There’s safety in friendship

Ever wonder how the dog-human bond becomes so close? Do dogs miss us when we’re gone? And what happens if a family splits up, meaning the dog has to move homes? We explored the emotional world of dogs, using research, and the story of Samuli and his dog family, who you might’ve seen modeling for Hurtta.

Humans have had a special relationship with dogs longer than with other animals. We used to think this bond worked like a wolf pack, with a leader and followers. But research shows that canine affection and relationships aren’t about being the boss. They’re as varied as our friendships with other people.

Dogs have lived with us for thousands of years, and because of this domestication process, they often feel a stronger connection to us than to other dogs within the same family. This bond is unique, and it can be stronger because of how dogs have changed through living with us. They often act more puppy-like, even as adults, which helps them get along well with us and even other animals, as long as they’ve spent a lot of time with us from a young age.

Studies show that a dog’s bond with their human is similar to a child’s bond with a parent. It’s all about sharing affection, feeling safe, and having trust. When we respond well to our dogs’ feelings and provide support and security, we build a strong relationship. Eye contact and physical contact release happy hormones in both dogs and humans, being the key for this powerful bond to grow.

But dogs aren’t exactly like children. Their relationship with us is more like a close canine friendship, where they can comfort us when we’re sad or help us relax when we’re stressed, even though we make the big decisions in their lives.

Yes, dogs can love. Of course, this does not come as a surprise to any dog owner, and this is what researchers Berns, Brooks, and Spivak also state in their 2015 study. The study showed that when pets smell their owner’s scent, areas in their brains that are associated with positive expectations are activated.

Researchers found that dogs’ heightened excitement levels when they smell their owner, show they do miss us when we’re away. The longer we’re gone, the more they miss us. As we learn more from research, we understand the depth and uniqueness of each dog-human bond. But what happens to this bond when life throws a curve ball?

Sometimes, life takes a turn, and families, including the dog, might have to live in different places. It’s important to also think about what’s best for the dog in these situations.

Often, a dog is loved by everyone in the family. If so, figuring out a way for the dog to have two homes can work out well, especially for social and active dogs. Keeping routines as similar as possible in both homes helps the dog adjust to the change with less stress. Over time, dogs can learn and even enjoy having different routines in each home.

Sometimes, a dog might feel closer to one person than another. Consider this and possibly move the dog to where they feel most comfortable, even if it’s tough for the humans.

Rölli, a lively Staffordshire bull terrier, has adapted well to living in two homes. His days are full of activities, from jogging to going to work with his owners. Best of all, he has a dog sibling, Nelli, in one of his homes, adding more fun to his life.

Samuli, one of Rölli’s owners, shares that Rölli has been happy living this way for six years. The routine includes moving between homes every two weeks with all his things. Both homes offer the same quality food, playtime, and relaxation, making Rölli’s life rich and full. For the owners, co-parenting Rölli means they can take care of him and still have some freedom for themselves, like traveling without worrying about pet care.

Dogs adapt well, but familiar people and routines are crucial, especially during changes. Studies show that dogs feel most at ease with someone they know, helping them handle new situations better. It might seem like having another dog around would help a dog with separation anxiety. But what helps is the presence of a familiar human who can provide care, attention, and most importantly permission for the dog to miss you in its own way.

Let’s treasure every moment together!