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Since their domestication over 30,000 years ago, dogs have become reliable companions and companions to humans. Their contribution to our survival is significant, but we also value doggies for the positive emotions and unwavering loyalty they bring. The positive impact of contact with dogs has been proven by numerous studies, yet research on the effects of human-animal interaction across various activities is limited. Similarly, there is a lack of evidence regarding the mechanisms underlying these processes, including changes in brain activity.
Researchers from Konkuk University’s Graduate School decided to fill these gaps by comparing psychophysiological and emotional reactions during various activities with dogs.
Dogs and Human Interaction: Previous Studies
Since ancient times, dogs have assisted in hunting, guarding humans and property, as well as herding livestock. Today, these animals are indispensable in searching for people after air strikes or natural disasters: in Ukraine, canine units actively participate in rescuing victims and demining territories. Within border patrols, dogs detect explosives and hazardous substances. Guide dogs also aid veterans and civilians who have lost their sight, helping them regain mobility.
Simultaneously, due to their ability to communicate, share emotions with humans, and their loyalty, the role of “man’s best friend” has transcended beyond being merely effective assistants. Interacting with dogs increases oxytocin levels, reduces cortisol levels, and lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Interaction with these animals also reduces stress reactions, anxiety, and proves to be an effective treatment for mental and behavioral disorders. Thanks to these benefits, canine therapy, known as canistherapy, is a proven and safe method of rehabilitation used worldwide.
Canistherapy
Canistherapy (from Latin Canis familiaris) is a type of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) that involves psychological, physical, and cognitive effects from interaction with dogs. It is used, among other things, to assist children with congenital psychophysiological developmental conditions such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autism spectrum disorders. Such therapy is also beneficial in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and aiding elderly patients with neurocognitive disorders.
Of course, canistherapy is not suitable for everyone: individuals allergic to dogs or those who fear them are unlikely to experience its positive effects.
Study Overview
The authors aimed to investigate the impact of interaction with dogs specifically on healthy individuals. Selecting participants, they excluded those with psychophysiological and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, pregnant and lactating women, as well as individuals with cynophobia (fear of dogs) or dog allergies, were excluded.
The study involved 30 dog owners and non-owners, consisting of 15 men and 15 women, aged between 20 and 40 years. During the study, participants abstained from consuming caffeinated beverages and smoking. They interacted with a healthy and vaccinated female poodle. The dog was trained in necessary obedience, non-aggression, and socialization skills, with a professional canine handler in constant attendance.
Participants engaged in eight types of activities: meeting, feeding, play, massage, grooming, photography, hugging, and walking. These are typically how owners spend time with their pets. Brain activity was measured using electrodes for electroencephalography (EEG) during interactions with the dog. Subsequently, participants completed a questionnaire describing their mood and stress levels after each activity.
Results: How Dogs Affect Us
The EEG revealed that playing with dogs significantly increased activity in both frontal lobes and the left prefrontal lobe. Overall, play triggered consistent activation in multiple brain areas, including those associated with focused attention, meditative states, and cognitive and sensory processing regions.
The relative strength of alpha-band oscillations in the brain increased when participants played and walked with the dog, reflecting a state of relaxed wakefulness. During grooming, massaging, or play, the relative strength of beta-band oscillations, associated with heightened concentration, also increased.
Participants reported lower levels of depression, fatigue, and stress during interactions with the dog compared to resting periods. They also felt more cheerful when feeding the dog, relaxed when massaging her, and comfortable when walking her. Hugs, massage, and feeding also elevated participants’ moods.
Researchers’ Conclusions
Both dog owners and non-owners confirmed that interacting with dogs enhanced their ability to manage stress and relax. The impact on the prefrontal lobe is particularly significant, as this brain region plays a crucial role in regulating behavior, emotions, language, and cognitive functions. The parietal lobe is essential for sensory perception and integration, motor function control, and spatial orientation.
At the same time, researchers note that the positive effect of such interaction will likely be experienced by people who love dogs and are not afraid of them. Those who do not feel affection for these animals may have a different effect from interacting with them. This difference could lead to bias in the conclusions.
