Researchers from the University of Sydney tracked individuals who had never owned a dog before, comparing those who recently adopted a dog to those who did not. Over approximately three months, mental health indicators (e.g., feelings of happiness, anxiety, loneliness) were evaluated before and after adoption through structured questionnaires.
They found that dog adopters reported a decrease in feelings of loneliness and an increase in overall life satisfaction compared to the control group that did not adopt a dog. Researchers at the University of Bern in Switzerland measured brain activity (EEG) during interactions with a dog. Participants, who had no prior acquaintance with the dog, were asked to pet and play with it for 15 minutes.
The study results showed an increase in “alpha waves” in the brain, characteristic of a state of relaxation and calm alertness, at a higher-than-expected rate. The findings, which even surprised the researchers, indicate the body’s rapid ability to enter a deep state of relaxation in response to contact with a dog. Researchers from Wright State University in the United States conducted interviews with hundreds of dog (and cat) owners, asking about the closeness and sense of security their pet provides and their coping strategies for stress.
Most respondents with pets demonstrated higher levels of mental resilience and greater ability to handle stressful situations. The study showed that many pet owners view their dog or cat as an emotional anchor, comparable to a family member or close friend. Researchers at the University of South Florida initiated a program in elementary schools where children with learning difficulties and emotional barriers read aloud to trained dogs instead of a teacher.
Children who tended to avoid reading in class showed significant improvement in confidence, and some even began reading voluntarily at home. The researchers attributed this to the fact that the dog does not “judge,” and the child beside the dog has no fear of making mistakes. In a similar study at the University of Colorado, reading sessions were conducted with children who stutter. When the children read to a dog, a 30% decrease in stuttering was observed compared to reading to a human therapist.
A project launched at the University of Illinois about 17 years ago integrated prisoners into training abandoned dogs that were rescued from shelters. The prisoners learned to care for and train the dogs for future adoption. The results were remarkable: prisoners who participated in the project reported increased self-esteem, a reduction in disciplinary offenses, and increased motivation for rehabilitation. Many also stated that the bond with the dog enhanced their sense of empathy.
Following the success of the study, a similar program is operated in Israel at Hermon Prison, where dogs live with prisoners and are trained by them. Simultaneously, the facility serves as an adoption center for dogs for northern residents. The project is called “Mutual Rehabilitation,” as both the prisoners benefit from the same results observed in the study, and the dogs, who gain a sense of home, experience less loneliness and adapt more quickly to the homes they are later adopted into.
A medical center in Toronto conducted a controlled experiment with chronic pain patients. Half of the participants received a “distraction protocol” involving only a human therapist, while the other half interacted with a trained dog as part of their distraction. The group with the dog not only reported a temporary reduction in pain intensity but also experienced significant improvement in mood and the ability to engage in calm conversation during treatment.
These effects lasted for several hours beyond the therapy session. Researchers at the University of Guelph in Canada followed patients suffering from recurring anxiety attacks. They equipped them with digital diaries and heart rate sensors to monitor the body’s response and feelings of distress when the dog approached to support them during an attack. Dogs trained to detect early signs (such as subtle trembling or increased heart rate) approached patients before a full-blown anxiety attack occurred, helping to prevent escalation and providing a sense of security in real time.
Researchers from a university in Virginia conducted a pilot program in a commercial company where employees were allowed to bring their dogs to the office. The researchers measured cortisol levels in saliva, an indicator of stress, and observed employee satisfaction. Employees who brought their dogs to work were more socially engaged and showed a 20% reduction in stress levels compared to employees without dogs.
In conclusion, dogs have the potential to contribute far beyond what we typically consider in our daily lives. At “Let the Animals Live,” we witness countless cases where a single dog has the power to open hearts, bring about profound change, and improve human mental well-being.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
