# Smell of Human Stress Affects Dogs’ Emotions and Decisions
Dogs experience emotional contagion through the scent of human stress, leading to more pessimistic decision-making. While stress odors negatively affect their emotions, they may also enhance dogs' learning ability as an adaptive response.

# Emotional and Physiological Synchronization Between Dogs and Owners
Heart rate variability (HRV) studies reveal that dogs and their caretakers synchronize emotionally and physiologically during interactions. This synchronization reflects the deep attachment bond between humans and dogs, comparable to relationships like parent and child.

# Therapy Dogs as Mood Boosters for Healthcare Workers
Therapy dogs significantly uplift the mood of healthcare workers in high-pressure hospital environments. Interacting with therapy dogs through structured programs helps reduce stress and burnout, improving emotional well-being and work engagement.

By Marco Adda

The profound connections between humans and dogs continue to reveal surprising insights into the emotional, physiological, and psychological bonds we share. Recent studies shed light on how our emotions and actions influence our canine companions, the synchronization of our biological rhythms, and the therapeutic benefits dogs bring to high-pressure environments. These findings deepen our understanding of dogs, free ranging dogs, of the unique interspecies relationship and offer practical lessons for improving human and animal well-being.

1 - In a few words: smell of human stress affects dogs' emotions leading them to make more pessimistic choices.

“The odour of an unfamiliar stressed or relaxed person affects dogs’ responses to a cognitive bias test”

A study from the University of Bristol revealed that dogs can experience emotional contagion through the smell of human stress. When exposed to the scent of a stressed human, dogs were more likely to make "pessimistic" decisions, such as being slower to approach ambiguous situations that could contain rewards. The study tested 18 dogs in various scenarios with human odors from stressed or relaxed individuals and found that stress odors negatively influenced dogs' emotional states and decision-making.

Interestingly, despite the negative emotional effect, dogs showed improved learning under stress odors, likely as an adaptive response. This research emphasizes the impact of human emotions—detected even through smell—on dogs’ behavior and emotional well-being.

For people living with dogs, this study highlights the profound connection between human and canine emotions. Our stress doesn’t just affect us—it can influence our dogs’ mood, behavior, and ability to learn. Being mindful of our emotional state and its potential impact on our pets is crucial for fostering a positive and supportive environment for their well-being.

Here you can check the scientific publication: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-66147-1

2 - In a few words: Dog-caretaker interaction is reflected in heart rate variability

“Behavioral and emotional co-modulation during dog–owner interaction measured by heart rate variability and activity”

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have discovered that the heart rate variability (HRV) of dogs and their owners synchronizes during interactions. High HRV typically reflects relaxation, while low HRV indicates heightened stimulation. This finding sheds light on the physiological underpinnings of the emotional bond between dogs and their owners.

In human relationships, emotional connection plays a key role in interaction, with emotional synchronization—such as that between a child and a parent—being crucial for developing attachment. Similarly, the bond between a dog and its owner is built on attachment, but until now, its physiological mechanisms have been poorly understood. This study provides valuable insights into these dynamics, deepening our appreciation of the unique connection shared between humans and their canine companions.

Here you can check the scientific publication: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-76831-x

3 - In a few words: Therapy dog program works as needed mood-booster for health care workers

“The impact of an animal assisted activity on healthcare worker well-being in the inpatient hospital setting”

A new study from The Ohio State University highlights the mood-boosting benefits of therapy dogs, not just for patients, but also for health care workers. The research focused on Buckeye Paws, a program pairing highly trained therapy dogs with health care providers. Over an eight-week period, 64 participants—including nurses, doctors, and other medical staff—reported a significant improvement in mood, with positive mood levels nearly doubling after interactions with the dogs.

The program, led by volunteer hospital employees and their certified therapy dogs, aimed to reduce stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion while enhancing work engagement. Participants could interact freely with the dogs, rating their mood before and after each session. The study underscores the potential of animal-assisted activities to support the well-being of those working in high-pressure medical environments.

Here you can check the scientific publication: https://medcraveonline.com/IJCAM/the-impact-of-an-animal-assisted-activity-on-healthcare-worker-well-being-in-the-inpatient-hospital-setting.html

Additionally, here is a critical paper on dogs welfare. If you haven't downloaded yet the recently published “Hellness or Wellness? Rediscussing Free-Ranging Dogs Welfare”, you can do so here, free download.

Marco Adda | The Founder

AEDC Anthrozoology Education Dogs Canines - Academy
Supporting professionals. Shaping the life of people and animals.

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