Scientists have proven that the hearts of dogs and their owners beat in unison

Have you ever noticed how your dog yawns when you yawn? Turns out it's not just a coincidence!

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have found that the heart rate variability (HRV) of dogs and their owners synchronise during interaction.

What is heart rate variability?

Heart rate variability (HRV) is the change in the intervals between heartbeats. A high HRV indicates relaxation and recovery, while a low HRV indicates stress or tension. In other words, when we are calm, our heart is "resting" and when we are nervous, our heart is working at full speed.

Progress of the study

The experiment involved 30 dog owners and their four-legged friends. Scientists measured HRV and activity level in both humans and dogs during various interactions: from quiet rest to active games. It turned out that a dog's HRV and its owner's HRV were correlated.

Key findings

• Heart synchronisation: during relaxation, high HRV in the owner was associated with high HRV in the dog. That is, when you are relaxed on the couch, your dog is also enjoying the moment.
• Activity matching: during the tasks, the activity levels of the human and the dog adapted to each other. If you decide to go for a run, your dog is happy to keep you company.
• Emotional bonding: HRV synchronisation suggests that emotional states are transmitted from human to dog and vice versa.

Interesting facts

• Size matters: large dogs had higher HRV, which may indicate they tend to be quieter. Or are they just yoga masters among dogs?
• Character of the owner: owners with higher anxiety affected the HRV of their dogs. So if you're nervous before a vet visit, your dog will sense it.

This study confirms what many dog owners have long suspected: our four-legged friends not only understand us half-heartedly, but are also "tuned in" to our wavelength. So the next time you feel stressed, remember that your dog can be a great anti-depressant.

And don't forget to return the favour - a little extra affection never hurts!