Research shows that dogs help people increase their ability to concentrate

Many studies have studied the relationship between humans and dogs and have shown that when having a four-legged companion, people can improve their mood, lower blood pressure, and reduce the stress hormone cortisol. Just looking into their eyes helps people increase oxytocin in the body, a hormone related to feelings of love and trust.

A study measured the brain waves of people interacting with dogs and discovered many interesting things (Photo: Justine Goode/NBC News/Getty Images).

Previous studies on the benefits of interacting with animals have often taken a holistic approach, comparing people's mood or hormone levels before and after spending time with dogs. There are only a few studies that show what happens in people's brains when they interact with a "furry friend."

Recently, researchers in Korea published results after experimenting with attaching electrodes to the heads of 30 people to measure changes in their brain waves when these people interacted with a poodle dog.

The results showed that walking this dog helped people relax more, brushing it improved concentration, and playing with it had both effects , demonstrating that engaging in some activities Certain activities with dogs can increase specific brain activity.

One of the participants in the experiment interacted with a poodle named Aro, conducted by Korean researchers. (Photo: Onyoo Yoo).

The researchers found that participants' alpha brain waves indicating stability and relaxation increased when they played with Aro with squeaky toys and when they took him for walks in the park. At the same time, beta waves related to attention and concentration also increased when they played with Aro, brushed its fur or massaged it. This is a sign of increased focus without increased stress.

Specifically, massaging Aro, feeding him, and hugging him improved the mood of the experiment participants. They said they felt comfortable taking the dog for a walk and relaxed while massaging it.

Researcher Onyoo Yoo at Konkuk University, Korea, commented that "this study demonstrates that specific dog activities can increase levels of relaxation, emotional stability, attention, concentration and creativity by facilitating increased positive brain activity. Additionally, interacting with dogs also reduces stress and creates a positive emotional response ."

Some previous studies have said that dogs can help people reduce symptoms of depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it is unclear how effective it is, but it is believed that in the form of "Pet therapy" like this, to be effective, the dog owner must be someone who loves animals first.

For example, for some people who were bitten by a dog when they were young, which made them afraid, when they grow up they may not feel like being close to other dogs anymore. In this case pet therapy may not be effective.

Expert Jennifer Dobkin is the person in charge of a pet therapy program for a number of patients and medical staff, the "Human-Animal Connection" program of the University of California, USA. She said she has seen how interacting with dogs helps people focus and relax. She said an employee who was stressed after a bad day at work relaxed, smiled happily and told her "you have no idea how much I need this".

Jennifer Dobkin shared that she once brought her dog to visit a family gathered around her dying father. Amid the heaviness and sadness, this family was able to free themselves from their miserable mood and "focus on something that required absolutely nothing of them: petting a dog" - she recounted.

Children at Stuart House, a center in California that specializes in treating sexually abused children, also enjoy playing with the center's dog named Norse, a golden retriever. while they talked to investigators.

"Our dogs are brought in to those situations to make it easier for the kids to talk about a very stressful situation that has happened to them," Ms. Dobkin said. "I think it's important to have the dog around . helps children concentrate because the animal brings them a sense of comfort."