Billie Groom’s Post

Introduction to Canine Empathy Key Takeaways: What Do Dogs Do When You Cry - Dogs demonstrate a remarkable ability to sense and respond to human emotions, including tears. - Canine responses to human crying can vary based on breed, individual personality, and their bond with the owner. - Common comforting behaviors in dogs include cuddling, licking, and staying close to their owners. #DogEmotionalIntelligence #dogcomfortingbehavior #emotionalsupportanimals #animalbehavior #animalhumaninteraction #therapydogs #doghumanbond #canineemotionalresponse #understandingdogs #DogandOwnerRelationship #Dogtraining #petbehavior #petcare #dogreactionstotears #CanineEmpathy

Introduction to Canine Empathy Key Takeaways: What Do Dogs Do When You Cry - Dogs demonstrate a remarkable ability to sense and respond to human emotions, including tears. - Canine responses to human crying can vary based on breed, individual personality, and their bond with the owner. - Common comforting behaviors in dogs include cuddling, licking, and staying close to their owners. - Training and positive reinforcement can enhance a dog's natural empathetic behavior. - The emotional bond between dogs and their owners is profound, highlighting the importance of mutual understanding and support. Understanding Your Dog's Emotional Intelligence Have you ever wondered what do dogs do when they cry? Dogs are not just our furry friends; they're beings capable of deep emotional intelligence. #DogEmotionalIntelligence #dogcomfortingbehavior #emotionalsupportanimals #animalbehavior #animalhumaninteraction #therapydogs #doghumanbond #canineemotionalresponse #understandingdogs #DogandOwnerRelationship #Dogtraining #petbehavior #petcare #dogreactionstotears #CanineEmpathy

As Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 (13–19 May) kicks off, with a theme of ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health’, Dr Émilie Crossley from the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) explores how dog walking can help us to move more and feel better. https://lnkd.in/dCYXcJta #mentalhealthawareness #dogwalking

Imagine a world where dog-walking programs in animal shelters or after-school programs involving dog play become the norm, providing children with access to the physical and emotional benefits of spending time with dogs. With two-thirds of children in the U.S. failing to meet national physical activity guidelines, it's clear that we need new and creative approaches to promote healthier lifestyles among our youth. That's where the human-dog bond comes into play. A preliminary study conducted by kinesiologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that about 20% of children's daily physical activity comes from spending time in close proximity to the family dog. This groundbreaking research not only highlights dogs' potential to promote physical activity in kids but also underscores the profound impact of the human-dog bond on overall well-being. Led by exercise scientist Katie Potter, the UMass Behavioral Medicine Lab is spearheading efforts to better understand the relationship between children and their canine companions. By utilizing ActiGraph accelerometers equipped with Bluetooth technology, researchers can measure the amount of physical activity children engage in while in the presence of their dogs. But this study is just the beginning. Potter and her team are now embarking on a larger research project aimed at including a more diverse population to explore the full potential of the human-dog bond in promoting physical activity among children. So, what does this mean for shelter dogs and impact-driven individuals like us? It means that we have an incredible opportunity to leverage the power of the human-dog connection to create win-win-win scenarios for rescue animals, impact-driven individuals, and human health. By thinking bigger and embracing the transformative potential of the human-dog bond, we can create a brighter future for both animals and humans alike. 🐾 👉 Click and FOLLOW my LinkedIn hashtag #dogsimeet for more Dog Tales and brand marketing tips and advice. #dogs #animalwelfare #collaboration

#Dog is #man’s best #friend. Sorry for the cliched statement, but it is true. Of 127 million households in #America, 65 million own a dog. Having a #pet like a dog has shown numerous psychological benefits, such as helping with #stress management and emotional #support, reducing loneliness and depression, and providing people with a sense of #purpose and #companionship (https://lnkd.in/eBirktkG). #YaleUniversity even allows students to bring dogs into some of their final exams for stress management and has multiple dogs on campus that provide companionship to students (https://lnkd.in/eUNyxQge).   As all dog #moms and #dads know, having a dog is just like having a #child. Dog owners know the tremendous amount of care and attention a dog needs. It is understandable that you be concerned about your dog’s oral #health. Interestingly, dogs are more prone to gum (periodontal) disease than dental caries (https://lnkd.in/e8HJDwnt). Dogs lack the bacteria that causes dental caries, which means that they are unlikely to experience the development of caries. Since the bacteria causing periodontal disease are different for dogs and humans, and dogs are more prone to having periodontal disease, make sure to keep an eye on your dog’s gums. They will thank you!

Uniquely gifted dogs share certain characteristics!  🐾🎓 A recent study from the Family Dog Project at Eötvös Loránd University has provided an unprecedented glimpse into the cognitive world of "Gifted Word Learner" (GWL) dogs. Published in the journal Scientific Reports on December 14, 2023, this study offers the most comprehensive look to date at the lives and abilities of 41 GWL dogs, a group that possesses an astonishing vocabulary of object labels—often exceeding 100 toy names! Research into the dogs' life histories revealed that most GWL dogs were sourced from breeders or farms and introduced to their new homes between 6 and 12 weeks old, with many toys to engage with from the get-go. Interestingly, the majority resided in households with one or two caretakers and often alongside non-GWL dogs (no household had more than one GWL dog). Significantly, these gifted dogs didn't appear only in households with extensive dog training experience. In fact, many guardians had no professional background in dog training. This finding challenges assumptions that such abilities are solely the result of intensive training regimes. Instead, it appears that GWL dogs may inherently possess these talents. Find the full study here: https://lnkd.in/eAy4c3PN AND an accessible overview article published in Phys.org here: https://lnkd.in/e9_gBwqu You can also check out our post from last year on canine cognitive abilities: https://lnkd.in/e87YUCAa #GiftedDogs #CanineCognition #DogIntelligence #NatureScientificReports #FamilyDogProject #ELTE #PhysOrg

Children’s Cuddles and Dogs’ Freedom of Choice. 🐶🤗 A study released on December 14, 2023, by researchers from The University of Salford and funded by Dogs Trust considers the dynamics of child-dog interactions and the importance of a dog’s freedom of choice when it comes to physical affection such as cuddling. In the paper published in the CABI Human-Animal Interactions Journal, the team led by PhD candidate Anna Baatz conducted family interviews to analyze the implications of children between the ages of 7 and 12 engaging with family dogs. This research addresses a rise in dog bites within the home and seeks to enhance safe interactions between children and dogs. Researchers discovered that while family dogs may display positive behaviors when they initiate or consent to cuddles, they can react “negatively” (defensively)—through growling, snapping, or showing other signs of distress—when cuddles are forced upon them without their choice. This suggests that, although cuddling with pets is a source of joy for many humans, children must learn that dogs should have the autonomy to engage or withdraw from such interactions. The study’s findings emphasize that the answer is nuanced and dependent on whether dogs are given the choice to participate in the interaction. This research underscores the necessity for families to understand and recognize canine body language and consent, ensuring that children know to invite dogs for cuddles rather than imposing them, which ultimately promotes safer and more enjoyable interactions for both parties. For a kid (and parent!) friendly guide, we recommend The Family Dog’s “Pat, Pet, Pause” protocol. Download the poster here https://lnkd.in/gpffVCK7, and ask us about Family Dog training. Access the full study here: https://lnkd.in/gcpiStzN  AND a run-down from Salford University News here: https://lnkd.in/gJBHuiK4 #UniversityOfSalford #ChildDogSafety #CanineConsent #DogsTrust #HumanAnimalInteractions #FamilyPets #DogCuddles

**Title: The Transformative Power of Animal Companionship in Our Professional and Personal Lives** As we navigate the complexities of life, we often seek ways to improve our overall well-being and balance. An often overlooked avenue is the profound impact of animal companionship. Research continually demonstrates the myriad benefits animals bring to our lives, from reducing stress and improving mental health to fostering social connections. Animals, particularly dogs, are not just pets; they are companions, motivators, and sometimes even life-savers. The presence of a pet can lower blood pressure, increase feelings of happiness, and provide unconditional support during challenging times. In both professional and personal realms, animals can create a sense of camaraderie, break down barriers, and encourage more compassionate interactions. Having guide dogs has taught me about trust, adaptability, and unconditional love. My guide dog Trina, with her boundless energy, loyalty, and playfulness, is a beacon of these lessons. Her consistent presence and gentle nature provide a comforting sense of stability in my life. Guide dogs are not just pets but vital partners who enable independence and safety. Trina's unwavering spirit and joyous demeanor remind me daily of what is truly important in life: connection, presence, and the pursuit of shared moments of happiness. This relationship exemplifies the broader truth that our connection to each other and other living beings brings out the best in us. It encourages empathy, nurtures resilience, and cultivates a sense of purpose. In every aspect of our professional and personal lives, the companionship of animals reminds us of our shared vulnerability and strength. As we strive to be our best selves, let's not underestimate the power of the bonds we share with our animal companions. They not only make us better individuals but also enhance our ability to contribute positively to the world around us. Let's embrace these relationships and allow them to guide us toward more fulfilling and compassionate lives. #AnimalCompanionship #GuideDogs #Wellbeing #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealth #Empathy #Resilience #UnconditionalLove #WorkLifeBalance #LifeLessons #Companionship #Mindfulness #StressRelief #Happiness #CommunityBuilding #SupportAnimals #Inclusivity #Empowerment