Canine News

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’s 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.

A 2024 study reveals that brief educational interventions significantly improve dog owners’ recognition of pain-related behavior and increase the likelihood of veterinary care.

A study of shelter dogs in Italy reveals that personality traits influence behavioral changes after adoption, providing insights for improving long-term adoption success.

A large-scale genetic study in Labrador Retrievers shows that traits like fear of loud noises and playfulness have detectable genetic variance, supporting the idea that dog behavior is partly heritable.

A 2022 study shows that the emotional bond between a dog and its owner significantly influences the dog’s arousal, stress response, and attachment behaviors.

A 2012 study found that people who regularly walk their dogs are more physically active and less likely to suffer from diabetes, hypertension, or depression.

A 2024 study in Frontiers in Psychiatry reveals that owners with higher neuroticism or conscientiousness report stronger attachment to their pets, with gender and family status also playing a role.

A study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health finds that people who walk their dogs have lower risks of obesity, chronic disease, and depression—even when accounting for other physical activity.

A 2021 Scientific Reports study shows that the strength of the human–dog bond and owner personality significantly influence chronic stress levels in dogs.

A 2024 PeerJ study compared the effectiveness and welfare impacts of prong collars, harnesses, and martingales in managing leash pulling in dogs.

A 2007 study confirmed that fluoxetine (Reconcile) paired with behavior modification significantly improves symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs.

A landmark 2003 study introduced a validated 68-item questionnaire to reliably assess dog temperament and behavior, with important uses in clinical and screening settings.

Owners’ personality traits, especially conscientiousness, affect how they rate their dogs’ temperament.

A 2012 study found dog walking significantly lowers health risks, even after accounting for other physical activity levels.

Bronze Age coprolite analysis reveals that ancient dogs relied on gut microbes to digest starch, aiding early domestication alongside farming humans.

New research identifies a core blood microbiome in healthy dogs, with notable differences in dogs with gut disease—suggesting future diagnostic uses.

A high overlap in helminth infections between wild predators and rural dogs in Estonia reveals a significant One Health risk for zoonotic disease transmission.

A letter to the editor questions the sufficiency of evidence linking an SCN9A mutation to pain insensitivity in dogs, calling for functional validation.

A proof-of-concept study confirms that human cytokines, especially IL-6, activate immune responses in dogs through the JAK-STAT pathway, supporting translational drug research.

Veterinary neurosurgeons in France have developed a novel, patient-specific 3D-printed tool that allows safe and accurate brain biopsies in dogs and cats using dental impressions.

A one-year surveillance study in France found low SARS-CoV-2 shedding in pets but confirmed the first Alpha variant case in a cat, raising questions about animal roles in viral evolution.

A 2024 study explored oral fecal microbiota transplantation as an alternative to antibiotics for dogs with tylosin-responsive enteropathy, with modest but statistically inconclusive results.

A 2023 proof-of-concept study found that AFPep, an anti-estrogenic peptide derived from alpha-fetoprotein, is safe in dogs and may be a promising treatment for mammary cancer.

A 1998 study highlights how varying levels of starch, fiber, protein, and fat in commercial dog foods influence dogs’ post-meal glycemic and insulin responses.

New evidence shows that feeding dogs a wrinkled pea-based diet for 28 days can cause early heart function changes associated with diet-related DCM.

A 2016 study evaluated Border Collie Collapse during exercise, ruling out known causes but leaving its underlying origin unresolved.

A 2023 review outlines key insights and obstacles in using eye-tracking to study dogs’ perception of humans, emotions, and physical events.

A 2022 study outlines a scientifically informed, welfare-focused training method for dogs in therapeutic roles, emphasizing early development and cognitive research.

A 2021 study shows that dog training success depends not only on the dog’s behavior but also on owner traits like cognitive ability and time spent training.

A 2021 review emphasizes the need for modern working dog training to incorporate decades of scientific advances in canine behavior and learning.

A 2021 study found that behavioral challenges significantly reduce shelter dogs’ perceived adoptability, more than medical conditions or past abuse.

Roughly one-third of dogs suffer from noise aversion. A new review explores how sound stress affects behavior, physiology, and welfare.

MRI scans show that dogs with cognitive dysfunction have smaller hippocampi than healthy aging dogs, highlighting parallels with Alzheimer’s.

A study of Shiba Inu dogs finds that specific behavioral traits such as reactivity and sociability influence different types of aggression.

Shelter dogs showed higher activity and reduced kennel noise when fed on an automated fixed-time schedule, offering a simple tool to enhance welfare.

Contrary to past assumptions, a 1988 study shows that while emotional stress resets dogs’ baroreflex to a higher blood pressure level, it does not impair the reflex’s function.

A study of 368 dogs across four breeds found that compulsive tail chasing often begins in puppyhood and is influenced by diet, maternal separation, neutering, and shyness—offering a compelling canine model for human OCD.

Dog mothers use pitch-specific puppy whines to assess both kinship and need, responding more strongly to vocalizations resembling their weaker pups.

Dogs from different breed clades show varying learning performance and behavior, shaped not just by genetics but also by human-dog communication styles.

A study finds that dogs with better inhibitory control show stronger reactions to unfair treatment, offering insight into emotional and cognitive mechanisms.

A qualitative study reveals how human expectations, knowledge, and empathy shape emotional connections and communication with their dogs.

Using explainable AI, researchers decoded canine emotional states—such as frustration and anticipation—through facial expressions in Labrador Retrievers.

Using advanced depth-sensing computer vision, researchers can now track and interpret tail wagging in dogs with high-resolution precision, shedding light on canine emotional states.

Researchers reveal that mother dogs respond more to puppy whines that match their own litter, especially those mimicking weaker pups, showing precise vocal recognition and care.

A novel device identifies anxiety in dogs by analyzing vocal patterns and relaying results to a Telegram bot, paving the way for real-time emotional tracking.

A study of Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and Miniature Schnauzers finds that while body language is consistent across breeds, males whine more under stress.

A study of kennelled dogs finds that nighttime sleep loss leads to reduced play, increased inactivity, and behavioral shifts that may signal welfare concerns.

In Zambia’s Greater Kafue, African wild dogs avoid lions and prime prey zones—even when both are rare—suggesting deep-rooted predator competition.

Free-ranging dogs show sex- and identity-based reactions to scent marks, revealing scent’s critical role in territory and social communication.

An observational study in Yellowstone shows that coyote packs use scent-marking to establish territorial boundaries, minimizing direct conflict.

A preliminary study finds that brief human interaction increases oxytocin in guide dogs, supporting emotional bonding without activating stress.

New research finds that oxytocin receptor gene variations in both dogs and owners jointly influence the strength of their emotional attachment.

Researchers reveal that mutual gazing between dogs and humans increases oxytocin levels in both, reinforcing emotional attachment and coevolution.

A survey of pet owners reveals dogs are believed to express more emotions than cats, guiding future studies into animal emotional recognition.

This proof-of-concept study shows dogs can detect scent cues related to PTSD distress, offering new directions for service dog applications.

Dogs display rapid mimicry and emotional contagion, suggesting their strong ability to connect emotionally with both humans and other dogs.

A 2016 fMRI study demonstrates that dogs, like primates, use their temporal cortex to process human faces, highlighting evolutionary social cognition.

A new study analyzing how over 4,000 people interpret dog behavior in silent videos reveals key differences between public perception and expert assessment.

A 2024 study has identified behavioral and physiological indicators of dogs’ acute emotional states, offering a better understanding of both stress and positive affect.

A 2024 study finds that oxytocin can reduce annoyance from dog barks while making male listeners more sensitive to emotional aggression in the sounds.

A 2016 study reveals that owners are most frustrated by excitable dog behavior at home, especially when people arrive—often alongside other behavioral problems.

Understanding client behavior and team communication is crucial for improving animal welfare in veterinary care, say researchers MacKay and Pollock.

This study reveals nuanced differences in arousal states between dogs and wolves at rest, highlighting how domestication shapes context-specific relaxation.

A study finds that a gel form of dog appeasing pheromone (DAP) can slightly reduce canine stress behaviors before vet exams, though not during the procedure.

New research reveals that humans can form equally strong, reciprocal bonds with wolves and dogs—if both are socialized and raised similarly.

New research finds that while a raw meat diet changes the gut microbiota of dogs toward that of wolves, some microbial differences remain persistent.

A new study finds behavioral problems in shelter dogs reduce adoptability more than medical issues, though perceptions vary by gender and experience.

Owners report dogs display more emotions than cats, with personal experience influencing perceived emotional range and behavior recognition.

A literature review reveals that many dog-focused Animal-Computer Interaction (ACI) studies lack adequate ethical reporting on animal consent and engagement.

A new assessment tool called DIG helps tailor reinforcement-based interventions for dogs with behavioral issues, reducing risk of shelter surrender.

A new study finds that dog and cat owner mental health is influenced not by ownership alone, but by pet attachment style, compatibility, and pet wellbeing.

A study found that over half of owners of aging dogs with behavioral decline use dietary supplements like fish oil to slow cognitive deterioration.

A study explores how modifying the gut microbiota with antibiotics may impact seizure control in dogs with drug-resistant idiopathic epilepsy.

Anxiety in dogs may stem from the gut. This review explores how gut microbiota imbalances affect canine behavior and future probiotic therapies.

Dogs may be key to understanding Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This review shows how their gut-brain axis mirrors human neurodegeneration pathways.

A recent review connects gut microbiota imbalances to behavioral disorders in dogs, offering future directions in treatment via microbiome modulation.

A 2020 study of over 2,300 dog owners in the Netherlands reveals that permissive parenting styles strongly correlate with dog overweight and obesity.

A 2014 review explores the pathophysiology, hormonal regulation, and clinical management of the rising epidemic of obesity in dogs and cats.

A 2020 review explores how mucus-degrading gut microbes like Akkermansia could help control the rising epidemic of obesity in companion animals.

A 2019 study using sled dogs revealed that weight gain—more than lack of exercise—negatively impacts key biomarkers of type II diabetes risk.

A 2020 study showed that replacing synthetic antioxidants in dog food with curcumin improved dogs’ antioxidant capacity and reduced inflammation markers.

A 2012 study from Surabaya shows that specific purebred dogs—especially Golden Retrievers, Dachshunds, and Chow-Chows—are at significantly higher risk for obesity.

A national survey of nearly 1,000 senior dogs across 15 U.S. states found that dry food dominates canine nutrition, with wet food being rarely used.

A CT-based study of 140 toy breed dogs found that abdominal fat ratios shift with age, breed, and sexual status, affecting health risk profiles.

New data reveal that male, intact, and younger Labrador Retrievers have significantly higher BMRs than females, seniors, and neutered dogs.

New research confirms that a lifelong gluten-free diet helps prevent dangerous complications of celiac disease in dogs like Irish Setters and Schnauzers.

A study on Nature’s Protection Superior Care dog food shows its potential to manage celiac disease and prevent complications like lymphoma in at-risk breeds.

Researchers have identified genetic loci linked to bladder cancer in dog breeds like Scottish Terriers, aiding early detection in both dogs and humans.

Shelter dogs trained by inmates showed improved social and obedience skills, with no negative effects on welfare or emotional state.

Dogs trained using multiple aversive methods exhibit slower responses in judgment bias tasks, suggesting a more negative mood state.

A study of nearly 1,000 dog owners reveals that behavior issues and high perceived costs reduce satisfaction more than lack of emotional bonding.

A new study shows that dogs and their owners exhibit shared heart rate patterns and activity levels, revealing a deep emotional bond akin to human attachment.

A global expert panel has agreed on key standards to ensure the safety and welfare of both dogs and humans in adolescent canine-assisted psychotherapy.

A 2024 survey reveals that U.S. dog guardians mainly rely on personal sources for training and frequently use both reward and aversive techniques.

Aversive-based dog training increases stress and pessimistic behavior in dogs, both during and beyond training sessions, compared to reward-based methods.

This study shows that dog owners feel more attached to obedient dogs, but actual walking data reveal a mismatch between perception and behavior.

A controlled trial on police and military dogs found that dogs trained with reward-only methods learned faster and performed tasks more reliably than those trained using aversive stimuli.

An analysis of 100 US dog trainers found that training philosophy, word choice, gender, and certification level align—raising concerns about unregulated practices.

A UK pilot study found that free dog training classes—both online and in-person—had high dropout rates among low-income participants, highlighting hidden barriers beyond cost.

A UK study of 985 “Pandemic Puppies” found that nearly all owners reported behavioral issues by 21 months—linked closely to harsh training techniques.

An extensive study comparing 771 clinics in Sweden and Norway found corporate vet chains consistently charge more than independent practices.