Do Dogs Recognize Their Masters After a Long Absence?

There has been a growing scientific interest in understanding the bond shared by humans and dogs. The field of anthrozoology specifically researches the interactions between humans and non-human animals, especially dogs. After millennium of co-evolution and domestication, it only seems natural that dogs recognize their owners after a long absence. But what does the science say?

  1. Owners Act as Home Base

    • A recently released study published by Horn, Huber and Range on PLoS ONE, suggests the human-dog relationship is even more like a parent-child relationship than once believed. According to this study, dogs are aware of their owner's identity and, just like children, will return to their owners frequently while investigating new tasks or environments. In a follow-up study, each dog was asked to complete similar tasks with a stranger in the room instead of the dog's owner. Researchers found that dogs did not check in with the unknown individuals as frequently as they did with their owners. Likewise, researchers noted a stark contrast in the dogs' body language, suggesting that dogs who were investigating with their owners present were significantly more confident while completing their tasks.

    Designed to Socialize

    • Even more evidence exists in the socialization process of puppies. This process is about more than teaching dogs to play with others. In his book "Dog Sense," anthrozoologist John Bradshaw explains how puppies develop bonds to what he calls their "second parents." That is, humans. Because of the domestication process, dogs are specially evolved to bond, understand and interact with humans on a level rarely matched by other non-human animals.

    They Know Who is Who

    • Research has shown that dogs can recognize faces in many species, particularly dogs and humans. Mongillo, et al., showed that dogs are likely to spend more time watching their owners when compared to strangers. Given the opportunity to watch the owner and a stranger pacing in a room, almost every dog in the study spent more time watching the owner.

      At the end of each trial, the owner and the stranger left the room through separate doors. The dogs not only watched their owners for longer periods, they almost always sat near the door their owners used to exit the room.

    The Proof is in the Pudding

    • There is a growing body of scientific research proving that dogs can distinguish their owners from strangers. Additionally, the domestication process has resulted in a special ability for dogs to socially bond with humans as well as other dogs.

      A web search for the phrase "dog owner reunion" leads to a plethora of links to videos and stories supporting this theory. Whether an owner is returning from military service overseas or from an extended stay in a hospital, there are many examples of seemingly love-filled greetings from dogs who appear to have missed their best friend.

    What's the Answer, Then?

    • Do dogs recognize their owners after a long absence? It may take a while for science to catch up with laboratory proof, but human anecdotes answer with a resounding, "Yes!"