My own dog |
Though they may be cuter, in my experience, chihuahuas are just as vicious(Images from here and here, respectively). |
Perhaps the most obvious reason for our relationship with dogs is their ability to understand us. Research has shown that dogs do have the ability to understand some human visual communication. However, even without that research, any dog owner could tell you that their dog absolutely can pick up on their body language. Speaking purely from my own personal experience, I know that my dog not only can pick up on my mood, but reacts to it, showing sympathy and excitement when appropriate. In addition, people read, correctly or not, certain emotions in dog communication.
In addition to this, people and dogs are sort of hardwired to like each other. When a person interacts with a dog, levels of certain hormones are elevated or lowered. In particular, touching a dog results in elevated levels of oxytocin and lowered levels of cortisol. Oxytocin is a hormone that affects, among other things, social bonding, and particularly is associated with maternal feelings following childbirth, and cortisol is a hormone associated with the stress response. What's more, it has been shown that the release of oxytocin can cause a positive feedback loop leading to additional oxytocin release in both human and dog. This is consistent with what people actually experience with their dogs. People definitely do have an affection for dogs that is similar to that they might have with children, and interacting with my dog does help to destress after a tough day.
The relationship between dogs and humans is totally unique. Unlike most other domesticated animals, with the possible exception of cats, people don't typically expect any benefit from having a dog, while other domesticated animals, like cows or horses are typically raised for their capabilities or products. This sort of totally non-beneficial relationship is an interesting result of tens of thousands of years of evolution that have led to the bizarre, wonderful relationship the human race has with our beloved canine companions.
I really liked learning about the science behind us loving our dogs!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting (and also a little disturbing) to think that evolution has led to dogs manipulating us into thinking they're cute.
ReplyDeleteThis was really interesting to read! I learned a lot about the human and dog connection. It is crazy to see how much the dog species has grown and evolved.
ReplyDelete