Have you ever wondered why these furry creatures easily become our best friends? There is no doubt that humans and dogs have a special connection, one that is unique and irreplaceable. A major reason for this is the fact that we are so similar to each other. It is interesting to explore the reasons behind this intimate bond. Here is everything you need to know about why dogs and humans bond so well!
The evolution of dogs dates back to between 10,000 to 30,000 years ago. They primarily descended from wolves. It remains a mystery why humans and wolves established a relationship in the first place but once they did, humans started picking out the more sociable wolves for breeding purposes.
The relationship between dogs and humans goes way back. For starters, they were the first domestic animal that humans developed such a close relationship with. From the beginning of time, dogs have acted as a human’s tracker, guardian, alarm system, hunting buddy and their children’s protectors. In return, humans provided them with love and affection, as well as food and security. It was a win-win situation for both and the relationship works out perfectly.
It is because of their domestication process that dogs are naturally attracted to human beings. This is what sets them apart from wolves and other wild animals. Their domestication is what causes them to have a special interest in our lives. They have evolved in the biological sense and have become accustomed to living with us.
The reason that dogs and humans get along so well is that they are practically the same. We already know that dogs are a product of wolves and wolves have some uncanny similarities with humans. They may have different minds but are identical to us in so many ways and that’s what makes them all the more endearing to us. Here are some of them:
Let’s face it, dogs are emotional creatures just like us. They are loving and affectionate and know how to express their emotions. After being separated from one another, pack members greet each other eagerly. The social habits of dogs and humans are quite the same, which is why the two are happy to be around each other. The two have a high social compatibility rate. Their ability to interact with humans is one-of-a-kind and something that you will not find in other animals. Whether its an infant or an elderly member of the family, the dog will bond with them like no other. Whether they are out in the garden playing with you or just cuddling by your side, you’ll find that dogs will understand you like no other. There is a reason why dogs are particularly helpful with people who have autism and stress disorders.
Their personality traits are very much similar to humans whether its jealousy, happiness, loyalty etc. They crave for attention the same way that we do, show love in similar ways and so much more.
An interesting thing to note is the way in which dogs and humans look into each other’s eyes while interacting with each other. It goes to show just how well the two of them understand each other. Their modes of communication are very much like humans; hence making them bond so well with us.
Another potent reason is that dogs understand humans so well and vice versa. They are super attentive to human habits and can almost predict what their human owners will do, whether it involves taking them on a walk or getting them a meal etc. Research conducted in the past has proved that dogs as well as wolves can be brilliant readers when it comes to human body language. To add to that they are also able to gauge the emotional state of their masters, giving them extra attention and care when they may need it. Their unconditional show of affection is what truly makes them man’s best friend. Not to mention that they also understand human speech. A research conducted showed dogs understand human praise, the pathways in their brains lit up when they were praised by humans. Not only can they process what we say but also the way in which we say it, which is rare for any animal.
Both dogs and humans are social and outgoing by nature. We like meeting new people and having interactions and so do they! Leave a dog by himself for too long and you’ll see how depressed he’ll get. They are friendly and that’s what they have in common with us!
It is safe to say that we absolutely adore dogs. They are such loveable creatures that you can’t help but love them. But did you know that dogs feel the same way about us too? According to science, dogs get a boost of oxytocin which is a ‘love’ hormone when they interact with humans and humans get it too! Another similarity between the two.
Dr. Brian Hare, Ph.D., assistant professor of evolutionary anthropology at the Duke Canine Cognition Lab, thinks that dogs have adopted humans and worked their way over the years to get along with us. According to him, only two species have adapted to human culture that being humans and dogs.
You’d be interested to know that dog’s brains function in similar ways to ours. This also includes their hormones as well as neurotransmitters. This can be seen in the fact that lots of pharmaceutical drugs that have been prescribed to humans have been prescribed to dogs as well.
Just like humans, dogs too are very territorial. They are able to identify members of their dog family as well as the human family and can be quite possessive and protective about them just in the way that humans are with theirs.
It is for these reasons that dogs and humans connect so well with each other. It is a priceless bond that is truly one-of-a-kind and now it makes sense why!
by Maria A Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™ .
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