Playing with dogs helps people concentrate and relax, brain recordings show

Research has long shown the positive impact of dogs on human well-being, from improving mood to reducing stress levels. However, a recent study from South Korea delved deeper, using brainwave analysis to understand exactly how interactions with dogs affect people's brains and emotions.

Published in the journal PLOS ONE, the study involved attaching electrodes to the heads of 30 adults while they engaged in various activities with a poodle named Aro. The participants' brainwaves were monitored during activities such as playing, feeding, massaging, and walking the dog, and they also completed emotional surveys after each interaction.

The results revealed that specific activities with Aro elicited distinct changes in brain activity and emotional states. Playing with the dog and taking her for a walk increased alpha brain waves, indicating relaxation, while activities like brushing her or giving her a gentle massage led to stronger beta brain waves, associated with attention and concentration.

Overall, participants reported feeling less stressed, fatigued, and depressed after interacting with Aro. Massaging, feeding treats, and hugging the dog were particularly effective in improving mood, according to the surveys.