Advisor Information
Rosemary Strasser
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
3-3-2017 12:30 PM
End Date
3-3-2017 1:45 PM
Abstract
Throughout the domestication process of dogs, we as humans have selected them to play significant roles within society as our companions. This has allowed dogs and humans to evolve and share similar social-communicative skills. The concept known as hormonal synchronization suggests that humans and dogs may influence each other’s hormonal states to the degree that they become in synch with one another. Hormonal synchronization has been thoroughly studied within species (i.e. mother-infant) but not between species. In this study, we investigated whether or not hormonal synchronization exists within the homes of dogs and their human counterparts. It has been shown that during dog agility competitions, cortisol (i.e. the stress hormone) levels of dogs and their human handlers mirrored each other. In the current study, participants were instructed to obtain saliva samples from their dog’s mouth as well as their own three times within one day at their homes. The saliva samples were later assayed to determine cortisol concentrations. This is the first study of its kind to investigate and find that hormonal synchronization does exist between dogs and humans within the home environment. Our study supports the possibility that owners’ perception of attachment to their dog may be linked to hormonal synchronization. Likewise, dogs that were acquired at a younger age may also play a role in facilitating hormonal synchronization. Overall, it was found that hormonal synchronization exists between dogs and their owners within the home environment. Furthermore, the quality of their relationship could be a factor affecting the degree to which synchronization occurs.
Variables that Influence Hormonal Synchronization between Humans and Dogs
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Throughout the domestication process of dogs, we as humans have selected them to play significant roles within society as our companions. This has allowed dogs and humans to evolve and share similar social-communicative skills. The concept known as hormonal synchronization suggests that humans and dogs may influence each other’s hormonal states to the degree that they become in synch with one another. Hormonal synchronization has been thoroughly studied within species (i.e. mother-infant) but not between species. In this study, we investigated whether or not hormonal synchronization exists within the homes of dogs and their human counterparts. It has been shown that during dog agility competitions, cortisol (i.e. the stress hormone) levels of dogs and their human handlers mirrored each other. In the current study, participants were instructed to obtain saliva samples from their dog’s mouth as well as their own three times within one day at their homes. The saliva samples were later assayed to determine cortisol concentrations. This is the first study of its kind to investigate and find that hormonal synchronization does exist between dogs and humans within the home environment. Our study supports the possibility that owners’ perception of attachment to their dog may be linked to hormonal synchronization. Likewise, dogs that were acquired at a younger age may also play a role in facilitating hormonal synchronization. Overall, it was found that hormonal synchronization exists between dogs and their owners within the home environment. Furthermore, the quality of their relationship could be a factor affecting the degree to which synchronization occurs.