The human-animal bond in dogs is a fundamental welfare resource. Strong, positive bonds protect dog welfare through better care and more attentive health monitoring.
The human-animal bond is not merely emotionally valuable - it is a welfare mechanism that operates through better care, more attentive health monitoring, and protective effects on dog stress physiology. Building and maintaining a strong positive bond through appropriate training, social interaction, and understanding of dog communication improves welfare outcomes across the dog's lifespan.