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Science Proves “Love at First Sight” Exists With Your Dog
Well that explains a lot...
Bryan Reisberg
September 26, 2024
Science Proves “Love at First Sight” Exists With Your Dog
According to SWNS and Talker Research, new research has unleashed a surprising truth: more dog owners had an “instant connection” with their pup than with their partner! In a survey of 2,000 dog parents who are in serious relationships, 80% said it was love at first woof with their dog, compared to 69% who felt the same spark with their human counterpart.
The results showed that 87% of respondents were more likely to believe in “love at first sight” with animals than with people (sorry, humans, you’ve got competition). Of course, not every pooch gets a perfect meet-cute—one in five (19%) said it took a bit of time to warm up to their new furry friend. And of those slow burners, 20% even wondered if adopting their dog was a “ruff” choice because of the initial lack of sparks. But, as it turns out, patience pays off: 74% said their bond is even stronger because they had to work for it.
Commissioned by The Honest Kitchen and conducted by Talker Research, the survey also uncovered that when it comes to their dogs, food is truly the way to the heart. A whopping 76% said that food is their “love language,” and they put a lot of effort into serving their pets only the finest cuisine. In fact, over half (53%) admitted they feed their dog better than they feed themselves. Priorities, right?
“Choosing the right food for your pet is a great way to show how much you love them: it’ll set them up for a long and healthy life,” said Miki Dosen, CMO at The Honest Kitchen. But finding the right chow can be a wild ride—some pets gobble up anything, while others act like picky food critics.
One dog parent confessed, “I wish I knew the different types of dog food on the market and which ones were the best for my dog. It took a lot of research to find the perfect one.” Another wished they knew “what brand of dog food was good for his stomach.” And some simply weren’t ready for the time commitment. “They’re literally like raising children,” one exasperated owner shared.
But, in the end, the joys outweigh the challenges: 83% of respondents said owning a pet is even better than they imagined. And the same number agreed that despite the mess and the mayhem, they wouldn’t trade their dog for anything in the world.
“There’s so much to look forward to when you have a dog,” said Dosen. “But we wouldn’t be honest if we didn’t acknowledge how hard it can be, too. At the end of the day, it’s the full experience—both highs and lows—that makes it one of the most meaningful relationships in life.” Because really, who needs a perfect partner when you’ve got the perfect pup?
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American dog owners — who are in a relationship (dating, engaged, married) — was commissioned by The Honest Kitchen between June 20 and June 24, 2024. It was conducted by market research company Talker Research, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
Chonkfest is Less Than 1 Month Away!
Our Halloween-themed Chonkfest: Washington DC is less than 1 month away. Here’s what you can expect at the biggest Doggy Halloween block party in the country:
Kids under 12 are FREE
Costume Contests
Photo activations
Custom Calligraphy Pumpkins
Caricatures with your dog!
Tons of your favorite dog influencers!
Tons of Beer and Food
“The Squeeze”: Dog News In 60 Seconds
