Any animal that normally lives in a flock or herd can become lonely, depressed, frightened, or agitated if separated from other animals. An animal that normally would not become frightened when the caretaker enters would become upset easily when left in isolation. This poses a special problem for people who work with dairy cattle or horses. Cows left by themselves during the milking procedure can overreact to sudden movements or situations that normally would not frighten them. Likewise, an individual who rides a horse used to being with other horses may notice the animal becoming excited or frightened as time away from other animals increases.
Animals form social relationships with caretakers, too.
Caretakers normally form a care-dependency relationship with animals under their charge. To feed and provide shelter for livestock, a caretaker must have the dominant role. In caring for a dog, an individual may form a leader-follower relationship in which the human s actions are repeated by the animal. This is sometimes difficult to accomplish in other species, such as cattle or pigs, because of the innate behavior pattern of that species. All domesticated animals have strong maternal instincts.