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Just as the latest science improves our everyday lives, research into our canine companions is coming on leaps and bounds. So what are the latest studies telling us about our dogs, and can these findings help us live longer, happier and more purposeful lives together?
We’ve picked the most interesting studiesfrom recent publications, and broken them down to discover what these findings could mean for us, and our dogs.
It’s no secret that reducing stress is an important part of promoting well-being in our daily life. Perhaps more so than ever for those in stressful phases, such as students. Research has shown that adverse mental health symptoms and disorders in higher education settings are rising. But there could be a convenient answer to this for owners everywhere...their dogs!
A study published in May this year found that petting therapy dogs improved stressed-out students' thinking and planning skills far more effectively than other programs using traditional stress-management techniques. The study, conducted by Washington State University, also found that these stressed students still felt these cognitive improvements up to six weeks after completing the four week pet-therapy program. Isn’t that incredible?
It’s no secret that reducing stress is an important part of promoting well-being in our daily life. Perhaps more so than ever for those in stressful phases, such as students. Research has shown that adverse mental health symptoms and disorders in higher education settings are rising. But there could be a convenient answer to this for owners everywhere...their dogs!
A study published in May this year found that petting therapy dogs improved stressed-out students' thinking and planning skills far more effectively than other programs using traditional stress-management techniques. The study, conducted by Washington State University, also found that these stressed students still felt these cognitive improvements up to six weeks after completing the four week pet-therapy program. Isn’t that incredible?
So if you are feeling stressed yourself, or have a child nearing a big exam, never underestimate the power of a dog’s love and affection. Petting animals really can help us relax and cope with life’s stressors,rather than letting them overwhelm us.
If you want to make a big difference to others too, why not sign you and your pet up for therapy training?
A study from May 2020 found that teenage dogs really can behave like stroppy teenagers!
Researchers found a correlation between the onset of puberty in dogs and general disobedience. Ie: they were less likely to follow commands given by their carer. Interestingly, they were also much more likely to follow commands given by others (instead of their owner) ...sound familiar?
So if you are feeling stressed yourself, or have a child nearing a big exam, never underestimate the power of a dog’s love and affection. Petting animals really can help us relax and cope with life’s stressors,rather than letting them overwhelm us.
If you want to make a big difference to others too, why not sign you and your pet up for therapy training?
A study from May 2020 found that teenage dogs really can behave like stroppy teenagers!
Researchers found a correlation between the onset of puberty in dogs and general disobedience. Ie: they were less likely to follow commands given by their carer. Interestingly, they were also much more likely to follow commands given by others (instead of their owner) ...sound familiar?
What’s incredible about this research is that it suggests puberty in dogs is more than just a “generalized hormonal” change. That dogs are actually much more similar to us in their emotional development too:
‘This finding emulates human research, where increases in conflict with parents during adolescence have been associated with insecure attachments….The dogs most stressed by separation from their main carer in the study, were also increasingly disobedient towards that same person.’
Meaning that there could be a link between your dog's attachment to you and their disobedience level during puberty.If you have an adopted dog, a puppy that missed their socialization window or any other factors affecting your attachment, then this might explain why their teenage angst is particularly evident.
So don’t be hard on yourself, and know that with lots of patience and trust building, your dog will improve.Plus, the researchers also noted that: “In most dogs, it seems that adolescent-phase disobedient behaviour exists, but does not last.” - phew!
What’s incredible about this research is that it suggests puberty in dogs is more than just a “generalized hormonal” change. That dogs are actually much more similar to us in their emotional development too:
‘This finding emulates human research, where increases in conflict with parents during adolescence have been associated with insecure attachments….The dogs most stressed by separation from their main carer in the study, were also increasingly disobedient towards that same person.’
Meaning that there could be a link between your dog's attachment to you and their disobedience level during puberty.If you have an adopted dog, a puppy that missed their socialization window or any other factors affecting your attachment, then this might explain why their teenage angst is particularly evident.
So don’t be hard on yourself, and know that with lots of patience and trust-building, your dog will improve.Plus, the researchers also noted that: “In most dogs, it seems that adolescent-phase disobedient behaviour exists, but does not last.” - phew!
Trying to feed a fussy dog is always tricky, but new research could have the answer - smell.
In this September 2020 study, researchers fed six dogs one of six different foods for one hour, measuring how much the dogs ate. The team found that the dogs preferred food containing three specific aroma molecules:
So next time you are deciding what to choose for your picky eater, perhaps let your nose lead the way!
Trying to feed a fussy dog is always tricky, but new research could have the answer - smell.
In this September 2020 study, researchers fed six dogs one of six different foods for one hour, measuring how much the dogs ate. The team found that the dogs preferred food containing three specific aroma molecules:
So next time you are deciding what to choose for your picky eater, perhaps let your nose lead the way!
Ever wondered if dogs have an effect on childhood? Well researchers have found that they can.
A July 2020 study found that children from dog-owning households had more prosocial behaviours. Specifically, these kids were more confident and had less problemswith peers, compared to children without a dog. Interestingly, they also noted that family dog walking at least once a week, and active play with the family dog three or more times a week, increased these odds even higher. How amazing is that?
So definitely think about building in some family bonding time, with Fido at the center of it all. Lucky Fido!
Ever wondered if dogs have an effect on childhood? Well researchers have found that they can.
A July 2020 study found that children from dog-owning households had more prosocial behaviours. Specifically, these kids were more confident and had less problemswith peers, compared to children without a dog. Interestingly, they also noted that family dog walking at least once a week, and active play with the family dog three or more times a week, increased these odds even higher. How amazing is that?
So definitely think about building in some family bonding time, with Fido at the center of it all. Lucky Fido!
Our ability to control COVID-19 relies on early identification of infection. So could sniffing it out in real-time be the answer?
COVID creates “volatile organic compounds”, which a dog's sensitive nose can pick up. In fact, researchers found that trained dogs managed it - with a high rate of precision too.
The July 2020 study included eight detection dogs, who were trained for one week to be able to detect the smell of COVID infected patients.These clever dogs were able to hit an overall average detection rate of 94 percent!
In summary, dogs could be our frontline defence against further pandemics,without waiting hours for testing. Phenomenal!
Our ability to control COVID-19 relies on early identification of infection. So could sniffing it out in real-time be the answer?
COVID creates “volatile organic compounds”, which a dog's sensitive nose can pick up. In fact, researchers found that trained dogs managed it - with a high rate of precision too.
The July 2020 study included eight detection dogs, who were trained for one week to be able to detect the smell of COVID infected patients.These clever dogs were able to hit an overall average detection rate of 94 percent!
In summary, dogs could be our frontline defence against further pandemics,without waiting hours for testing. Phenomenal!
