Recently a study was done on dogs. The researchers wanted to find out if the dogs preferred praise and love from their owner or receiving treats. The study revealed that dogs would much rather receive love from their owner, and that's not all! Read below to discover what else this study found out.

In an interesting new study where the strength of the human-dog bond was examined, scientists say that most dogs would actually prefer to receive owner recognition and affection than something to chomp on and gulp down quickly.

The researchers took 15 dogs and monitored their brain activity while they were presented food and engaged with their owners. The dogs were first trained to associate different toys with different expected outcomes.

Results showed that for 13 out of 15 of the dogs in the study, the part of the brain associated with reward and decision-making triggered showed equal or greater activity from receiving praise when compared to receiving a treat.

In another experiment, the dogs were led through a simple Y-shaped maze where two different end points would bring them either to their owner or to a bowl of food.

These results show just how much dogs really do value interaction with humans.

Verbally telling dogs they’ve been good and showing physical affection by patting them or rubbing them where they like it most is certainly a much healthier reward alternative to feeding them treats all the time. It helps strengthen the bond between dog and owner too.

Although each dog and owner relationship is unique, every owner can try to be more attentive of their dog’s reactive body language in order to gain a better sense of just how much their dog loves them.

Isn't it incredible that a dog would much rather receive praise and love from his human as opposed to a treat? You already know your doggie loves you, but this research should reassure you just how much your pooch adores you. What's great is this study can help researchers learn more about dogs and how they can be a greater help to the disabled and people who own a service dog.

This study is also another great reminder that service dogs are important to those with disabilities — dogs have so much love to give!

For more on this study, visit Care2.