Emotional connection with your dog. Three types of owners

Dogs. They have accompanied us for millennia, from the time when wolves first approached many primitive people, to the present day. When they have become not just animals, but real family members. Faithful, intelligent, emotional. They know how to give love unconditionally and become our best friends. But have you ever wondered what your Emotional connection is with your dog. Three types of owners’ interaction with their pet. And it is the style of interaction that shapes how happy and comfortable the life of your tailed friend will be.

Your dog-behavior style isn’t just a set of habits or preferences. It’s how you build a relationship, how you understand your pet’s needs, and how you help them feel part of your world. That’s why psychologists and dog trainers have identified three main types of owners: 

• colleague, 
• companion,
• father​

Each of these types has its own characteristics, advantages and nuances that affect how your dog’s life will be. But who are you? Are you someone who sees yourself as a partner for an active lifestyle? Or are you a true friend who is always there and ready to support? Or are you a caring parent who surrounds his pet with care and protection?

[ Open ]

Host type: Colleague

If you are a co-owner, your dog is not just a pet. But a true companion with whom you share your interests, active lifestyle, and even ambitions. This style of interaction is built on a partnership, where you and your dog are a team that overcomes obstacles, achieves goals, and enjoys every moment of life together.

Characteristic features :

• A dog is a “partner” : For you, a dog is not just an animal. But an active participant in your life. You take it with you on runs, hikes, bike rides or even on trips. It is your companion in every activity.
• Training Focus : You value discipline and invest time in making sure your dog follows commands, is obedient, and understands. It’s important to you that your dog not only enjoys life. But is also a consistent part of your active routine.
• A relationship based on mutual respect : You don’t just command yourself—you understand her needs, listen to her reactions, and be willing to adapt if necessary. The relationship is based on a partnership where both parties benefit.

Examples from life :

• Imagine a person who goes for a morning jog with their Labrador every day. They cover miles together, enjoying the fresh air and the movement together. Or a couple who takes their shepherd on a mountain hike, where the dog not only accompanies them. But also helps carry a small load.
• A story about how a dog became a true partner in achieving goals. For example, an owner who was preparing for a marathon and his dog, who trained with him every day, became not only a motivation. But also a true friend who supported him at every stage.

Advantages and disadvantages of this approach :

• Advantages :
  • The dog is always in shape, because its physical activity is regular and balanced.
  • A strong emotional bond between owner and dog, based on shared achievements.
  • The dog grows up disciplined and well-organized, which makes it easier to integrate into various aspects of its owner’s life.
• Disadvantages :
  • Requires a lot of time and energy from the host. If you are not ready for regular activities, this style of interaction can become a burden.
  • The risk of overloading the dog, especially if it does not have sufficient physical training.
  • Some dog breeds may not be suitable for intense physical activity, which limits opportunities for joint activities.

Being a colleague for your dog is not only the joy of shared victories. But also constant work, discipline, and the willingness to be there for you in any situation.

Host Type: Companion

If you are a companion owner, your dog is first and foremost a friend, companion, and companion for you. You build your relationship on emotional connection, trust, and love. It is important for you that your dog feels comfortable, happy, and knows that it is an integral part of your life. You don’t just feed it and take it for walks, you share your joys and experiences with it, and find real support in it.

Characteristic features :

• A dog is a friend : You see it not only as a master. But also as a companion. It is always there when you are sad, happy, or just need to talk (even if it is a one-sided conversation). You appreciate its presence and understand that it is not just an animal. But a living being with its own emotions and character.
• Focus on comfort : You care about your pet’s comfort. A soft bed, tasty treats, favorite toys are all part of your approach to dog care. You also care about their emotional state, trying to make their life brighter and safer.
• A relationship based on trust and love : You don’t try to dominate your dog. But rather build a relationship based on mutual understanding. You trust your dog, and they trust you. This is a relationship where there is no place for harshness or control, only sincerity and warmth.

Examples from life :

• Imagine a person coming home after a hard day at work, sitting on the couch with a cup of tea, and their dog just lying there listening to their owner talk about their experiences. Or a situation where a dog, sensing their owner’s sadness, comes up and puts its head on their lap, as if to say, “I’m here, and everything will be okay.”
• A story about how a dog helped overcome loneliness or stress. For example, a person who went through a difficult period in life found solace in their dog. He became someone who listened, supported, and gave unconditional love when it was needed most.

Advantages and disadvantages of this approach :

• Advantages :
  • A strong emotional bond that makes the relationship with the dog deep and sincere.
  • The dog feels loved, protected, and happy, which has a positive effect on its mental state.
  • You get a true friend who is always there and ready to support.
• Disadvantages :
  • Sometimes this approach can lead to the dog becoming overly dependent on its owner, which can cause anxiety in the animal when you are not around.
  • Some dogs can become too spoiled if the owner does not set limits on behavior.
  • The risk of insufficient discipline if the emphasis is only on emotional connection and not on upbringing.

For a dog, being a companion means sharing joy with it, being there for it in difficult moments, understanding its needs, and always finding time for shared leisure activities.

Host type: Father

If you are a dog owner, your dog is not just an animal. But a real “child” for you, who needs to be fed, raised, treated and protected from anything that could threaten its well-being. You build your relationship on care, concern and control, and it is important to you that your pet feels safe, healthy and happy. You are ready to give all your love and time to provide your dog with the best life.

Characteristic features :

• A dog is a “child” : You see yourself not only as an owner. But also as a father or mother. You worry about its nutrition, health, training, and even emotional state. It is important to you that it does not need anything.
• Emphasis on safety and protection : You are always on the lookout to keep your dog safe from danger. You make sure he doesn’t eat unhealthy foods, play with dangerous objects, or come into contact with other animals that could be a threat.
• A relationship based on responsibility and parental love : You feel responsible for your dog’s life and well-being. You love them unconditionally, like a child, and are willing to do anything to make them happy.

Examples from life :

• Imagine a person who buys their dog clothes for every season, toys that develop intelligence, and regularly visits the veterinarian for preventive checkups. Or an owner who prepares special food for their dog, following all the recommendations for a healthy diet.
• A story about how a dog became part of the family and a “child.” For example, a couple who do not have children devote themselves completely to their dog, surrounding it with care, love, and constant attention.

Advantages and disadvantages of this approach :

• Advantages :
  • The dog receives maximum care, protection, and love, which makes its life comfortable and happy.
  • You feel like a real father, which gives you a sense of purpose and responsibility.
  • The dog grows up confident because it knows that it is loved and cared for.
• Disadvantages :
  • Sometimes this approach can lead to excessive care, which limits the dog’s freedom and can cause stress or dependency.
  • The risk of a dog becoming spoiled if you allow it to do anything and don’t set boundaries.
  • The owner may lose objectivity in training, which can lead to behavioral problems in the dog.

Are you being too controlling of your pet? After all, being a dog parent is not only about caring and protecting. But also about giving your dog the freedom to be themselves, explore the world, and learn from their mistakes.

How to determine your type?

To understand which category of owner you belong to —  colleague,  companion. Or  parent  —you can do a little self-analysis. Answering a few key questions will help you understand your style of interacting with your dog. Here are a few examples:

Questions for self-analysis :

1. How do you spend time with your dog?
   • If you often take her for runs, hikes, or active games, you are most likely  a coworker .
   • If you like to just lie on the couch, watch movies, or share emotions, you are  a companion .
   • If you are constantly worried about her health, nutrition, and safety, you are  a parent .
2. How do you respond to your dog’s problems or disobedience?
   • Are you trying to find the reason and teach her to behave properly? You are  a colleague .
   • Do you talk to her, trying to understand her emotions? You are  a companion .
   • Do you intervene immediately to protect her from danger? You are  the father .
3. How do you feel about training?
   • Do you consider this important and do you regularly engage in training? You are  a colleague .
   • Do you believe that love and trust are the most important things, and that commands are secondary? You are  a companion .
   • Do you try to control your dog’s every move to keep it from making mistakes? You’re  a parent .
4. How do you address your dog’s health and nutrition issues?
   • Do you take a balanced approach but don’t overdo it? You are  a colleague .
   • Do you care about comfort but don’t obsess over details? You are  a companion .
   • Are you constantly consulting with the vet and monitoring every aspect of her health? You are  the parent .

Examples of situations that demonstrate the interaction style :

1. Situation: The dog does not want to obey during a walk.
   • Colleague : You stop, repeat the command, and wait for the dog to follow it. You believe that discipline is important for a harmonious relationship.
   • Companion : You try to understand why the dog is not obeying, and maybe just change the route to make it more interesting.
   • Father : You immediately take the dog on a leash to keep it out of danger, and perhaps take it home to analyze everything.
2. Situation: The dog is sick.
   • Colleague : You react quickly, take the dog to the vet, and follow all the recommendations so that the dog recovers faster.
   • Companion : You spend time with your dog, talking to them and trying to encourage them while they recover.
   • Parent : You worry about every symptom, constantly consult with the doctor, and try to do everything possible to protect your dog from future illnesses.

Tips for improving your relationship with your dog :

1. If you are a colleague :
   • Don’t forget about the emotional connection. Sometimes it’s worth just spending time with your dog without doing anything to show them that you value them not only as a partner, but also as a friend.
   • Allow yourself to relax sometimes and not control your dog’s every step.
2. If you are a companion :
   • Add some discipline to your relationship. Teaching basic commands will help make your dog’s life more organized.
   • Don’t be afraid to set boundaries. This will help avoid behavioral problems.
3. If you are a father :
   • Learn to trust your little one. Let her explore the world and make mistakes, because that’s part of her development.
   • Don’t forget about joy and freedom. Sometimes it’s good to just play and laugh together without thinking about rules and safety.

Are you willing to change your approach. If it helps improve your relationship with your dog? Sometimes the best way to show love is to find a balance between caring, freedom, and mutual respect.

Is it possible to combine styles?

Of course! In fact, most owners are not “pure” representatives of one type. Often we combine the traits of  a colleague,  a companion  and  a father  depending on the situation, mood or needs of our dog. The main thing is to find a balance that will allow your pet to feel happy, loved and confident.

The ability to combine traits of different types :

1. Colleague + Companion :
   You can be an active partner for your dog, taking them on runs or hikes. But still remain their friend, ready to just lie down next to them and talk after a hard day.
   • Example : You walk your dog in the park, play Frisbee (a colleague trait), and then come home and watch a movie while hugging her (a companion trait).
2. Companion + Parent :
   You can be a caring friend who cares about your dog’s comfort and emotional state, while still maintaining discipline and safety.
   • Example : You feed your dog healthy treats, buy him soft toys (a companion trait), but also make sure he doesn’t pick up food on the street and follows basic commands (a parent trait).
3. Colleague + Parent :
   You can be an active and disciplined owner who teaches your dog new commands and takes them on adventures, while still remaining caring and attentive to their needs.
   • Example : You train your dog to compete in agility (a colleague trait), but you also visit the vet regularly and monitor its diet (a parent trait).

Examples of how this works in real life :

1. Story 1 :
   Maria is an active woman who loves to run in the morning. Her dog, Barney, a Labrador, always accompanies her on her runs (a colleague trait). But after training, they have breakfast together, and Maria always finds time to pet Barney and talk to him (a companion trait). In addition, she regularly visits the vet and monitors his health (a father trait).
2. Story 2 :
   Oleg is a student living in the city. His dog, Tina, a Jack Russell, is his best friend. They watch TV shows together and play games at home (a companion trait). But Oleg also teaches Tina new commands and takes her for walks in the park. Where they exercise together (a colleague trait). Oleg also makes sure that Tina gets all the necessary vaccinations (a father trait).

Tips for balancing discipline, friendship, and care :

1. Prioritize :
   Understand what is most important to you and your dog. For example, if you enjoy an active lifestyle, emphasize companionship. But don’t forget about emotional connection and care.
2. Listen to your dog :
   Every dog ​​is an individual. Some like activity, others like calm and gentleness. Observe their behavior and adapt your approach.
3. Don’t be afraid to experiment :
   Try different interaction styles. For example, if you’ve always been a “parent,” try becoming a “companion” and just spend time with your dog without rules or supervision.
4. Find a balance :
   Over-discipline can lead to stress, while over-protection can lead to dependency. Try to be flexible and find a balance between different approaches.
5. Learn together :
   Training is not just about commands, it’s also about understanding each other. Use training as a way to strengthen your bond.

Each type of owner—  colleague,  companion, or  parent  — has its own strengths and weaknesses.  A colleague  builds relationships on activity and discipline. A companion builds relationships  on friendship and emotional connection. And  a parent  builds relationships on care and protection. But no matter which category you fall into, the most important thing is that both you and your dog feel happy and fulfilled in your relationship.

Dogs are not just pets, they are our family members, friends and partners. They give us unconditional love, support and joy. And it is our responsibility as owners to make their lives as comfortable, safe and happy as possible.

So it doesn’t matter whether you are an active  colleague, a caring  companion, or a responsible  parent . The most important thing is the love you give your dog and the sincerity of your relationship.

And what kind of host are you?

This is a question worth pondering, as the answer could change not only your dog’s life. But also your own understanding of what the true bond between a person and their loyal friend is.

Comparison of host types

Characteristic	Colleague	Companion	Father
Interaction style	Partnerships, activity, common goals.	Friendship, emotional connection, shared leisure time.	Custody, care, control.
Characteristic features	A dog is a partner in sports, walks, and travels.	A dog is a friend who is always there, listening, and supporting.	A dog is a “child” that needs to be fed, raised, and treated.
Advantages	The dog is always in shape, has a strong emotional bond, and is disciplined.	A deep emotional connection, the dog feels loved and protected.	The dog receives maximum care, protection and love.
Disadvantages	Requires a lot of time and energy, risk of overloading the dog.	The dog may be overly dependent and lack discipline.	Excessive care can limit the dog’s freedom, risking spoiling it.
The ideal approach	Active people who love sports and travel.	People who value emotional closeness and comfort.	People who are ready to give all their love and care.

Short test for self-diagnosis

Answer the questions “yes” or “no” to understand what type of host you are.

1. Do you often take your dog for runs, hikes, or active games?
   • Yes →  Colleague
   • No → Go to the next question.
2. Do you just love spending time with your dog, sharing emotions and talking to it?
   • Yes →  Companion
   • No → Go to the next question.
3. Are you constantly worried about your dog’s health, nutrition, and safety?
   • Yes →  Father
   • No → You may combine traits from several types.
4. Do you think discipline and team training are an important part of raising a dog?
   • Yes →  Colleague
   • No → Go to the next question.
5. Do you often buy your dog toys, clothes, or treats to please him?
   • Yes →  Companion  or  Parent
   • No → Go to the next question.
6. Do you feel responsible for every aspect of your dog’s life?
   • Yes →  Father
   • No → Perhaps you are  a companion  or combine traits of several types.

How to interpret the results?

• If most of the answers fall into one type, you most likely belong to that type.
• If your answers fall between several types, you probably combine their traits. For example, you can be  a colleague  and  a companion  at the same time.

This will help you better understand your relationship with your dog and find ways to improve it.

Read also:

Why does a dog have a wet nose? Understanding your dog’s health.

The best jokes and anecdotes