Some dog owners treat their dogs like their babies. While this might seem ridiculous to some, a study in Science proves the bond between dogs and their owners can be as emotionally strong as the connection between mothers and their children.
Humans bond emotionally as we gaze into each other's eyes; this is a process mediated by the hormone called oxytocin. Oxytocin produces antidepressant-like effects and plays a role in social bonding and depending on the mix of oxytocin levels can lead to certain behaviours towards other humans, such as:
Generosity
Trust
Attraction
Romance
Similar gaze-mediated bonding also exists between us and our closest animal companions dogs. Mutual gazing increases oxytocin levels and sniffing oxytocin increases gazing in dogs, this is an effect that transfers to their owners. Wolves, who rarely engage in eye contact with their human handlers, seem resistant to this effect.
This is a bond that has evolved over time and it seems that man’s best friend may have hijacked a uniquely human bonding mechanism, ensuring that we are capable of loving and caring for mans best friend - the dog.
Whatever the explanation for the dogs’ behaviour, it’s clear that it works. It’s been many thousands of years since dogs climbed aboard the human caravan—guarding our campfires and protecting our livestock in exchange for food and a warm place to sleep. But as with all good friends, the relationship has deepened, and as with all good friends too, the right chemistry has played a part...
