Tips for Strenthening the Human-Animal Bond

Do you consider your four-legged friends a part of the family? You are not alone if you do. In a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), three-quarters of dog owners and more than half of cat owners surveyed said they view their pet as a child or family member. This unique relationship—dubbed the human–animal bond by researchers more than 30 years ago—takes time and patience to develop but brings endless rewards to both pet owners and pets.

Research proves that living with our furry friends provides us with a wealth of mental, emotional, and physical benefits. In return, we love, care for, and, in many cases, pamper and even spoil our pets. “The term ‘human–animal bond’ is a metaphor that is meant to capture not only the importance of our relationship with our pets but also the idea that it is a mutually beneficial relationship,” says Dr. Alan Beck, director of the Center for the Human–Animal Bond at the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine.

A GIFT FOR GIVING
It seems that pets affect just about every aspect of our lives. Studies show that pet owners have lower blood pressure and triglyceride and cholesterol levels than non-owners. They also have fewer minor health issues and even make fewer trips to the doctor. On an emotional level, pet owners have better psychological well-being and feel less lonely and isolated than non-owners. In fact, for seniors and children, pets can fulfill many of the same support roles as people. All this might seem like a tall order for our furry family members, but for them it is all in a day’s work.

BUILDING THE BOND
People often feel an almost immediate connection with a puppy, kitten, or other animal that appears helpless. This very human desire to comfort or care for an animal that is young or in need is believed to be part of our biological make-up. Perhaps it is nature’s way of bringing us together.

Although the human–animal bond can develop quickly at the sight of that adorable puppy or kitten, it is essential to remember that owning a pet is a serious responsibility. Incorporating a new pet into the family takes time, patience, and attention. The bond we share with our pets develops in those first weeks and months as we discover their personalities and they learn how to fit in to family life.

LOVE IN ACTION
You can strengthen the bond you have with your four-legged companions in many ways:

• Take good care of your pet. All pets require grooming, good nutrition, exercise, and regular trips to the veterinarian.
• Give your pet lots of attention, taking the time to brush, pet, or play with him each day.
• Maintain a positive attitude when training a new pet.
• Pay attention to what your pet is trying to communicate.

“Learning to understand what your pets are communicating or signaling to you through their body posture and behavior is a big step toward strengthening the bond you have with them,” says Dr. Lynne Seibert, a board-certified veterinarian in animal behavior from Seattle, Washington. Owners need to catch the signals for stress or discomfort that their pets show in certain situations in order to help their pets live happier lives.

BONDING AND BEHAVIOR
The bond we share with our pets is unlike any other. Unfortunately, there are times when this bond gets disrupted and pet owners need help to get it back on track. One of the most common reasons that owners surrender their pets is frustration by an aspect of the pet’s behavior. The good news is that when a behavior issue does threaten the human–animal bond, a number of options can help you eliminate or modify the problem. “I am always amazed at how strongly people are attached to their pets,” Dr. Seibert comments.

Pet owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than non-owners 

Start with a visit to your veterinarian to rule out any physical conditions. If you are dealing with a behavior issue, do not give up. Working with a properly credentialed behavior specialist can help you understand your pet’s behavior and create a stronger, more harmonious relationship.

THE BOND OF A LIFETIME
The human–animal bond is certainly worth the time and effort it takes to develop, as it can result in one of the strongest relationships we encounter. Research studies continue to confirm what pet owners have known all along. Whether they are furry, feathered, or scaly, pets enrich our lives in ways that science is only now realizing. For many pet owners, it is the bond of a lifetime.

CHILDREN AND PETS*

Consider the benefits children receive from their interactions and bond with animals:

• Higher self-esteem
• Enhanced cognitive development
• Increased happiness
• Decreased stress levels
• Development of better social skills
• Lowered frequency of allergic rhinitis and asthma
• Improved ability to cope with change, loss, and grief

* This list is based on information from the Delta Society, www.deltasociety.org.

THE BOOK OF (PET) LOVE
To learn more about the human–animal bond, check out these books:

• The Cat Who Cried for Help, by Dr. Nicholas Dodman
• Child-Proofing Your Dog, by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson
• Dog Behavior and Training: Veterinary Advice for Owners, by Dr. Lowell Ackerman
• The Healing Power of Pets, by Dr. Marty Becker
• Minding Animals, by Marc Bekoff and Jane Goodall
• The Other End of the Leash, by Dr. Patricia McConnell
• Why the Wild Things Are: Animals in the Lives of Children, by Gail F. Melson