We simply can’t get enough when it comes to making dogs as happy as they make us. And now – according to a brand new study we found – this is a scientific fact. It’s true! In an effort to scour the internet in search of understanding the canine mentality, we came across a very intriguing research study that explores the bond we share with our dogs. No doubt you’ve heard that most people in the U.S. consider dogs an official member of the family instead of just a pet. Well, as it turns out, there are some family members we care for much more than others.

What we found isn’t just some half-baked hypothesis either. Nope, we’re talking about an actual peer-reviewed study that was published in the Scientific Reports Journal on April 22 of this year. Entitled, “Similarities and Differences Between Dog-Human and Human-Human Relationships*,” it’s a fascinating look at where dogs rank when it comes to interpersonal relationships. We might as well jump straight to the conclusion, in which the study provides a stunning reveal. Per the report:

“…dog owners experience greater relationship satisfaction with their four-legged companions than with their relatives or friends, with only the parent-child bond matching canine relationships in overall fulfillment.”

This may be news to you, but it fits right in with Hike Doggie’s world view – and we couldn’t wait to share it with you. Keep reading for further details and analysis of this groundbreaking research study.

Interesting Takeaways from the Research Study

There are many interesting takeaways from this research study that Hike Doggie would like to share with our loyal fans. It’s what we call, “news you can use,” so feel free to pass along the details with anyone else as canine obsessed as we are!

• The research team is from Hungary, all of whom set out to test theories on how important dogs are when compared to our human interpersonal relationships
• Of the 717 participants surveyed, the majority of respondents shared that they receive more emotional support from their canine companions than any other human, save for their very own children
• Of note, dog-human relationships obviously have a fundamental power balance than human to human, as we maintain control over our dogs lives
• The researchers tested their hypothesis by examining 13 different scales, which primarily included our relationship with dogs and our four closest human partners: closest relatives, romantic partners, best friends, and children
• The researchers measured factors such as companionship, conflict, nurturance, and satisfaction

You can read the full study here or get a more concise review by visiting StudyFinds.org. 

If This Study Resonated With You…

If you’re among the many people who weren’t the least bit surprised at the results of this intriguing study, you might just be an ideal candidate to become a franchise owner in the Hike Doggie network. Our business model is predicated on providing professional, white-glove dog hiking services with door-to-door pickups and drop-offs. Our dog hikes last several hours Monday through Friday, with as many as 12 dogs per mobile van that can make the daily round trip. Hike Doggie operates in the booming and profitable pet care industry, estimated at $144 billion in annual revenue. Hike Doggie assists our franchisees in establishing a robust and recurring client base, capable of generating recurring revenue for stable income and forecasting. Simply put, it’s a business model designed for long-term success. The path to ownership with Hike Doggie is simple and straightforward – just five easy steps. And we’ll give you top-notch training and comprehensive support you can count on. Read what a “day in the life” is like with  a real-world Hike Doggie franchise owner. With our franchise opportunity, you’ll always be in business for yourself – but never by yourself.

* Turcsán, B., Ujfalussy, D.J., Kerepesi, A. et al. Similarities and differences between dog–human and human–human relationships. Sci Rep 15, 11871 (2025).

About Hike Doggie

Hike Doggie was founded in 2016 with a mission to “make dogs as happy as they make us”. The business model is predicated on providing a professional and turnkey dog hiking service. Our vision is to create unforgettable outdoor experiences for dogs, ensuring their physical and emotional well-being while fostering a deep bond between them and their human families. Hike Doggie offers a low barrier to entry, quick conversion, and strong retention rates – not to mention extremely happy clients. To date, Hike Doggie has participated in over 50,000 dog hikes and we’d like to have you help us add to that total. Hit the trail to success and explore franchise ownership with Hike Doggie by reaching out to our franchise development specialists at Franchise Evolution Partners to begin your personal journey. Watch this informative video on YouTube to discover how your life can change as a Hike Doggie owner. And be sure to read our blog, follow us on Instagram, connect with us on LinkedIn, and watch our collection of videos on TikTok.