A groundbreaking study at the University of Cambridge is investigating whether dogs and their owners experience brainwave synchronisation during interactions, akin to the connection observed between parents and their babies. This research, led by Dr. Valdas Noreika and Dr. Eleanor Raffan, is exploring how humans and their dogs may be “on the same wavelength,” with the potential to deepen our understanding of the human-animal bond.
The Study: Brainwaves and Bonding
The study involves recording the brainwaves of approximately 40 dogs, ranging from Newfoundlands to Tibetan Terriers, using a technique called electroencephalography (EEG). The primary goal is to determine whether dogs’ brain activity synchronises with that of their owners during moments of interaction. This synchronisation would indicate that both the dog and the human are focused on the same stimuli, suggesting an emotional connection that may mirror the cognitive and emotional responses seen in human-parent interactions.
Dr. Noreika drew inspiration for the study from his work with mothers and babies, where synchronisation of brain activity has been previously observed. “There are lots of similarities in how owners interact with their dogs, much like how parents engage with their children,” Noreika explained. “It could be one of the reasons we feel such a strong attachment to dogs—they fill a similar role of needing care and attention.”
Historical Evidence of Human-Dog Bonds
The emotional ties between humans and dogs stretch far back in history. Archaeological evidence has uncovered the remains of a 14,000-year-old puppy buried alongside a human couple in Germany, indicating that early humans nursed and cared for their dogs in times of illness—despite the lack of any functional benefit from the animal. These findings highlight the deep, long-standing connection between humans and their canine companions.
The Method: EEG and Dog-Friendly Headgear
The process involves carefully fitting the dogs with EEG headsets to record their brain activity. For humans, a close-fitting cap embedded with electrodes is used, while dogs wear a smaller array of 10 electrodes held in place by a harmless paste and a stretchy snood for added security. The devices are designed to detect electrical signals without generating any, ensuring that the dogs’ comfort is prioritised.
The research team is exploring whether certain brainwave patterns, such as alpha waves—associated with relaxation—emerge during various tasks, such as when the dog is in a relaxed state or responding to specific auditory cues. A series of low and high-pitched tones are played to ensure accurate brain activity readings, while video footage captures the dogs’ and owners’ behavior to correlate with the EEG data.
Investigating Attention Shifts and Synchronisation
The researchers are investigating whether brainwave synchronisation occurs as the owner shifts their attention between interacting with the dog and other tasks, such as using a phone or talking to a researcher. Another test observes how brainwave synchronisation changes when the owner briefly leaves the dog. The idea is that synchronisation would increase when the owner’s attention is focused on the dog and decrease when it shifts away.
The study’s approach allows the researchers to analyze how attention dynamics might influence the emotional connection between humans and their pets, with a particular focus on who leads the interaction. “Synchronisation studies allow us to assess who is leading whom in an interaction,” Dr. Noreika explained.
Potential Implications for Therapy Animals
The research may also have practical applications. If brainwave synchronisation is confirmed, it could help predict which individuals benefit most from animal-assisted therapy. By identifying synchronisation patterns, experts could gain new insights into the emotional and cognitive benefits of human-animal interactions.
Caution and Further Exploration
While the study is promising, Dr. Colleen Dell from the University of Saskatchewan cautioned that it represents a single exploration of a very specific aspect of brain activity. “We know very little about the human brain’s capacity, and even less about dogs’ brain functions,” she noted. “But asking these questions is crucial because it recognizes the significance of the human-animal bond and how it may be experienced by both species.”
Ultimately, the Cambridge team’s study could pave the way for future research into interspecies communication, potentially transforming how we understand and nurture our relationships with dogs.
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