The relationship between dogs and humans is the result of thousands of years of shared history, cooperation and connection. 

Dogs and Humans, where it began:

Dogs didn’t become “pets” overnight and they weren’t proactively “tamed” in the way people often imagine.

Dogs evolved alongside humans through a process of self-domestication. Becoming less fearful and more socially tolerant, Wolves were able to live near humans, gaining access to food and safety. Something you can find out more about in the works by anthropologist Raymond Coppinger and biologist Philip Dunbar.

They became better at cooperating with us, reading social cues and even forming relationships. They weren’t just evolving into a new species becoming the dogs we see today, they were evolving to live with us!

How the connection evolved

Modern behavioural science is very clear on one point: dogs don’t simply respond to training or reinforcement, they form attachments with people… or relationships.

Studies show that dogs use their human caregivers as a secure base, much like children do with parents. When dogs feel safe and supported, they’re more confident exploring the world and better able to cope with stress.

We see their attachment to us when they follow us from room to room, checking in with you on walks and seeking proximity during uncertainty because they trust that we can help them feel better

The true sign of a strong bond

Multiple studies using heart rate and brain chemistry monitors show that dogs experience measurable positive emotional responses when interacting with their guardians.

One widely cited study found that both dogs and humans experience an increase in oxytocin, often called the “bonding hormone”, during positive interactions such as eye contact and gentle touch. This same hormonal system is what drives the bonding between parent and child.

Other research using MRI scanning has shown that when dogs smell or see their owner, reward centres in the brain activate indicating that dogs don’t just recognise us, they feel good around us.

A Relationship We Should Nurture

Dogs didn’t ask to live in our homes, follow our routines, or adapt to our world.

They did it because evolution shaped them to bond with us and because we wanted them to.  For most dogs, humans are their primary source of safety, security and understanding.

That makes the relationship a privilege AND a responsibility. We need to:

• understand their emotional needs

• build trust, not demand compliance

• support them when life feels overwhelming
  
  

A loving relationship is about more than simply affection. It’s safety, care, support and empathy.

The Key to a Successful Relationship

Strong relationships are made and maintained with daily kindness, daily consideration and time!

What matters more than we often realise:

• predictable routines

• calm, clear communication

• enrichment and mental stimulation

• understanding what stress they can tolerate and what they can’t

• supporting health, nutrition and emotional regulation
  
  

This is where a 360° approach makes the difference

At Omni, we know that considering Health and Nutrition is needed to support overall wellbeing. When dogs feel physically well we know life is less stressful and they can enjoy the things they love without irritation and frustration. Our food is designed solely for this purpose along with our supplement range and FREE Vet Support.

Backing this up is the FREE Behaviour support helps guardians understand why their dog behaves the way they do and how to respond in ways that strengthen trust rather than strain it.

Scientific References: Dog–Human Attachment & Positive Emotion

1. Dogs use their owner as a ‘secure base’
Horn, L. et al. (2013) showed that dogs display a secure base effect — similar to human children — meaning they use their owner as a source of security when exploring or solving problems.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0065296

2. Dogs form attachment bonds measurable like human–child bonds
Solomon, J. et al. (2018) adapted attachment classifications to show that companion dogs form attachment styles with caregivers that resemble human attachment patterns.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6532729/ 

3. Positive interactions raise oxytocin in both dogs and humans
Marshall-Pescini et al. (2019) reviewed research showing that positive dog–human interactions (e.g., friendly contact) lead to simultaneous surges in oxytocin — a hormone linked to social bonding — in both species.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826447/ 

4. Brain imaging shows dogs’ social reward responses
Cook, P. F. et al. (2016) used fMRI in awake dogs to explore neural responses, finding evidence that social interaction and human presence activate reward-related brain pathways.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5141954/ 

5. Dogs’ attachment behaviors relate to social evaluation
Richards, E. M. et al. (2023) found that dogs with stronger attachment bonds to their owners showed preferences for humans who supported their owners — suggesting attachment influences social behaviour.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/15/2480