The president of the Russian Cynological Federation (RKF), Vladimir Golubev, challenges the idea that a dog simply chooses its owner. He explains that a dog’s attachment is influenced by a pattern of cues and signs that can shift as relationships change. In his view, ownership is not a fixed destiny but a dynamic bond that can evolve with time and circumstance. The key factor, he notes, is how the family interacts with the dog in daily life and how consistently they respond to the animal’s needs and signals.
Golubev emphasizes that when all household members actively participate in training, care, and socialization, the dog tends to respond with greater trust and affection. Clear routines, predictable expectations, and a calm, patient approach help the pet understand who is in charge and what is expected in various situations. The dog learns to read the intentions and tone of each family member, which enhances mutual understanding and reduces stress for everyone involved. This consistency fosters a strong, healthy bond built on reliability rather than on unspoken assumptions.
According to his assessment, a dog can quickly adapt to a new owner who shows sensitivity to the pet’s needs and provides steady, attentive care. Trust is earned through daily acts of kindness, attentive handling, and timely responses to the animal’s emotional and physical cues. When the new caregiver demonstrates empathy, patience, and a willingness to invest time, the dog is more likely to open up, relax, and accept the new relationship. Golubev notes that in many cases the animal begins to forget past associations after a period of limited contact with former owners, particularly when those people are not present for extended stretches.
Yet this welcoming transition is not universal. Deep emotional ties can persist, especially when fear, anxiety, or a strong friendship has formed between the dog and a specific person. Such bonds may resist change or fade slowly, requiring careful handling and gradual adjustments to routines and environments. In these scenarios, the dog’s memory of prior experiences and feelings will shape how quickly trust shifts toward a new caretaker. The process may vary from one dog to another, with some adapting smoothly and others needing additional patience, time, and supportive interventions.
These insights lead to practical guidance for families and individuals seeking a well-adjusted canine companion. The emphasis is on involvement, care, and empathy across all household members. Initiating training early, maintaining consistent rules, and communicating in a calm, clear manner helps the animal form secure expectations. When a change in ownership occurs, the emphasis should be on gentle integration: establish familiar routines, provide comforting objects, and ensure the dog experiences positive associations with the new caregiver. This approach reduces stress and supports the animal in building a strong, healthy relationship with the people in its life. In addressing fears or anxious behaviors, especially in challenging weather events like storms, the method remains focused on predictable patterns, soothing reassurance, and gradual exposure at a pace the dog can tolerate. The aim is to create an environment where the dog feels safe enough to explore and learn under the guidance of the people it trusts. Through steady, compassionate practice, many dogs can adjust to new family dynamics while preserving essential emotional connections. [Citation: RKF statement attributed to Vladimir Golubev on dog ownership and bond formation]