A new study reveals that dog owners rate their bond with their pets as more satisfying than relationships with humans.
Researchers from Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary surveyed 700 dog owners and found that most felt their dog loved them the most and provided the best companionship compared to friends, partners, and even children.
The study also showed that the owner-dog relationship is low in conflict, similar to the ease of friendships, but with the nurturing qualities of a child relationship.
Interestingly, the study suggests that these bonds combine the positive aspects of both child and best friend relationships.
The researchers also found that strong human relationships tend to strengthen the bond between owners and their dogs.