In a revealing new study, researchers at ELTE Eötvös Loránd University have found that dogs often surpass humans in providing emotional satisfaction and support. The study, led by Enikő Kubinyi, Dorottya Ujfalussy, and Borbála Turcsán, shows that for many people, the bond they share with their dogs is stronger, more rewarding, and less conflict-ridden than those they have with friends, relatives, or even romantic partners—falling second only to the parent-child relationship.
Published in Scientific Reports, the study delves deep into the psychology of human-canine relationships, comparing them across 13 different metrics with four key human relationships: a romantic partner, a best friend, a close relative, and one’s child. Dogs ranked highest in emotional closeness, reliable support, and companionship. Human partners only led in intimacy.
“Dogs provide emotional warmth similar to a child, the companionship of a close friend, and the comfort of predictable interaction,” said Kubinyi. “This triad explains why people find dog relationships so fulfilling.”
A Different Kind of Relationship
What sets dogs apart isn’t just loyalty or cuteness—it’s how the relationship is structured. Unlike human-to-human dynamics, which are often reciprocal and fraught with misunderstandings or power struggles, dog-owner relationships are inherently asymmetrical. Owners maintain control, but dogs provide unwavering trust and affection, rarely contributing to the kinds of conflict that often burden human connections.
This lack of friction results in fewer negative interactions with dogs than with almost any other relationship type. The only exception was friendships, which similarly scored low in antagonism.
Not a Replacement—A Reinforcement
Importantly, the research dispels a common assumption: that people turn to dogs because they lack strong human relationships. In fact, the opposite was true. Participants who reported positive and supportive human relationships also reported stronger bonds with their dogs.
“We expected individuals with weaker social ties to lean more on their dogs, but that wasn’t the case,” explained Ujfalussy. “People don’t use dogs as a substitute for people—they enrich an already fulfilling social life.”
The Impact of Parenthood
While having children did slightly reduce how parents rated their dogs in terms of affection and companionship, it didn’t drastically change the overall quality of the relationship. Parents still reported high levels of emotional support and stability from their pets.
“People connect with dogs for many reasons—fun, affection, routine, or the chance to care for someone,” added Turcsán. “These relationships are shaped by the owner’s needs, but across the board, they consistently offer emotional benefits.”
More Than a Pet
This study challenges the idea of dogs as mere pets. By moving beyond traditional relationship categories, the research frames dogs as legitimate social partners—offering stability, care, and a lack of emotional baggage rarely found elsewhere.
So next time someone says, “It’s just a dog,” science now gives you solid ground to reply: “It’s more than that—it’s one of my most fulfilling relationships.”
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