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Empathy is not reserved for humans. Just like people can sense the emotions of their friends and partners and adjust their behavior accordingly, dogs also have this ability. There are specially trained animals, like canines that can warn their epileptic owners of an impending seizure. However, a recent study suggests that even regular dogs can pick up on human emotions and respond accordingly.
Does People’s Stress Affect Dogs’ Behavior?
A new study indicates that dogs can detect human stress through their sense of smell. Researchers from the University of Bristol, Cardiff University, and Medical Detection Dogs collaborated on this project. They conducted experiments where human participants were subjected to stress-inducing activities, and their breath and sweat samples were collected. Dogs were then exposed to these samples when the humans were calm and when they were stressed. The results showed that dogs acted more hesitantly and pessimistically when around stressed individuals.
Optimistic or Pessimistic Pups
Researchers also tested how dogs responded to ambiguous situations based on human stress levels. Dogs were more likely to approach food bowls optimistically if they were exposed to the scent of a relaxed individual. However, they were more hesitant in approaching the bowls if they were exposed to the stress scent.
How Dogs Respond to Smelling Stress
The study found that dogs were less likely to take risks or approach potential rewards if they sensed stress in the environment. This shows that dogs can be affected by human emotions and adjust their behavior accordingly.
Evolving Together
This research highlights the importance of creating a stress-free environment when interacting with dogs. Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell, so their behavior can be influenced by the emotions of those around them. Training dogs in calm environments can lead to better learning outcomes and a positive relationship between owners and their pets.
An Olfactory Perspective
Studies like this one shed light on how human emotions can impact animal behavior. Dogs have the ability to sense and respond to human stress levels, making them valuable companions for individuals dealing with anxiety or PTSD. Considering dogs’ training and working environments from an olfactory perspective is crucial for their well-being and effectiveness as service animals.
Sources:
“Scientific Reports” – Z. Parr-Cortes. July 22, 2024.
“NPR” – Rachel Treisman. July 23, 2024.
“People” – Kimberlee Speakman. July 24, 2024.
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