Dogs are known to be man’s best friend. But only a few people know that dogs can also help us build stronger relationships, whether with friends or family. A study by the American Kennel Club showed that 94% of dog owners consider their pets part of their family. The bond between humans and dogs is so strong that it goes way beyond the physical and emotional benefits we gain from them. This blog will focus on how dogs help us build relationships through their unique abilities to connect with us.
Dogs bond via eye contact, just like humans do.
Just like humans, dogs connect with us through eye contact. Researchers found that when dogs stare into our eyes, they release a hormone called oxytocin, the “love hormone.” This hormone creates a strong bond between dogs and their owners. Eye contact also helps humans and dogs communicate and form a deeper understanding. By looking into each other’s eyes, humans and dogs can establish trust, friendship, and love.
Dogs have adopted human-like body language cues over time.
Over time, dogs have adopted human-like body language cues, such as head tilts and eyebrow-raising. This may be a result of living closely with humans for centuries. These cues help dogs communicate with humans more effectively, and humans can read and understand their behavior better. This, in turn, strengthens the bond between humans and dogs.
Both dogs and humans can distinguish who is a friend and who is not.
Dogs have an amazing ability to read human emotions and body language. They can sense if we are happy, sad, or angry. They can also distinguish between friendly people and those who are not. This is an excellent way to build relationships with others, as dogs are picky in choosing the humans they trust. If a dog trusts someone, it indicates that the person is likable and trustworthy.
Both humans and dogs enjoy playing together.
One of the best ways to bond with a dog is through play. Dogs are natural playmates, and playing with them can be a great way to relieve stress and have fun. Playing fetch, hide-and-seek, or tug-of-war with your dog can boost happiness and build stronger relationships. Moreover, being active with your dog can also provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Dogs have a calming effect on humans.
Finally, dogs have a unique ability to calm and soothe humans. They are emotional support animals that can provide comfort and reduce stress. Dogs can also sense anxiety or depression in their owners and offer a non-judgmental presence that can help individuals feel better. This is why dogs are often used in therapy settings, as they can help build relationships and provide emotional support.
Personal Note: When conducting my research, eye contact bonding with dogs was the aspect that truly captured my attention. Incredibly, our furry friends can form a deep connection with us through simple eye contact. The fact that oxytocin, the “love hormone,” is released when dogs stare into our eyes is incredible. Not only does eye contact help to bond dogs with their owners, but it also serves as a form of communication. It’s through this connection that trust, friendship, and love can be established. It’s truly inspiring to see the power that can come from a simple exchange of eye contact between humans and dogs.
Conclusion:
Dogs are more than just pets; they are valuable companions and family members. They possess unique abilities that can help humans build stronger relationships with each other. With their ability to bond through eye contact, adopt human-like body language cues, distinguish between a friend and who is not, enjoy playing together, and calm our emotions, dogs have become our invaluable friends, confidants, and therapists. So, if you have a furry friend at home, cherish your relationship with them and take time to appreciate the unique bond you share.
References:
Why Are Dogs Gentle With Eggs? – The Dogs List. https://thedogslist.com/why-are-dogs-gentle-with-eggs/
Dogs Have Favorite People, Just Like Humans – PetWah. https://www.petwah.com/dogbehavior/dogs-have-favorite-people-just-like-humans/
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