Can Dogs Read Your Chemical Reactions?

Feb 28, 2022 | Pet Health, Pets

Happy Monday everyone!  Today on the blog…Can Dogs Read Your Chemical Reactions?  Studies show they can.  You may have heard people say that their dog can read their mind.  I know Jake And Maggie can read mine.  Every pet I have owned has been able to read my emotions and have acted on their senses to show me they understand.
Several years ago, I adopted Bear from a shelter in Ohio would stop what he was doing, watch me for a second or two, walk over, lick my cheek and sit down next to me when I was upset.  He would stay with me until I felt better.

Jake And Maggie and their facial expressions

Jake doesn’t change much except for a big yawn going on in the second photo.  Maybe he was reading my mind :-). 

Dogs Reactions | www.twoadorablelabs.com
Dogs Reactions | www.twoadorablelabs.com
According to a study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28988316/ research shows the following:
 
Abstract

We report a study examining interspecies emotion transfer via body odors (chemosignals). Do human body odors (chemosignals) produced under emotional conditions of happiness and fear provide information that is detectable by pet dogs (Labrador and Golden retrievers)? The odor samples were collected from the axilla of male donors not involved in the main experiment. The experimental setup involved the co-presence of the dog’s owner, a stranger and the odor dispenser in a space where the dogs could move freely. There were three odor conditions [fear, happiness, and control (no sweat)] to which the dogs were assigned randomly. The dependent variables were the relevant behaviors of the dogs (e.g., approaching, interacting and gazing) directed to the three targets (owner, stranger, sweat dispenser) aside from the dogs’ stress and heart rate indicators. The results indicated with high accuracy that the dogs manifested the predicted behaviors in the three conditions. There were fewer and shorter owner directed behaviors and more stranger directed behaviors when they were in the “happy odor condition” compared to the fear odor and control conditions. In the fear odor condition, they displayed more stressful behaviors. The heart rate data in the control and happy conditions were significantly lower than in the fear condition. Our findings suggest that interspecies emotional communication is facilitated by chemosignals.
Dogs Reactions | www.twoadorablelabs.com
According to a post by The Pupford.com, the following information was given:
 
THE STUDY

The group started by having human participants watch either a clip that induced fear or happiness in the viewers. As they watched a clip, researchers collected a sample of their sweat.

The second part of the study is where the dogs became involved. In a room, the researchers placed a dog with 3 things in the room. 

1. Their pup parent (not trying to interact with or sway the dog)

2. A stranger (not trying to interact with or sway the dog)

3. A sampling of the sweat collected from human participants

The sample of sweat was either (1) the “fear” sweat, (2) the “happy” sweat or (3) no sweat at all.

The dogs were hooked up to heart rate monitors. On top of that, the researchers were viewing to see where the dogs ventured, where they looked, etc.

The results were staggeringly clear.

When the dogs smelled the human “fear” sweat, their heart rates went up and they showed clear signs of fear and anxiety. The dogs would sometimes even try to hide or cower behind their humans.

When the dogs smelled the human “happy” sweat they had lower heart rates (than the “fear” test) and even showed more interaction with the strangers. 

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?
 
First, our dogs DO pick up on changes in our emotions and feelings. Even when we may not think we are exhibiting new feelings or emotions, our body changes. And when the chemicals in our body change, our dogs take notice.

This is why dogs are so skilled at being emotional support animals because they can often sense problems before their human counterparts can.

Additionally, from a dog training and behavior standpoint, this study emphasizes the importance of our own emotions when we interact and train our dogs. If we are constantly feeling anxious or overwhelmed when training, our dogs will pick up on that and mimic those feelings.
Dogs Reactions | www.twoadorablelabs.com
Dogs Reactions | www.twoadorablelabs.com

I love hearing from all of you and do my best to respond to each and every one of you.  I always enjoy your comments, feedback, and suggestions so keep them coming!  If I’ve posted a recipe (for our human and our furry friends) and you try it, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @twoadorablelabs and use #twoadorablelabs​.

If you do try and love my recipes, I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating.  I read every single one and respond to them.  It also lets Google know that the website contains quality content.  The more comments and 5-star ratings, the more Google will show my blog in search results!  Thank you so much!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

You Might Also Like

Bourbon Cream Chocolate Coffee

Bourbon Cream Chocolate Coffee

Happy Wednesday everyone!  Valentine’s Day is next week and I thought this Bourbon Cream Chocolate Coffee would be the perfect after dinner drink for your Valentine’s Day dinner at home!  This is a combo of sweet cream with hints of bourbon and chocolate together....

Potato Stacks

Potato Stacks

Happy Wednesday everyone!  These Potato Stacks are crispy, salty, cheesy, and delicious.  I found this recipe on Half Baked Harvest but tweaked it just a bit for some extra flavor.  Made with Idaho potatoes, salted butter, oregano, grated parmesan cheese, fresh...

Chocolate Caramel Covered Apples

Chocolate Caramel Covered Apples

Happy Wednesday everyone!  I’m so excited to post about these Chocolate Caramel Covered Apples!  This recipe was created by my sister many years ago and is so delicious.  I love the thickness of the caramel and chocolate together covering a sweet Honeycrisp Apple!  I...

Skull Pepperoni Rolls

Skull Pepperoni Rolls

Happy Wednesday everyone!  These Skull Pepperoni Rolls are so fun, fast to prepare, and cooks up in minutes.  Perfect for a Halloween party or cooking with the kids!  I saw this idea on Pinterest and had to try it.  Mr. TAL gave them a thumbs up and said they are...

What Do You Think? Let Us Know!

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Crop Image