emotional security; friends, conflict-free companionship. Where do dogs fit into this framework?
Thirteen dimensions to understand the bond
Study participants rated 13 relational characteristics, such as affection, security, companionship, level of conflict, or dependence. They evaluated both their relationship with the dog and with close people.
The results were clear: owners rated their dogs as their most satisfying source of companionship, even above their partners or relatives. They also perceived that their dogs loved them more than any close person.
Dogs scored similarly to children in aspects like affection and the sense of security. And, like friends, they showed low levels of conflict. However, a marked power imbalance was observed: humans make all the decisions in the relationship, which, according to researchers, also contributes to the high reported satisfaction.
An asymmetrical yet emotionally fulfilling bond
“Owners have total control over their dogs, which doesn’t happen in human relationships. This power asymmetry partly explains why owners value that relationship so much,” explained Eniko Kubinyi, head of the Department of Ethology at the University of Budapest and leader of the study.
According to Kubinyi, the key to the bond lies in its unique combination: “Dogs offer the emotional closeness of a child, the ease of a best friend, and the predictability of a relationship shaped by human control. That’s why our bonds with them are so intensely rewarding.”
The research proposes a new multidimensional approach, moving away from simple labels like “pet” or “family,” and suggests understanding the dog as a unique figure in the human social fabric.
dogs
Owners and dogs, a connection that emerged centuries ago
Dogs are considered man’s best friend due to their loyalty, ability to form deep emotional bonds, health benefits, and the long history of coevolution between both species. Dogs have been human companions for thousands of years, offering companionship, protection, and support in various situations.
- Loyalty and companionship: Dogs are known for their loyalty and their ability to form strong emotional bonds with their owners.
- Health benefits: Having a dog can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as encourage physical activity.
- Coevolution and domestication: Dogs evolved from wolves and, through domestication, established beneficial relationships with humans, where both supported each other.
- Aiding in various tasks: Dogs have been used for various tasks throughout history, such as hunting, herding, and police work.
- Ability to understand emotions: Dogs are capable of understanding human emotions and responding appropriately.
- Communication and connection: Dogs have developed a unique form of communication with humans, through which they express their feelings and needs.
- Impact on social life: Dogs can enhance their owners’ social life by promoting interaction and reducing feelings of loneliness.
Source: El Mundo.
