Many dog owners believe their pet can sense their moods, and they’re not wrong. Scientists say dogs have developed a special ability to understand humans over thousands of years of living together.
Dogs’ brains are wired to react to our voices, especially when we laugh, cry, or raise our voices in anger. Brain scans show that dogs use parts of their brain similar to humans to process these sounds. When you speak, your dog isn’t just hearing noise, it’s picking up on your feelings.
Dogs are also experts at reading faces. Just like humans, they pay attention to expressions and even seem to enjoy seeing a familiar face. When they see someone they know, the parts of their brain linked to happiness light up.
Even more amazing, dogs can “catch” your emotions. If you’re stressed, your dog might feel stressed too. A study from 2019 showed that some dogs and their owners had matching heart rates when anxious.
Scientists believe dogs became this way through evolution. Like in a famous fox experiment, animals bred to be friendly developed brain areas that helped them bond with humans. Dogs, once wild like wolves, may have changed in similar ways to become our best friends.
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