The bond between humans and dogs ensures a trusting social relationship, i.e., a friendship between dogs and owners. It is not easy to recognize in all dogs because not all four-legged friends are human-related regarding their breed-typical disposition.
Through evolutionary adaptation, breeding, and socialization, a kind of partnership between humans and dogs has developed over the years. A good bond with the human partner is an advantage for four-legged friends, and we humans also benefit from engaging in dog friendship – therapy dogs are a clear example of this. But how can you tell that your dog trusts you and feels safe with you?
What Is The Bond?
The attachment theory is a psychological thesis that was developed by the British child psychiatrist John Bowlby, among others, to analyze the early mother-child relationship. He and his colleagues assumed that the nature of the relationship and the mother’s behavior towards her child and vice versa significantly influence the child’s later development. For example, can be tracked behavioral problems back to a disturbed mother-child bond. According to Bowlby, children with a secure bond with their caregiver can adequately regulate proximity and distance to them; that is, they are happy when their caregiver is present but still behave normally and calmly when they leave the room.
There are also three different types of attachment in which the relationship with the caregiver is disturbed:
- Insecure avoidant attachment: The children/dogs often play for themselves and do not seem to care whether their caregiver is present or not. They avoid contact and act independently, even if they are internally stressed.
- Insecure ambivalent attachment: The children/dogs show an extreme fear of separation. They are deeply insecure, react fearfully to panic when their caregiver leaves the room. If she is present, the children/dogs either cling to her or behave in a repellent or aggressive manner.
- Disorganized attachment: The children/dogs seem confused and show strange behaviors, such as stereotypical movements (turning in circles or chasing their tail) or freezing.
Attachment To People
Dogs raised to work with or keep company with humans may have an easy, secure bond. They show a clear orientation towards their caregiver, always reassure themselves about their presence and their consent before they do anything, and like to come and cuddle on the sofa. When people come home from work, they are thrilled, but they also do not suffer from separation anxiety when they are away. Australian Shepherd, Maltese, Labrador, or Golden Retriever typically show their favorite person’s affection so openly.
However, there are also dog breeds that are self-sufficient and independent from humans. These include herd guard dogs such as the Caucasian Ovcharka, hunting dogs such as the dachshund or fox terrier, and guard dogs such as the Doberman or Rottweiler. They, too, can develop a secure bond with their owner. They do not necessarily show it as clearly and exuberant as the dog breeds, whose main task is to keep their human’s company or a pronounced “will to please.”
Sometimes they seem stubborn and idiosyncratic, but they too develop a secure bond with their humans if they are in a species-appropriate manner.
It can be recognized, for example, by the fact that the dog behaves in a relaxed manner when it lies near its owner. Even a less affectionate four-legged friend will orient itself to its human partner in conflict and stressful situations if the trust is correct.
Important: Every dog is always an individual with its character, so treat your dog with love.