Dog Research

Attachment and Sociability

Everyone knows that dogs are social but not everyone knows that they have the same sort of attachment system that we do. Dogs, like people, have both secure and insecure attachment styles with a ration similar to ours – about 60% secure and 40% insecure. But don’t worry, an insecure attachment style doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with your pup, it’s just how they cope in strange and new situations.

Small dog excitedly pulling owner to our research lab for his visit
They even get attached to us (he is rushing to our lab!)
And we get attached to them (Dr. Darling on a dog cuddle break – research is so hard!)
Dog wearing an orange bandanna that says "Sniffing in progress"

Stress

Unfortunately, dogs get stressed out too! Our graduate student Alisa Tananaeva started our Sniff for Joy research project examining the effect of scent and sniffing activities on chronic canine stress. As part of that program, she created 6 sniffing-based games that you can play with your dog.

The “sniffing room” in our lab at Oregon State University

All set up before the dogs come – the messier it gets the better!