Researchers at Linköping University have found that herding dogs are capable of experiencing stress at the same time as their owner.
This discovery prompted them to study this relationship among other breeds.
For this purpose, dogs belonging to different categories were recruited.
The first group performed the work in cooperation with a person (for example, this included hunting dogs: dachshunds, jamthunds, etc.). The second consisted of individuals (breeds closer to the wolf: shiba inu, husky, etc.).
During the experimental work, the researchers monitored the levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the animals and their owners.
In addition, pet owners had to fill out a questionnaire about their four-legged friend, as well as about their own psychological state.
As a result, the scientists came to the conclusion that the stronger the relationship between a person and a dog, the more “synchronized” the levels of stress they experienced.
In addition, it was concluded that stress synchronization is influenced not by the breed or purpose of the animal, but by the relationship between the dog and its owner.
