At times, there’s an unexplainable pull or bond between us and our dogs.
Dogs have a magnetic effect on humans, bringing us joy and unconditional love. The appeal of these adorable creatures could be in their adorable faces, their sweet puppy dog eyes, or maybe in the way they become an integral part of the family. Our fondness for all of these elements may be justified, yet there is a deeper rationale underlying it.
Evolution has enabled dogs to possess a facial expression, commonly referred to as the Sad Puppy Face, which communicates their feelings. When your pup gets anxious when you eat a sandwich or looks disheartened when his toy goes missing, it’s likely that he’s expressing emotion. Researching animal facial expressions has been a focus of scientists for years. It’s not just dogs that make similar gestures; horses can also express themselves in this way. Cats possess minimal movement in their facial features compared to dogs and wolves, who both exhibit similar facial muscles. However, a major distinguishing factor is the presence of the Levator muscle, which only dogs have. Scientists have theorized that throughout history, humans have tended to choose dogs that resemble their own facial expressions & movements. This may be one of the reasons why the bond between humans and dogs has been so strong.
As if it was just having fun with you the whole time, most probably everything will turn out alright. This feeling is quite akin to falling in love: gazing into the puppy’s eyes can give you an exact same sensation. Researchers have investigated the special bond between an owner and their dog when they exchange eye contact. This connection has been observed by experts in the field of animal behavior.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that when you and your pet look into each other’s eyes, it boosts the oxytocin hormone, which is also known as the love hormone, in both species, Research suggests that the hormone oxytocin plays a major role in how humans interact and form close relationships with each other. This is why we tend to think of our dogs as just another member of the family. Research has proven that a hormone called ‘oxytocin’ plays an important role in the bond between parents and children. This leads many scientists to believe that a dog is more like a child in a family, rather than just another member of its pack. Dogs have been part of our families for centuries and this has resulted in a strong bond between humans and their furry friends. It’s no wonder why people feel like they treat their dogs like children, as the bond between them is strong. At the same time, dog behavior has been shaped over time because of domestication. Dogs can often be perplexed, and when they are, they look to humans for guidance. This is one of the reasons why people are so drawn to dogs – whether it be their facial expressions or the bond between human and canine, the bond between humans and dogs is growing stronger over time. In order to deepen our connection, we must now assess if there are any additional measures we can take.
Dogs have a special place in our lives and hearts. Their unconditional love and loyalty are incomparable and they truly become members of the family. We all share an inexplicable bond that goes beyond just science, which explains why we love them so much.