New research has offered fresh insight into the most sacred of bonds - between a person and their dog.
It has found that, although your pooch's love for you is unconditional, it is also very fickle.
In his new book, Dr Clive Wynne offers a fascinating scientific insight into the link between humans and canines in Dog is Love.
The Mirror reported that the animal behaviour specialist examined ground-breaking studies explaining why dogs were so loyal and how our relationship with them has developed to what it is today.
The book also discusses how dogs’ evolution from wolves to mankind’s ideal hunting companions has enabled the depth of affection between us.
Recent studies have proved that over thousands of years dogs have developed small facial muscles so they can make their eyes appear larger and their eyebrows expressive to prompt a nurturing response in us.
Hence the term puppy dog eyes.
Worldwide expert Dr Wynne also reveals that dogs respond to our emotions and how, just like a human couple in love, dogs and their owner’s heart beats can match each other.
Dr Wynne, originally from the Isle of Wight, said: “I wanted to see why our relationship with dogs feels so much deeper than with other species.”
But it is not all good news.
Dr Wynne explains: “While your dog does love you, your dog could love almost anyone, animal or human.”
This Cardiff high school bought its own beautiful black Labrador puppy to help pupils deal with anxiety and stress:
Dr Wynne, who directs the Canine Science Laboratory at Arizona State University, describes this as “fickle disloyalty” but puts it down to a dog’s “unparalleled capacity to love”.
During his research for the book he went hunting with dogs in Nicaragua to study the vital role the animals play.
He said: “I wanted to shed light on what the early human-dog relationship might have looked like.”
He also explains what really goes on when a young pup grows up in a human family.
The book is a must for any of the UK’s 8.5 million dog owners looking for an insight into their pet.
- Dog is Love: The Science of Why and How Your Dog Loves You, is out on September 24.
