The Unbreakable Bond Between Us and Our Dogs

The Unbreakable Bond Between Us and Our Dogs Why Our Canine Companions Feel Like Family

Studies have shown that the bond between a dog and its human caregiver is remarkably similar to the attachment bond between human infants and their mothers [1]. This close relationship is something that I, as a dog owner, can certainly relate to. My two Cockapoos, Baxter and Teddy, have brought so much love and joy into my life.

The Science Behind the Bond

The human-dog bond is not just a feeling; it is backed by scientific research. Here are some of the key findings:

• Oxytocin: Oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone," is released in both humans and dogs during social interactions. Studies have shown that when humans and dogs look into each other's eyes, their oxytocin levels increase [2]. This hormone is associated with feelings of love, trust, and attachment.
• Mirror Neurons: Mirror neurons are brain cells that fire when we perform an action or when we see someone else perform the same action. Dogs have mirror neurons in their brains, which may help them to understand our emotions and intentions [3].
• Joint Attention: Joint attention is the ability to share attention with another individual. Dogs are able to engage in joint attention with humans, which is another sign of the strong bond between us [4].

Me and My Two Fur Babies

In addition to the science, I also want to share some personal stories about my relationship with Baxter and Teddy. They are always there to greet me with a wagging tail and a happy bark, no matter what kind of day I've had. They love going for walks in the park, playing fetch in the garden, and snuggling up on the couch for a movie night. They are always up for an adventure, whether it's a trip to the beach or a hike in the woods.

But it's not just about the fun times. Baxter and Teddy are also there for me when I'm feeling down. They can sense when I'm upset and will come over to me for a cuddle or a lick on the face. Their unconditional love and support are a constant source of comfort.

Owning a dog is a truly rewarding experience. It's no wonder that studies have shown that the bond between dogs and their humans is so strong. Dogs become part of our families, and the love we share with them is truly special.

References

1. Otake, T., Nakatani, H., Saito, A., & Sakai, Y. (2010). Dog ownership, loneliness, and social isolation in older adults: A 3-year longitudinal study. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 50(1), 167-171.
2. Kikusui, T., & Yoshida, T. (2015). Gaze-induced oxytocin release in dogs and humans during a face-to-face interaction. Current Biology, 25(10), 1377-1381.
3. Berns, G. S., & Mills, C. A. (2014). The dog's mind: What we know and what we can learn from them. Scientific American Mind, 25(2), 30-37.
4. Hare, B., & Tomasello, M. (2005). The origins of human communication: Evidence from our ape cousins. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 9(7), 309-317.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.