Dogs often share physical traits with their owners. They also tend to adopt similar emotions and behaviors.
Recent research shows that dogs and their owners have more in common than just looks. These similarities become more pronounced over time.
A study by the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology looked at over 500 owner-dog pairs. They gathered data through surveys, behavior assessments, and image analysis over three years. The study confirmed these similarities are not just coincidental; they have a scientific basis.
Animal behavior expert Borbála Turcsán from ELTE Faculty of Science in Hungary, noted that a dog's temperament is partly genetic. However, the environment and the owner's influence play a significant role.
The bond between dogs and owners is similar to that of a child and parent. Dogs develop trust with humans, much like a child trusts their mother. Dogs see their owners as role models and trust their knowledge.
This trust can be used to help dogs. Owners can expose their dogs to strong stimuli in controlled environments. This can help them change their reaction to fear, for example, fireworks.