Science Confirms It: Your Dog Loves You More Than Food

Every dog enthusiast has felt it, that undeniable connection when your pup looks at you with eyes full of love. Now, science has validated what pet parents have always known in their hearts: dogs love us deeply, even more than food or fellow dogs.

In a pioneering fMRI study led by neuroscientist Gregory Berns at Emory University, and published in Nature Scientific Reports and featured in National Geographic, researchers explored how a dog’s brain responds to different scents. They discovered something extraordinary: when dogs smell their owner’s scent, the caudate nucleus, the part of the brain linked to joy, reward, and affection, lights up more strongly than it does for food or even other dogs.

This means your scent doesn’t just register as familiar, it acts as a biological marker of love and connection. Neuroscience shows that to your dog, you’re not simply a caregiver, you are family.

What This Means for Pet Parents

Bond Beyond Basics
To your dog, you’re not just the person who fills the food bowl. You’re their emotional anchor, the center of their world.

Separation Matters
Extended absences can be stressful for dogs, not because of routine changes, but because they’re missing their person.

Reassurance Is Powerful
Simple acts like leaving behind a worn T-shirt with your scent can comfort dogs during times apart.

How Dogs On The Run Supports That Bond

At DOTR, we recognize that no one can replace you in your dog’s heart. What we can do is help protect and honor that bond by offering care that feels like an extension of your love.

Accredited Professionals who respect your pet’s routines and emotional needs.
In-home care that minimizes stress and anxiety by keeping your dog in their familiar environment.
Consistency and trust through carefully matched professionals who take the time to build rapport with both you and your pet.

We don’t just care for pets, we nurture the relationships they cherish most. Because science confirms what we’ve always believed: your dog’s deepest joy comes from knowing they are loved, safe, and connected to family.

Your dog loves you more than anything else. And when life pulls you away, Dogs On The Run is here to ensure that bond is respected, supported, and cared for until you return home to that wagging tail.

📞 Call us at (760) 991-5444 or visit DogsOnTheRun.com to connect with your accredited DOTR professional today.