The study focused on three distinct groups of dogs: family dogs, former shelter dogs, and therapy dogs. Each group represents a different background and set of experiences, offering a diverse perspective on the impact of human interaction. Through a series of carefully designed experiments, the researchers sought to uncover how these dogs respond to different forms of social stimulation and whether their previous life experiences play a role in shaping their behavior.

One of the key findings of the study was the significant influence of human interaction on dogs’ behavior, particularly in relation to food preferences. Dogs who experienced positive social interactions with their owners showed a greater susceptibility to human influence compared to those who interacted with strangers or experienced social separation. This suggests that the quality of the relationship between dogs and their owners plays a crucial role in shaping their responses to external cues.

Interestingly, the study also revealed differences in the responses of therapy dogs and former shelter dogs compared to family dogs. Therapy dogs, trained to engage in interactions with strangers for therapeutic purposes, showed a lower susceptibility to human influence when interacting with strangers compared to their owners. This unexpected finding challenges previous assumptions about the social dynamics of therapy dog work and raises important questions about the welfare implications of forced social interactions for these animals.

On the other hand, former shelter dogs, despite their potentially challenging early life experiences, exhibited similar responses to family dogs in the study. This suggests that the effects of social deprivation early in life may be mitigated by positive social interactions later on, highlighting the resilience of these animals and the importance of supportive environments.

So, the study by Kis et al. (2024) sheds new light on the intricate dynamics of human-dog relationships and the factors that influence dogs’ social susceptibility. By examining the impact of various forms of human interaction on different groups of dogs, the researchers provide valuable insights into the complexities of canine behavior and the importance of positive social experiences for animal welfare.