A new study suggests that spending quality time with dogs may have positive effects on human wellbeing and brain activity. The research, published in the Plos One journal, examined how different interactions with dogs impact people's emotional states and brain patterns.
In the study, conducted by South Korean researchers, 30 participants aged between their 20s and 40s engaged in various activities with a 4-year-old standard poodle. The activities included playing, feeding, grooming, walking, and hugging the dog, with each interaction lasting at least three minutes.
By measuring brain waves and surveying participants' moods, researchers found that these interactions appeared to promote relaxation and improve focus. The study indicated that spending time with dogs could help reduce stress levels while triggering positive emotional responses.
"There is a reduction in pain. There is stress release," explained Susan Burrows from Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy. She noted that simply petting a dog, whether it's a therapy animal or family pet, can help alleviate anxiety and provide comfort.
While the researchers acknowledged the limited sample size of their study, their findings suggest that activities like playing, walking, and grooming dogs can enhance both relaxation and concentration through increased brain activity. The study adds to growing evidence that human-canine interactions may contribute to improved emotional wellbeing.
The research team concluded that these positive effects were observed across various dog-related activities, indicating that different forms of interaction with dogs can potentially boost mood and reduce stress levels in healthy individuals.