HOW YOUR STRESS INFLUENCES YOUR DOG'S BEHAVIOUR

IT’S no secret that dogs are incredibly attuned to their humans. They seem to know when you're sad, when you're happy and even when you're about to take them for a walk.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

But groundbreaking new research from the UK shows just how deeply your stress can influence your dog not just emotionally but also in the decisions they make.

Published in Scientific Reports, the study reveals that dogs exposed to the scent of human stress are more likely to make pessimistic decisions in ambiguous situations. This fascinating discovery sheds light on the profound connection between human emotions and canine behaviour, offering valuable lessons for dog owners on how to foster a happier and healthier relationship with their pets.

The science behind dogs and stress

Dogs are already known to detect stress in humans. Service dogs, for example, are trained to sense changes in cortisol - a stress hormone that spikes during moments of anxiety or tension. But this study, led by researchers from the University of Bristol, Cardiff University and Medical Detection Dogs, takes it a step further as it examines how the scent of stress affects a dog's emotional state and decision-making.

Dr Zoe Parr-Cortes, the study's lead author and a veterinarian at Bristol Veterinary School, explained: “Dogs have co-evolved with humans for thousands of years, so it makes sense that they've learned to read our emotions. Understanding our stress could be useful to them, especially if it signals a potential threat in the environment.”

How the study worked

To test their theory, researchers designed experiments involving both humans and dogs.

1. Stress resting humans