The heart rate of dogs and humans have been found to synchronise when they are interacting.
New research has found that, just like human heart rates adapt to each other in certain circumstances, playing with your dog can produce a similar result.
Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä said heart rate variability was an indicator of the state of the body’s autonomic nervous system.
High heart rate variability was associated with a state of relaxation and recovery, while low heart rate variability indicated stimulation or strain.
“In this study, the owner’s high heart rate variability was connected to the dog’s high heart rate variability, and vice versa,” the study report said.
“In addition, the physical activity levels of a dog and its owner mutually adapted to each other during the study.”
The study found that when the owner was relaxed, the dog also tended to be relaxed.
“Moreover, the owner’s and dog’s activity levels were similar during the given tasks, such as playing,” the report said.
Doctoral Researcher Aija Koskela said the owner’s temperament was also connected to the dog’s heart rate variability
If the owner tended to be negative about life, they had a stronger emotional bond with the dog and the dog tended to have a higher sense of safety.
“This study indicates that the emotional states of dogs and their owners as well as the reactions of their nervous system become partially adapted to each other during interaction,” the study report said.
“The same mechanisms that strengthen human affective attachment also seem to support the relationship between a dog and its owner.
“This study deepens our understanding about interaction between species and about the meaning of emotional connection between dogs and humans.”
The full report is on the University of Jyväskylä website.
