Dogs may value their humans most

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Research using awake canine fMRI suggests that, for most dogs, interactions with their owners can be more rewarding than food or time with other dogs. A simple bit of praise or gentle affection can light up the parts of the brain associated with positive feelings. While every dog is different, these findings hint that many dogs may value their bond with their humans more than anything else.

Source

Cook PF, Prichard A, Spivak M, Berns GS. Awake canine fMRI predicts dogs' preference for praise vs food. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci. 2016 Dec;11(12):1853-1862. doi: 10.1093/scan/nsw102. Epub 2016 Aug 12. PMID: 27521302; PMCID: PMC5141954.

Additional Reading

https://www.today.com/health/our-dogs-really-do-love-us-praise-big-treats-your-t102041

https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2016/08/brain-scans-show-your-dog-loves-you-and.html

https://www.aol.com/lifestyle/32-reasons-why-dogs-better-140000897.html