🔬 Scientists have researched the human-dog bond in different ways—
Eye contact test
Researchers at Azabu University in Japan studied the eye contact between dogs and their owners.
They found that when a dog looks into its owner’s eyes, the level of oxytocin hormone increases in both the dog and the human.
Measuring hormones
Scientists collected urine samples from dogs and humans to measure oxytocin levels.
After eye contact, the samples showed higher oxytocin, proving that love and trust were built between them.
Behavior observation
Researchers compared a dog’s behavior when it was with its owner versus with a stranger.
The results showed that dogs felt much more safe and happy when they were with their owners.
Brain scans
In some studies, dogs’ brains were scanned using fMRI.
When dogs heard their owner’s voice or smelled their scent, the reward centers of their brains became active.
