Canine Endogenous Oxytocin Responses to Dog-Walking and Affiliative Human⁻Dog Interactions.

ABSTRACT: Several studies suggest human⁻dog interactions elicit a positive effect on canine oxytocin concentrations. However, empirical investigations are scant and the joint influence of human⁻dog interaction and physical activity remains unexplored. The aims of the current study were to (a) examine the canine endogenous oxytocin response to owner-led dog-walking and affiliative human⁻dog interactions and (b) investigate the moderating effect of the owner-reported strength of the human⁻dog bond on such responses. Twenty-six dogs took part in a random order cross-over trial, involving dog-walking and human⁻dog interactions. Urinary samples were collected before and after each condition. The data were analyzed using linear mixed models with condition, order of conditions, condition duration, and late

SUBMITTER: Powell L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6406532 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature