Published in Animals, this study applied attachment theory to dogs living in animal shelters and foster homes, extending a body of research that has traditionally focused on attachment bonds between pet dogs and their owners.
The researchers evaluated attachment relationships in 21 foster dog–volunteer dyads and 31 shelter dog–volunteer dyads. Each pair completed a secure base test and a paired attachment test, designed to assess proximity seeking, exploration, and responses to caregiver presence. Human volunteers also completed the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS) to measure perceived attachment strength.
Results showed no significant differences between foster and shelter dogs in the proportions of secure versus insecure attachment styles. However, when compared to previously published data on pet dogs, the percentage of securely attached shelter dogs was significantly lower, indicating that shelter environments may pose challenges to the development or maintenance of secure attachment.
Foster dogs did not differ significantly from pet dogs in secure attachment proportions, suggesting that foster care may provide a social context more conducive to attachment security. Across both foster and shelter groups, dogs spent more time near humans when caregivers were actively attending to and encouraging interaction, consistent with attachment-based expectations.
Importantly, the study identified evidence of disinhibited attachment in both foster and shelter dogs. This pattern, previously described in children raised in institutional settings, is characterized by reduced preferential proximity seeking toward familiar caregivers and excessive friendliness toward strangers, reflecting atypical social regulation.
The authors conclude that human–dog attachment in temporary care settings is shaped by environmental instability and caregiving consistency. Recognizing and addressing attachment-related behaviors may improve dog welfare, human–dog interactions, and long-term placement outcomes in shelters and foster programs.
Source: Thielke, L. E., & Udell, M. (2019). Characterizing Human–Dog Attachment Relationships in Foster and Shelter Environments as a Potential Mechanism for Achieving Mutual Wellbeing and Success. Animals. Published December 30, 2019.
