Emotional Attachment to Dogs: Stories from around the world

Dogs are said to be man’s best friend. And undoubtedly, they are! They are always there when you need them and never let you feel alone. They can really lighten up someone’s mood. Their love is endless. This emotional attachment to dogs is quite visible and evident in the world. The world has witnessed many stories which tell us how a dog is incomplete with its parent.

A man in New Jersey suffering from clinical depression read about the beneficial presence of dogs and brought a golden retriever home. He suddenly started feeling responsible and felt this strong need to live.

This is just one example. Dogs have been very faithful to men since ages.

It is seen that many times pet owners also develop a relationship with their pet, similar to that of a parent and child. This bond is called a “secure base effect”.

Sometimes dogs are very cautious and careful in the beginning but they can sometimes be goofy and overdo it. But they will be fine once they get comfortable around you.

For most dogs, the attachment they feel towards their owner is fundamental to their well-being. It is studied that while dogs enjoy each other’s company, human attention is what they crave. You may not realize when your dog gets too much attached to you, and that emotional attachment to dogs becomes intense to an extent that if you leave your dog for even a day or two, they stop behaving normally. They stop playing. They stop eating. All they need that time is you.

Puppies can sometimes get along with you immediately if you spend time with them and treat them well. It is very natural for a dog to bond with its owner and if both of them trust each other, then the process happens very quickly. And from there start a happy love story as with time that puppy becomes an irreplaceable part of your life.

Sometimes when dogs are in stress due to some reason they can become very clingy. Older dogs can also show clinginess and over attachment because of deteriorating senses. That is the time when you need to understand them well and take proper care of them. They need you at that time, and you should be there with them.

Emotional attachment to dogs works both ways. With all the love dogs give us, we should give them the same love in return. We should give them enough time, go on walks with them and play with them. Give them hugs and talk to them. It’s a beautiful world with a dog as a pet. Cherish that.