Dog attachment to owners intensifies with age, study finds

A scientific study published in the journal GeroScience indicates that the emotional attachment between dogs and their owners changes as the animals age. Based on research involving 222 dogs of 61 different breeds and 50 mixed breeds, the study tracked subjects ranging from 2.8 months to nearly 15 years of age.

The findings suggest that attachment to owners begins within the first few months of life. While this bond remains relatively stable throughout much of adulthood, it becomes more intense as dogs enter their senior years. Researchers suggest this increased seeking of proximity and security is likely linked to greater physical and emotional dependency as the animal ages.