People find relationship with their dog more satisfying than with best friend, study shows

"The study suggests owners rate their relationship with their dogs as being as satisfying or more satisfying than their closest human relationships. Owners also rated their dogs higher than their best friends and closest relatives for areas including affection, reliability and support....They reported greater relationship satisfaction with their dogs than with their closest kin or best friend."

“Dogs offer a highly positive relationship with minimal conflict, strong social support, and the unique opportunity to have full control over another living being’s life."
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https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/apr/22/owners-closeness-to-dogs-study
#dogs #pets #relationships #PowerAsymmetry #control #interaction #companionship #friendships #WesternCountries #BestFriend