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In a new peer-reviewed study of 171 family dogs, researchers grouped dogs by how often they looked at their person or a friendly stranger  during a mildly uncertain situation (a remote-controlled toy car). Those gaze patterns tied to personality (liveliness, aggressiveness), the emotional comfort dogs provide their people, and some breed differences. What the researchers did Dogs met a small moving toy car in a controlled room. For one minute, observers counted how often each

Researchers studied 124 Great Danes (Finland) and found a DNA “hot spot” on chromosome 11 linked to dogs who are more fearful of unfamiliar people. They used a validated owner survey to score each dog’s “stranger-fear” on a scale (controls scored 0; cases scored >0). They also calculated a socialization score based on experiences from 7 weeks to 3 months of age, because early exposure strongly shapes confidence. Even after accounting for socialization, the genetic signal on c

Human Dog Harmony isn’t just a space for the dog sports community — it’s for everyone  who wants to build a stronger, more understanding relationship with their dog. Whether you’re training for titles, working through behavior challenges, or simply learning to communicate better, we all share the same goal: connection. That’s why I’d like to share my reflections on the close of the 2025 water training season; a weekend that captured both the joy and heartbreak that come with

The vagus nerve  is the main pathway of the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” system). It runs from the brainstem down into the chest and abdomen, influencing the heart, lungs, stomach, and more. In both humans and dogs, it acts like a “brake” for stress, arousal, and emotional reactivity. When the vagus nerve is well-regulated (high vagal tone), the body can calm down more quickly after stress. When it’s dysregulated (low vagal tone), recovery is slower a

Behavior comes from many tiny genetic effects plus everything the dog experiences. You’ll get farther, faster by building routines that meet needs for safety, predictability, mental work, and rest, no matter the breed.

Why mixed-breed dogs keep proving people wrong (in the best way). The short story Most mutts aren’t a simple 50/50 split; many carry bits...

Stereotypes are catchy. Real dogs are messy and wonderful. The short story It’s tempting to assume a breed is  a personality: Labs are...

A new study of nearly 4,500 dogs reveals the “why” behind spinning, tail chasing, shadow staring, and other repetitive habits. Researchers found that age, exercise, social environment, guardian experience, and even genetics all play a role. While some quirks are harmless, others can signal stress, boredom, or frustration.

If you’ve ever felt like your dog “just knows” when you’re stressed, science is catching up with you. A 2022 study from Queen’s University Belfast tested whether dogs can tell the difference between a person’s normal scent and their scent during psychological stress—and the results were striking.

Before bringing a dog home, your confidence, preparation, and decisions can shape your future relationship. Learn what research reveals about preventing behavior problems, boosting satisfaction, and building a stronger human–dog bond.