ANIMAL owners sometimes dodge social occasions to spend time with their pooch, new research has found.

A study conducted by Link AKC quizzed 2,000 dog owners about their relationship with their pet.

3 Wish you were on the sofa with your dog? You're not alone (Picture posed by model) Credit: Getty - Contributor

More than half admitted they’ve flaked on friends to stay in with their pet, with 82% of owners noticing an improvement to their health, both mentally and physically.

In fact, furry friends are responsible for helping their owners through an average of nearly five stressful events per week.

There’s a lot of secrets behind those floppy ears too: three quarters of people admit that they tell their dog things that wouldn’t tell anyone else.

People also trust their pets opinion over new partners – 80% of respondents said it would be a deal breaker if their significant other didn’t like their pet.

3 If you sometimes flake on nights out because you'd rather be with your dog, it's no bad thing (Picture posed by model) Credit: Getty - Contributor

3 People love their pooch for getting them through difficult times Credit: Getty - Contributor

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And single dog owners also talk about their relationship problems with their pet, with a fifth of people crediting their dog for helping them get through a difficult breakup.

If you don't own a dog, perhaps these adorable pictures of napping dogs will have you pining.

You probably love your pooch, but would you buy 68 Christmas presents for it? This mum spent £1000 on her pampered pet.

And check out these hilarious Snapchats that people have taken of their mutts. How can one not love them?