Dog yawns to the owner

The dog, the intimate animal of humans, is said to mimic the master by yawning.

The study is published in the journal Public Library of Science ONE by scientists from Tokyo University, Japan.

Scientists have done research in 25 dogs with their owners. Researchers let dogs look directly at the behavior of their owners and other strangers when they yawn or pretend to yawn. All of its reactions will be recorded by the camera in the laboratory. The dog's heart rate will also be monitored by a device attached to the chest.

Photo: Fotolia

After 4 sessions, 5 minutes per session, the team found that the dog would yawn more than the stranger. They are also "sensitive" when yawning less if they know someone is pretending to yawn.

Previously, a study suggested that the yawn dog was relieved. But the fact in this study, experts said, the dog's heart rate is maintained throughout the time of the experiment, showing that they have some sympathy with the owner.

"Our research shows that the phenomenon of yawning in dogs is due to the emotional connection similar to humans , " Telegraph quoted Dr. Teresa Romero, from Tokyo University. "Although our research does not accurately identify the mechanism of dog yawning behavior, we know that yawning is not caused by stress."

In the animal world, yawning also occurs in chimpanzees, bonobos and baboons.