Genetics Shape Dogs’ Human-Directed Social Behavior
A 2015 study showed that dogs’ tendencies to seek human eye contact and interaction have a genetic basis, though age and experience also shape behavior.
A 2015 study showed that dogs’ tendencies to seek human eye contact and interaction have a genetic basis, though age and experience also shape behavior.
A 2009 study found that cooperative-worker breeds and brachycephalic dogs outperformed others in using human pointing cues, revealing genetic influences on cognition.
Research shows that dog breeds vary in social cognition, inhibitory control, and problem-solving skills, reflecting effects of selective breeding.
A 2023 review found that dog ownership increases maternal and fetal microbial diversity, improving immune health and reducing risks of allergic disease and preterm birth.
A 2021 study found that puppy training before six months lowered the odds of aggression, compulsive behavior, destructive acts, and excessive barking.
A 2019 survey revealed that most pet dogs in Japan displayed behavioral issues, with barking and pica among the most frequent, influenced by breed and household factors.
A study of 1,923 cases at a U.S. veterinary behavior clinic revealed aggression as the most common issue, with shelter adoptions and breed trends shaping caseloads.
A 2015 review found that puppies exposed early to varied social experiences develop into better-adjusted adults with fewer behavioral problems.
A 2020 study found that neutering age influences risks of joint disorders and cancers across 35 dog breeds, with major differences between large and small breeds.
A 2020 study found that early neutering raises joint disorder risks in mixed-breed dogs over 20 kg, while smaller dogs show no significant effects.
A 2024 study found that early neutering affects health outcomes differently across large dog breeds, with risks of joint disorders and cancers varying by breed and sex.
A 2006 study found that canine cranial cruciate ligaments contain smaller collagen fibrils and more chondroitin sulfate, reducing tensile strength and stability.
A review highlights how cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs stems from abnormal biomechanics and biology, causing joint failure and impaired mobility.
A study in Frontiers in Psychology shows that dogs’ attentiveness shifts across their lifespan, with middle age marking peak focus and parallels to human aging.
A study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science shows that aging dogs with cognitive impairment disengage faster from an impossible task, highlighting its use as a dementia test.
A review in Animal Welfare explores shifting dog breeding trends, highlighting the need for reforms that balance health, welfare, and breed predictability.
Using awake fMRI, researchers discovered that dogs process odor mixtures as entirely new scents, not just blends, with key roles for the amygdala and piriform cortex.
A study reveals that while protein needs are met, many homemade-style dog foods fall short on essential minerals and fatty acid ratios.
A study shows that fish-based diets enhance fatty acid profiles, reduce oxidative stress, and improve overall health in police dogs.
Research reveals domestic dogs regulate their diet to a stable protein, fat, and carbohydrate ratio, suggesting deep evolutionary influences.
New research evaluates protein quality in dog diets using amino acid digestibility scores, revealing ingredient differences and regulatory inconsistencies.
Research challenges traditional views of dog aggression, suggesting that size, caretaker relationships, and culture are as important as genetics.
A large-scale study challenges common perceptions of dog aggression, showing that mixed-breeds exhibit more aggression than so-called dangerous breeds.
Researchers show that behavioral correlations tied to domestication are weaker in modern dog breeds than in ancient ones, reshaping our understanding of canine evolution.
Researchers reveal that human-driven selective breeding has significantly altered canine brain anatomy, shaping networks tied to behavioral specialization.
Border collies use innate stalking postures while responding to shepherd whistles. Research highlights how acoustic structures shape effective interspecies teamwork.
A large-scale study published in Science reveals that breed is a poor predictor of dog behavior, with individual variation shaped by complex genetics and environment.
A 2020 ethnobiology study explores the human-canine bond, showing how selective breeding shaped dogs’ traits while affirming their agency as social beings.
A 2017 study shows that sigma-range EEG transients in dogs during non-REM sleep support memory consolidation and mirror human-like patterns.
A 2017 study shows that dogs consolidate new learning during sleep, with EEG patterns predicting improved task performance.
A 2024 study reveals that cooperative dog breeds respond more effectively to human verbal communication than independent breeds.
A 2024 study reveals that cooperative dog breeds show greater human-directed gazing during unsolvable tasks than independent breeds.
A Ukrainian study outlines a scientifically grounded system for training service dogs and inspectors in explosives, weapons, and ammunition detection.
A review outlines the behavioral traits most critical for explosives detection dogs and emphasizes better selection methods to meet rising global demands.
A study of 283 shelter dogs found they reacted differently to male versus female strangers, but results do not call for changes to behavioral evaluations.
Research revealed that dogs and wolves responded more positively to friendly trainer voices, while reprehensive speech reduced cooperation and increased avoidance.
Research on Jindo dogs revealed that puppies socialized between 7 and 13 weeks displayed higher playful reactivity to novel stimuli than isolated pups.
Research showed that dogs in unfamiliar spaces matched their location, movement, and activity timing with their owners, demonstrating interspecific synchrony.
A large-scale survey showed most pet owners store food adequately, but gaps remain regarding temperature control and attitudes toward preservatives.
A young Weimaraner with hyperactivity and impulse-control issues improved through behavioral therapy, medical treatment, and careful management.
Reviewing canine and feline food allergies, researchers emphasized that elimination diets followed by test meals remain the most reliable diagnostic method.
Research found that probiotic supplementation in obese dogs reduced lipid accumulation, restored gut stability, and improved glucose and insulin tolerance.
A randomized, double-blind study showed that dogs receiving an indole-rich postbiotic had reduced itching, better skin quality, and greater gut diversity.
Research showed that fermentable dietary fibre lowered feeding motivation and activity in dogs, while tryptophan supplementation had no measurable effect.
Research comparing wolves and dogs found subtle context-specific arousal differences, with dogs showing greater relaxation near humans during rest.
A study found that intranasal oxytocin increased gazing behavior in Japanese dog breeds, enhancing bonding with owners through hormonal changes.
Children completing a social stress test with their pet dogs reported greater positive emotions, highlighting dogs’ role in supporting child wellbeing.
Research comparing equally raised wolves and dogs found that age, not species, shaped risk-taking, while a familiar human boosted food-seeking behavior.
Dogs facing a threatening stranger had lower heart rate increases when accompanied by their owners, confirming a human analogue safe haven effect.
A study found that shelter dogs experienced greater success and reduced stress when interactive games were introduced gradually rather than hastily.
Research shows that dogs’ heart activity during sleep is influenced by prior emotional experiences, with effects most pronounced in wake stages.
Research revealed that women experienced reduced stress when accompanied by their dogs during challenging tasks, compared to being with a close friend.
A study found that domestic dogs showed more facial expressions, displacement behaviors, and avoidance when denied food in the presence of other dogs than humans.
A review of canine cortisol studies emphasizes non-invasive testing methods to improve accuracy and reduce stress, supporting better welfare standards.
A study found that dogs rescued from adverse early environments respond differently to social stress, showing altered cortisol patterns and behavioral traits.
A comparative study found that familiar, structured training sessions reduced salivary cortisol levels in both dogs and human-socialised wolves.
A welfare study found that pair housing in kennelled dogs reduced some stress-related behaviors and lowered long-term cortisol measures.
A controlled study found that having a pet dog present reduced children’s self-reported stress during a lab stress task, highlighting socio-emotional benefits.
A behavioral study found that dogs rescued from poor early environments respond differently to social stress, showing altered cortisol patterns and fear behaviors.
A comparative study found that increased oxytocin release in dogs during owner contact is shaped by pet life experience rather than domestication alone.
A comparative study revealed that oxytocin levels in dogs and owners did not reliably increase after positive interactions, even with closely bonded partners.
Research comparing dogs and wolves shows that increased oxytocin during human interaction is linked to pet life experience rather than domestication history.
A veterinary study found that skin turgor measurement is a useful field method for detecting small hydration changes in working dogs after exercise.
A veterinary study showed salivary alpha-amylase levels closely match clinical pain scores in dogs, making it a promising non-invasive pain assessment tool.
A behavioral survey found that dogs participating in sports, especially agility, displayed fewer stress indicators and reduced aggression toward other dogs.
A veterinary study found that serum cortisol levels measured via ECLIA do not reliably correspond with actual pain severity in dogs with locomotor issues.
Ogi et al. found that just five minutes of positive interaction with trainers significantly raised oxytocin in guide dogs without elevating stress hormones.
Packer et al. found that hair cortisol levels in Border Collies reflect both lifestyle and health, revealing complex chronic stress effects.
Awalt et al. reveal that early life adversity in dogs alters stress and bonding gene methylation, influencing attachment styles and HPA axis regulation.
Maxwell et al. show that hair cortisol levels in South Korean meat-farmed dogs are more than double those of pets, proving prolonged stress exposure.
Zakarevičiūtė et al. find that most Lithuanian dog owners are unaware of canine blood donation, with fear a key barrier to donor recruitment.
Herwijnen et al. identify nine ownership factors strongly associated with dogs confiscated after biting people or other animals.
Hitchcock et al. examined owner-reported cases of behavioral euthanasia, finding aggression toward household members and other dogs as primary factors.
Bradshaw and Rooney reveal that domestic dog behavior is shaped by family-based wolf social structures, rendering the “alpha” concept obsolete.
A study found English and French Bulldogs solved tasks less successfully but sought more human interaction than Mudi dogs, reflecting behavioural paedomorphism.
Brachycephalic dog breeds were found to have larger foreheads and eyes relative to face size, features linked to perceptions of cuteness.
Histological analysis revealed that sweat gland number and size vary widely among dog breeds, affecting their ability to regulate body temperature.
Genetic testing identified markers linked to canine behavioral diagnoses, with some loci predictive of traits like aggression, fear, and separation issues.
Review highlights how domestic dogs’ feeding behavior, dentition, and taste sensitivity are rooted in wolf ancestry, shaped further by domestication.
A rare case of dissociative syndrome in a dog was successfully treated with fluoxetine and aripiprazole, restoring normal behavior and quality of life.
Enzyme supplementation in pulse-based vegan dog diets impacts stool moisture and gut metabolites without improving nutrient digestibility.
Research shows fish-based diets enhance lipid metabolism and reduce oxidative stress in police dogs under high physical demand.
Research shows that gut microbiota variations and serotonin levels in working dogs may serve as biomarkers for aggressive behavior.
A critical review finds only weak evidence that platelet-rich plasma injections reduce pain and lameness in dogs with osteoarthritis.
A multicenter study shows that fiber-supplemented diets quickly improve stool consistency and quality of life in dogs with chronic diarrhea.
A study finds chronic enteropathy in dogs negatively impacts their quality of life, behavior, and attachment with owners, improving after treatment.
A 2024 study using the Animal Welfare Assessment Grid found that behavioral changes—such as increased fear, stress sensitivity, and reduced play—can be strong indicators of chronic pain in dogs, often appearing before physical symptoms like lameness.
A 2017 study of 72 puppies found that maternal care in the first three weeks shapes later social behaviors and coping strategies toward stress.
A 2021 genome-wide study in 130 dog breeds found neurological genes linked to herding, predation, temperament, and trainability traits.
A 2019 study found that shelter dogs spending more time awake but motionless may be exhibiting signs of boredom rather than clinical depression.
A PLoS ONE study of over 13,000 dogs in Lazio, Italy, identifies key factors influencing leishmaniasis infection rates.
A 2016 review explores how dogs have become key partners in assistance, emotional support, and therapy for people with disabilities.
A 2019 review details how herding and guarding dogs differ in behavior, with wolves’ return altering livestock reactions toward working dogs.
A comparative analysis of dog magazines from Japan and the UK shows cultural differences in how dogs are viewed—fashion accessories vs. valued companions.
A 2021 study shows Australians view assistance dogs more positively than companion dogs, yet express growing concerns about canine welfare and ethics.
Research finds Mexican-Americans in Las Vegas display strong positive attitudes toward pet dogs, reflecting cultural shifts and attachment trends.
A study of Bangalore college students reveals how urban cultural shifts shape pet dog ownership, emotional connections, and gender-based attitudes toward dogs.
A 2020 review of psychiatric assistance dogs in Australia reveals how these dogs support people with mental illness, improving daily function and emotional wellbeing.
A 2017 pilot study shows that individuals with multiple sclerosis walk significantly faster with service dog assistance, highlighting their value in mobility support.
New evidence shows that service dogs significantly improve psychosocial wellbeing—especially emotional and social functioning—for individuals with disabilities.
New research shows that service dogs significantly enhance psychosocial health, especially emotional and social functioning, in people with physical disabilities.
A new analysis reveals that service dogs play a vital role in suicide prevention for Canadian Veterans with PTSD and substance use issues.
A 2021 study provides guidance to healthcare providers on determining whether a veteran with PTSD would benefit more from a service dog or an emotional support animal, based on functional needs and psychological factors.
A pilot study found that training service dogs helped reduce stress and PTSD symptoms in veterans, offering a promising therapy adjunct.
A structured Ukrainian program for training border guard dogs to detect explosives and weapons combines behavioral science with real-world readiness.
Senior dogs showed measurable improvements in memory and communication after participating in Dognition®, a cognitive enhancement program.
A new study shows that larger dogs experience earlier behavioral decline, but smaller dogs face higher risk of canine cognitive dysfunction.
A study finds that aging dogs who are more trainable may experience slower biological aging, shedding light on how cognitive traits shape canine health.
A new study reveals that many dog owners turn to oils, vitamins, and other supplements to manage age-related behavioral changes in dogs with dementia.
A new study suggests that integrative nutritional therapy—including Chinese food therapy—may support dogs with cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
Researchers have found that the CADES questionnaire, combined with NFL and specific blood values, may help diagnose early canine cognitive dysfunction.
Aging dogs with slower off-leash gait speeds show weaker cognitive performance, suggesting an easy new tool for early dementia screening.
Senior dogs showing signs of cognitive dysfunction often have musculoskeletal or neurological issues, according to a large survey-based study.
A study of puppies during the transitional period finds significant breed and seasonal influences on early sensory and motor development milestones.
A review identifies key behavioral traits that make dogs effective at explosives detection, emphasizing the need for specialized selection and training.
A study finds dogs use visual signals to get human help when someone nearby is crying—more so if the person previously offered affection.
A meta-analysis reveals that hypocaloric diets rich in protein and fiber help obese dogs reduce body fat while maintaining lean muscle mass.
A study tracing dog domestication from the Mesolithic era reveals shared ancestry with European wolves and highlights the genetic processes behind breed diversity.
Freight dogs like the Mackenzie River Husky and Chinook show shared Arctic ancestry and unique genetic adaptations for cold-weather work.
A 30-minute unstructured interaction between student veterans and shelter dogs improved veteran mood and reduced dogs’ fear-related behaviors.
A pilot study reveals that not all enrichment is equal—play-based and social activities are more effective than food-based toys in reducing stress in dogs.
A large-scale study shows puppies can follow human gestures and engage socially from an early age—without prior training—thanks to genetics.
Shelter dogs exposed to essential oil scents showed more optimistic behavior and reduced stress, suggesting new welfare strategies for kennel environments.
New research using the Strange Situation Test shows dogs exhibit attachment behaviors and hormonal responses that align with their owners’ stress physiology.
A study finds registered dog breeders offer puppies more diverse socialization experiences than nonregistered breeders, potentially lowering behavioral risks.
Puppyhood experiences shape long-term behavior. Early, positive social exposure leads to friendlier, more confident dogs and better human-dog bonds.
Despite elevated stress in shelters, rehomed dogs develop strong bonds with new owners and synchronize behaviors similarly to non-rehomed dogs.
Dogs’ social and cognitive behaviors are affected by their owner’s temperament, with breed group differences shaping how these traits interact.
A study finds people in Portugal can interpret dog barks similarly to Hungarians, supporting the universality of emotional vocal recognition in mammals.
A new study reveals scent-detection dogs can recognize breath-based stress markers in trauma survivors, offering insights for PTSD service dog training.
A review highlights dogs’ motor and emotional synchronization—like rapid mimicry and contagious yawning—as evolutionary foundations for dog–human emotional bonds.
A pioneering fMRI study finds that dogs use the temporal cortex to process human faces, mirroring mechanisms seen in primates and supporting deep social cognition.
Flint et al. uncover distinct behavioral and physiological markers of dogs’ emotional states, offering guidance for assessing both stress and happiness in canine welfare.
Somppi et al. reveal that dogs with emotionally close owners show lower stress reactivity, while caregiving and dog personality influence emotional arousal.
Pongrácz et al. show that oxytocin increases men sensitivity to dog bark emotions while reducing irritation from noisy barks.
Ogi et al. found that human interaction, such as stroking, boosts oxytocin in guide dogs, enhancing emotional bonding without causing stress.
Talegón and Delgado show that anxiety is involved in most canine behavioral issues, often arising from conflict with the dog’s environment.
Furtado et al. call for integrating emotional and cognitive assessments in veterinary psychiatry to better diagnose and treat mental health issues in dogs.
Silver and Santos urge caution in labeling dogs’ brain responses as jealousy, suggesting the observed activity could stem from competition or fear.
Anderson et al. analyzed 20 years of veterinary behavior clinic data and found aggression was the most common issue, with herding and terrier breeds overrepresented.
Grigg et al. found that dogs often react fearfully to everyday household noises, yet owners frequently misinterpret or overlook these signs.
Eyre et al. use machine learning to identify behavioral traits and testing points most predictive of success in detection dog programs.
Pedersen and Malm propose a cross-disciplinary method to critically assess the welfare of dogs involved in school-based social service work.
Harvey proposes rational age groupings for dogs to better reflect behavioral and cognitive aging and improve cross-study consistency in canine research.
A 20-year analysis of over 1900 dog behavior cases shows aggression as the leading concern, with shelter adoptions rising and herding breeds overrepresented.
A 2024 review links canine behavioral disorders to gut microbiome health, pointing to gut–brain communication and FMT as promising therapeutic avenues.
A six-year analysis of 2,836 shelter records shows behavior problems, housing issues, and caregiver limitations are top reasons for giving up pets.
A 2013 study demonstrates that inertial sensors combined with machine learning can automatically classify dog behaviors with high accuracy.
New findings identify genetic variants in the TAC1 gene that influence trainability and excitability in Belgian Malinois, advancing understanding of canine behavioral traits.
New research highlights how modern soundscapes may harm dogs’ emotional welfare and strain human–pet relationships.
Recognizing past trauma in dogs could enhance assessment and treatment outcomes for anxiety and aggression through trauma-informed care.
A study reveals that shelter and foster dogs form fewer secure attachments than pets, affecting social responses and emotional well-being.
Sensory enrichment using music, lavender, or dog pheromones can reduce vocalization and arousal in shelter dogs, enhancing their daily welfare.
Study reveals how behavioral clustering of dog breeds and gender traits can guide pet selection for better human-canine compatibility.
Study finds that training styles impact the human-animal bond in veterans with PTSD and their psychiatric service dogs.
Japanese researchers find that questionnaire-based assessments at five months may predict future distraction in guide dogs.
A new study finds Labrador Retrievers neutered before 12 months have a significantly higher risk of cruciate ligament rupture.
New research shows neutering increases aggression and stress in male dogs, with effects varying between “Husky” and “Bulldog” breed clades.
Researchers found that behaviors observed at 5 months can predict future distraction issues that often lead to guide dog disqualification.
New research reveals genetic factors influencing behaviors crucial for drug detection dogs, opening paths to better breeding and training methods.
Researchers have developed a fast, sensor-based system using AI to automatically recognize dog behaviors like walking, sitting, and galloping.
A new integrative training approach improves dog behavior in animal-assisted interventions by aligning methods with canine cognition and learning research.
A behavioral trait called “Distraction” best predicts whether dogs will qualify as guide dogs—offering an early screening tool to reduce disqualification rates.
Friendly, high-pitched speech improves dogs’ training performance, while wolves respond more to deeper tones—suggesting domestication shaped auditory preferences.
A large-scale study shows that two behavior tests can help identify dogs most likely to succeed in assistance roles—before training even begins.
A large-scale study finds that individual dog breeds—not their functional breed groups—play a more important role in natural scent detection ability.
A new study finds that daily THC-free CBD dosing over six months may reduce physiological and behavioral stress responses in dogs during car travel.
New research suggests applying trauma-informed care (TIC) principles to dogs with anxiety disorders may improve their assessment and treatment outcomes.
A study of 168 dog-owner pairs found that living in urban areas increases the likelihood of allergy symptoms in both dogs and humans, with shared skin microbiota patterns.
A study found that shelter dogs are significantly less likely than pet dogs to form secure attachment bonds, and many display disinhibited behavior with humans.
A study found that dogs with high sensory sensitivity were more prone to behavior problems, especially when paired with incompatible owners or harsh communication.
A study found that sensory enrichment such as lavender, music, and pheromones reduced stress behaviors in shelter dogs, improving rest and reducing vocalization.
A new study shows that working dog breeds possess larger muscle fibers and more endurance-related traits, while companion dogs have faster-twitch fibers and fewer nuclei per fiber.
A foundational study using breed behavior profiles and gender differences suggests that dogs can be better matched to owners by understanding behavioral clusters such as reactivity, aggression, and trainability.
A Dutch study finds that pet owners who attribute human-like qualities to dogs or cats are more likely to feel emotionally supported and behave more affectionately.
Dogs with stronger emotional connections to their owners showed calmer physiological responses to stress. The study links emotional closeness to canine well-being.
Researchers developed a practical, at-home food preference assessment for dogs. The method helps pet owners identify which treats are most motivating for their individual dogs.
A study reveals that dogs’ behavior while chewing influences owner perceptions of which dental chews their dogs prefer.
A study finds that traits of both dogs and owners—including behavior, cognition, and interaction time—can predict training success.
A review calls for a science-based overhaul of working dog training methods, integrating canine cognition and behavior research.
Guide dog-owner compatibility is shaped by personality similarity, shared activity levels, and the influence of previous dog relationships.
Fonni’s Dogs display consistent guarding behavior and strong communication with owners whether kenneled or free-ranging.
Dogs fed with toys showed lower cortisol levels and more natural behaviors, especially when owners were present during feeding.
Dogs showing behavioral disinhibition in Go/No-Go tasks were rated by owners as more inattentive and hyperactive, echoing human ADHD patterns.
A study finds that owners who believe in and feel capable of using positive reinforcement are more likely to adopt it for managing dog aggression.
A nationwide survey reveals that Thai dog behavior is influenced by owner age, training, home setting, and diet—offering insights to reduce abandonment.
Despite higher stress markers in shelter dogs, rehomed dogs demonstrate strong behavioral synchronization and emotional closeness with their new owners.
Most dog owners oppose high-restraint techniques and favor minimal handling at vet clinics, especially for fearful dogs—supporting a shift toward fear-free care.
Over a 3-year study, dog owners’ activity levels declined slightly, but breed—not the dog’s age, size, or energy—was linked to activity type and amount.
A study reveals that dogs’ responses to stressors vary depending on their owner’s adult attachment style, suggesting strong emotional attunement.
As delivery robots roll into cities, a Finnish study explored how dogs respond. Most remain calm, but a notable minority react with hostility or fear.
The Ringsel device lets assistance dogs call for help. Researchers now see potential for behavior-based tech to detect emergencies automatically.
A landmark study shows that owners of obese dogs tend to humanize their pets, using food as a form of emotional communication.
New research shows pet owners’ political leanings affect how they relate to their dogs and whether they buy health services or luxury items.
A novel AI system uses video and behavior recognition to help dog owners monitor their pet’s welfare in real time.
Dog owners who believe in the effectiveness of positive reinforcement and feel confident using it are more likely to use it to manage aggression.
A survey of North American dog owners found widespread agreement with low-stress handling techniques at veterinary clinics, even for fearful or aggressive dogs.
A UK study found that limited access to veterinary services during the COVID-19 pandemic led many owners to delay care for chronically ill dogs, impacting welfare.
A Finnish research team has validated a behavioral survey that identifies 7 core dog personality traits and reliably measures problematic behaviors.
A 2022 Australian study shows that dog owners’ leashing behavior in natural areas is influenced by social norms, age, and attitudes about wildlife.