Scientifically proven: dogs reflect the stress of their owners

Dogs reflect the stress level of their owner, not the opposite, according to a study on the influence of factors such as lifestyle or the people with whom they live on the dog's character.

Researchers at Linköping University in Sweden questioned whether, just as there was a correlation between the long-term stress of children and their mothers, a similar reflection of the level of stress over long periods could also occur between species, as between the domesticated dog and humans.

The researchers determined the stress level over several months by measuring the concentration of the stress hormone, cortisol, in a few inches of the dog's hair and its owner.

"We found that long-term cortisol levels in the dog and its owner were synchronized, so owners with high levels of cortisol have dogs with high levels of cortisol, while owners with low levels of cortisol cortisol have dogs with low levels of cortisol. ", summarizes Ann-Sofie Sundman, from the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM) of LiU, lead author of the study.

The study, published in Scientific Reports, examined 25 collies and 33 Shetland sheepdog dogs, all belonging to women. The owners and their dogs provided hair samples on two separate occasions for a few months. Since physical activity can increase cortisol levels, the researcher also wanted to compare pet dogs with dogs competing in obedience or agility. As a result, the physical activity levels of dogs were recorded for a week with an activity collar.

Previous research has shown that cortisol levels in short-term saliva increase simultaneously in dogs and their owners when they compete with each other. The new study, in contrast, revealed that physical activity in dogs does not affect long-term cortisol in the hair.

On the other hand, the level of stress of competing dogs seems to be more related to that of the owner. Scientists believe that this could be badociated with a more active interaction between the owner and the dog during training and competition.

Dog owners were also asked to complete two validated questionnaires about their own and their dog's personality, to find out if stress levels correlate with personality traits.

"Surprisingly, we did not find any significant effect of the dog's personality on the long-term stress, but the owner's personality had a significant effect, which led us to suggest that the dog reflects the stress of the dog. his owner." explains Professor Lina Roth, also of the IFM, and principal investigator of the study.

The result suggests that the coincidence between an owner and his dog affects the dog's stress level. However, further studies are needed before conclusions can be drawn about the cause of the correlation. Researchers are now considering studying other breeds. The Shetland Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog are both shepherd dogs, which have been bred to work well with humans and respond accurately and quickly to signals.

The research group is now considering whether a similar synchronization takes place between the dog and the man, for example in hounds trained to be independent. Another axis of research will badyze if the bad of the owner plays a role.

"If we learn more about how humans influence different types of dogs, it will be possible to match the dog and owner in the best possible way for both, from a stress management perspective. Do not be so deeply affected by their owner's stress, "explains Lina Roth, so getting an immune response to cancer is about finding more sustainable responses to treatment.