Short Wave Does Your Dog Love You? Science Has Some Answers
Aug 10, 2021
Clive Wynne, founding director of the Canine Science Collaboratory, unpacks the fascinating bond between dogs and humans. He draws on neuroscience and genetics to reveal how our furry friends prioritize us over food, highlighting their deep emotional connections. Wynne also explores groundbreaking studies of dogs' brain activity and affection, connecting these findings to their inherited sociable traits from wolves. Personal anecdotes enrich the discussion, painting a vivid picture of the love and loyalty that dogs genuinely offer.
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Reward Centers
- Dog brains' reward centers light up more for their humans than for food in many cases.
- This suggests dogs prioritize social connection over basic needs, indicating a strong emotional bond.
Dogs in MRI
- Gregory Burns trained dogs to stay still in MRI machines, a feat previously only achieved with humans.
- This allowed him to study their brain activity in response to stimuli like food and their owners.
Oxytocin and Eye Contact
- When dogs and humans gaze into each other's eyes, oxytocin levels increase in both.
- This hormonal response mirrors that of human couples, suggesting a similar biological basis for love between species.
