Research has shown a strong human-dog connection, highlighting that dogs can elevate mood, lower blood pressure, and reduce cortisol, a stress-related hormone. Eye contact with dogs may even increase oxytocin, a hormone linked to love and trust.
However, there’s limited research on the brain’s response during human-dog interactions.
A recent study in South Korea explored this by attaching electrode headsets to 30 individuals and observing their brain activity while interacting with a poodle named Aro. The findings showed that walking Aro led to increased relaxation, grooming her enhanced focus, and playing with her provided both benefits.
Onyoo Yoo, the study’s lead researcher from Konkuk University, noted that while previous studies often assessed overall mood or hormone changes with dog interactions, this study focused on specific brain activity changes during various dog-related activities.
The study, published in PLOS ONE, involved participants in eight different activities with Aro, each lasting three minutes: meeting, playing, feeding, massaging, grooming, photographing, hugging, and walking. Participants wore brainwave-detecting headsets and completed surveys post-activity to report their emotional state.
Results indicated that alpha brain waves, which signal relaxation, were stronger when participants played with Aro or walked her. Beta waves, linked to concentration, were heightened during play, brushing, and gentle massage, suggesting improved focus without added stress.
Participants reported feeling less stressed, tired, and depressed after all activities, with mood enhancements noted particularly during massage, feeding, and hugging Aro. Walking and massaging the dog were reported as relaxing activities.
Yoo stated, “This study shows that specific activities with dogs can actively engage brain regions associated with relaxation, emotional stability, and mental focus, reducing stress and fostering positive emotions.”
Other research indicates potential benefits of dogs for conditions like depression or PTSD, though effectiveness varies. A 2022 study found service dogs more beneficial for PTSD symptoms in veterans and first responders than regular pets. A 2020 clinical trial showed service dogs slightly more effective than emotional support dogs for veterans with PTSD.
Yet, for pet therapy to be effective, an affinity for animals is necessary. Kathryn Magruder, a psychiatry professor and co-author of the 2020 trial, shared her personal unease with dogs due to a childhood incident, suggesting not everyone may find comfort in such interactions.
Jennifer Dobkin, who oversees UCLA’s People-Animal Connection program, has observed firsthand how dogs aid in relaxation and focus. She shared an instance where her terrier mix, Toto, brought comfort to a grieving family in a hospital. Additionally, children at Stuart House, a center for sexually abused youth in Santa Monica, California, find solace in petting a Golden Retriever/Labrador mix named Norse during stressful situations, aiding in their focus and comfort.