In a groundbreaking study published in PLOS ONE, researchers led by Julia Weixlbraun explored how behavioral traits—particularly trainability—influence the biological aging process in pet dogs. The research focuses on telomeres, the protective caps at the end of chromosomes that shorten as animals age. In humans, shorter telomeres are linked with aging and various diseases, but little was known about how this translates to canines—until now.
The team analyzed data from 63 aging pet dogs, applying a behavioral assessment tool called the Modified Vienna Canine Cognitive Battery, along with standard variables like age, sex, diet, and body weight. They measured relative telomere length using qPCR and applied a model selection approach to identify the best predictors of telomere dynamics over time.
The standout result? Trainability emerged as the strongest behavioral predictor of telomere preservation. Dogs who scored higher in trainability experienced slower telomere shortening, suggesting that mental engagement and learning ability may help delay biological aging.
Interestingly, other factors—such as sex, age, or diet—had far less impact on telomere changes than the dogs’ cognitive traits. The findings hint at a promising link between mental stimulation and cellular health, echoing similar findings in human aging research.
While the study is exploratory and calls for further investigation, it provides early evidence that fostering cognitive abilities like trainability in dogs might not only enhance quality of life but also promote healthier aging at a biological level.
Source: Julia Weixlbraun, D. Chapagain, J. S. Cornils, S. Smith, F. Schwarzenberger, F. Hoelzl. 2025-02-05. “Impact of trainability on telomere dynamics of pet dogs (Canis lupus familiaris): An explorative study in aging dogs.” PLOS ONE, Volume 20.
