Walking together forms a central part of the dog–human bond, yet researchers continue to explore how emotions may be transmitted between the two species. Harvie and colleagues (2021) investigated whether stress runs through the leash, analyzing both canine and human physiological responses during walks.
The study included owner–dog pairs and measured heart rate and cortisol levels during the first minutes of a walk. Findings revealed that owners’ Openness to Experience and dogs’ Fearfulness significantly influenced the heart rate of the other member of the dyad during the first minute. This suggests that personality traits and emotional states can subtly affect how stress is shared between humans and dogs.
However, despite these correlations, no significant overall changes in cortisol or sustained heart rate were observed across the group. This indicates that while stress may be detected within the dyad, it does not necessarily escalate into broader physiological stress responses.
The results highlight that momentary emotional transmission between dogs and owners can occur during shared activities. Understanding these subtle signals may help owners recognize how their own mood and stress levels impact their dogs, contributing to improved welfare and more harmonious walks.
Source: Harvie, H., Rodrigo, A., Briggs, C., Thiessen, S., & Kelly, D. (2021). Does stress run through the leash? An examination of stress transmission between owners and dogs during a walk. Animal Cognition, 24, 239–250. Published January 3, 2021.
