The dog–owner attachment bond is a cornerstone of canine–human relationships, with dogs relying on their owners for security and confidence in novel situations. However, Bakos and colleagues (2025) provide evidence that this attachment expression is shaped by household rank dynamics in multi-dog homes.
Using the Strange Situation Test, the researchers evaluated how dogs of different social ranks responded when their owners were present. High-ranking dogs displayed fewer stress-related behaviors, indicating a greater sense of security. However, these dogs were also less friendly toward the experimenter, suggesting that their dominant position influenced their willingness to engage socially with strangers.
Interestingly, age also played a role. Older dogs showed fewer stress signals overall but were more likely to be friendly with the stranger. This suggests that life experience, alongside hierarchy, shapes how dogs balance attachment security with openness to unfamiliar humans.
These findings highlight that multi-dog dynamics may impact individual attachment styles. A dog’s social rank could affect how they compete for and express their attachment to the owner, who represents a key but indivisible resource. This research adds nuance to our understanding of canine attachment, showing that household hierarchy can shape both stress resilience and social behavior.
Source: Bakos, V., Vékony, K., & Pongrácz, P. (2025). Hierarchy-Dependent Behaviour of Dogs in the Strange Situation Test: High-Ranking Dogs Show Less Stress and Behave Less Friendly with a Stranger in the Presence of Their Owner. Animals, 15. Published June 28, 2025.
