0
0
Bristol, UK – A groundbreaking study led by the University of Bristol, published today in Scientific Reports, reveals that the scent of human stress can significantly influence dogs’ emotional states and decision-making processes. This novel research is the first to examine how odors associated with human stress affect canine behavior and cognitive function.
Human research has long suggested that the smell of stress can subtly affect those around us, but this study delves into whether the same principle applies to dogs. The study, conducted by the Bristol Veterinary School team, sought to determine if the odor of human stress or relaxation influences dogs’ emotional responses and learning capabilities.
The experiment involved 18 dog-owner pairs who participated in trials with varying human odors present. Dogs were trained to associate food bowls placed in specific locations with either the presence or absence of a treat. Once the dogs learned these associations, researchers tested their responses to new, ambiguous bowl locations placed between the original two.
The study found that dogs exposed to the scent of stress were slower to approach ambiguous bowl locations closer to the trained empty bowl location. This contrasted with dogs exposed to relaxation odors, who showed no such hesitation. This suggests that stress odors may lead dogs to adopt a more ‘pessimistic’ outlook, anticipating that the new location is less likely to contain food, mirroring the negative expectations associated with the empty bowl.
Dr. Nicola Rooney, Senior Lecturer in Wildlife and Conservation at Bristol Veterinary School and the study’s lead author, emphasized the implications of these findings: “Understanding how human stress affects dogs’ wellbeing is crucial for various settings, including kennels, training environments, and assistance dog programs. This research shows that even the scent of an unfamiliar stressed individual can alter a dog’s emotional state and cognitive perceptions.”
Dr. Zoe Parr-Cortes, a PhD student and primary researcher on the project, highlighted the significance of the study: “Our findings demonstrate that stress can be transmitted through more than just direct interaction—it can affect dogs through the air as well. This underscores the importance of managing stress in environments where dogs are present.”
The research involved a diverse group of dogs ranging from eight months to ten years old, including Springer spaniels, Cocker spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, and other breeds. Notably, eight of the dogs were registered as teaching dogs at the University of Bristol.
This study opens new avenues for understanding the intricate ways in which human emotions impact our canine companions and provides valuable insights for improving dog welfare in various contexts.
