[kantim]

What do you think?

Vetmeduni Vienna : Press release 06-21-2013 - Man

06-21-2013 - People have an innate need to establish close relationships with other people. But this natural bonding behaviour is not confined to humans: many animals also seem to need relationships with others of their kind. For domesticated animals the situation is even more complex and pets may enter deep relationships not only with conspecifics but also with their owners. Scientists at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna (Vetmeduni Vienna) have investigated the bond between dogs and their owners and have found striking similarities to the parent-child relationship in humans. Their findings are published in the journal PLOS ONE.

Domestic dogs have been closely associated with humans for about 15,000 years. The animals are so well adapted to living with human beings that in many cases the owner replaces conspecifics and assumes the role of the dog’s main social partner. The relationship between pet owners and dogs turns out to be highly similar to the deep connection between young children and their parents.

 

[Insulation Tim]

Having a dog, I figured that out awhile ago.

 

[David Burke]

They had to do a study for this?

 

[Shanny]

Tim & David already know what I know, and what every dog lover knows: All dogs want is to love and be with their masters.

We just came home from two weeks on the road, having left both dog and cat in a kennel with people (our vet and his staff) who spoil them rotten. But once we got them back home yesterday, they're all over us . . . they can't get close enough.

 

[grammaB]

Shanny, I love your cat and dog love smilies!! Where did you get them?

 

[Shanny]

They're both on my Photobucket page - I think about page 3.

Feel free to use anything you find there.

 

[grammaB]

They're both on my Photobucket page - I think about page 3.

Feel free to use anything you find there.

Thanks Shanny! Great album! I did copy a couple. For a while I couldn't remember my photobucket password. Finally today after a bunch of digging around I got it and got it saved!!

 

[jormantha]

Our dog is a rescue. He's much more attached to DH than me, but certainly recognizes me as an alpha. Or possibly on the same level. He listens when I tell him to sit or stay. He plays with me and I with him. I love him to bits!! He's a keeper. But yes, he's also a third child who never will grow up.