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Study Finds That Dogs Mirror Children’s Behavior
Dogs and kids have a very special bond.
Elizabethsalleebauer
We’ve all seen the pictures where dogs and their owners start to look alike, but do your dog and your child start to act alike too? According to a new study, they sure do.
According to a study out of Oregon State University, researchers found that dogs are incredibly attuned to the behaviors of the children they live with and were found to adjust their actions to match the tiny humans in their home.
Dr. Monique Udell, one of the study’s lead researchers, explained, "Dogs are incredibly perceptive to human behavior. Our study shows that this extends to the youngest members of the household. They adjust their movements and actions to synchronize with children, which is pretty remarkable."
To understand this behavior, researchers observed the interactions between family dogs and children in their homes. They paid close attention to how dogs would adjust their behavior based on what the kids were doing. If a child was running around playing, the dog would often join in the fun. Conversely, if the child was sitting quietly, the dog would typically calm down too.
One of the surprising findings was that dogs didn’t just mimic the children’s behaviors, but they also seemed to understand the context of their actions. For example, when a child was playing with a toy, the dog would often engage with the toy too, showing a high level of social synchronization. Have you noticed when your child gets excited and starts running around, your dog gets a case of the zoomies? That’s your dog reading the room and joining in on the fun.
So, why do dogs do this? Dr. Udell suggests that it’s all about bonding and communication. "Dogs have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years, and this close relationship has made them incredibly sensitive to our social cues. By synchronizing their behavior with children, dogs are likely strengthening their bond and improving communication," she said.
This synchronization also helps in keeping the pack (or in this case, the family) cohesive. It’s a way for dogs to show that they’re in tune with their human family members, no matter their age. So, this is your dog’s way of showing they are part of your family.
This syncing behavior isn’t just adorable — it has practical benefits too. For children, having a dog who mirrors their behavior can be a great source of comfort and companionship. It can help in developing a child’s sense of empathy and understanding of social cues.
For the dogs, this synchronization might mean better care and attention from their human family members. When dogs are in sync with their owners, they’re more likely to receive positive reinforcement, whether it’s through playtime, treats, or simply affection.
This study is a reminder of how deep and special the bond between dogs and humans goes, especially with children. The ability of dogs to synchronize their behavior with kids highlights their incredible adaptability and empathy. So, next time you see your dog mirroring your child’s actions (maybe they both have the zoomies), know that it’s more than just a cute coincidence. It’s a testament to the special connection they share.
As Dr. Udell puts it, "Our dogs are more than just pets; they’re family members who are deeply connected to us. Their ability to synchronize with children is a beautiful example of this bond."
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