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The human-canine bond (more broadly known ast the human animal bond) describes the relationship between people and dogs and is studied by psychologists, anthropologists, and ethologists.

The term human-animal bond was brought about in the early 1980's by Leo Bustad and began to be more widely recognized with Konrad Lorenz and his research on imprinting with geese in a developed field of ethology. The related topic of anthropomorphism deals with the ideas people have about what animals know. The new field of study is anthrozoology which is the study of human-animal interaction. There are many human- animal relationships but none are as prominent as the human-canine relationship. Dogs were very likely the first domesticated animal and have been around for centuries. Did you know that in the United States, over 62% of people have a houehold pet and 37% of those pets are dogs? That is over half of the household pets! So how and why did this bond between humans and canines come to exist? That is a very important question that leads the research of this topic!

The Argument

Many will argue that the human-canine bond is an invention of the humans and it does not exist scientifically or psychologically at all. For example, Stanley Coren, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia, was participating in a discussion with some fellow professors. He expressed his belief in the human-canine bond while another professor snorted and proceeded to say "I am amazed at how a scientist like you has been sucked into this sentimentality for dogs. This idea that dogs feel any loyalty and love for humans is a modern invention. In fact the idea that people form sentimental attachments for dogs is probably a similar recent event which became acceptable in modern times since, people moving into high population centers, like cities, often feel emotionally isolated and therefore direct some of their pent up feelings toward pets. Look back at the literature from two or three centuries ago and you won't find any mentions of the loving loyalty of dogs, nor will you find mention of any ancient warrior prince shedding a single tear for one of his dogs." In the rest of the excerpt, Stanley Coren goes on to explain the human-canine bond and also gives evidence of its existence from centuries ago in Homer's "Odyssey". There is also the idea that the supporters of the human-canine bond are all animal lovers. This idea may or may not be true. However, that is why reserach continues on the human-canine bond.

Theories

There are two major theoretical perspectives that deal with the human canine bond and they are the biophilia hypothesis and the social support theory. The Biophilia hypothesis states that our relationships with non-human animals are driven by survival needs: assistance in acquiring food and safety. The social support theory states that animals are demonstrably a source of social support and companionship, necessary for well-being.

Benefits of the Human-Canine Bond

• Animal Assisted Therapy
• Cancer Care
• Companionship
• Decrease in Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
• Increased social interaction
• Animals can fulfill emotional needs • Bereavement- Widows benefits
• Considered to be a family member
• Sense of purpose and being needed
• Provides comfort during distress