The goal of this study was to understand the neurocognitive basis of behavioral synchrony between dogs and humans. In us, this phenomenon is based on what scientists call “motor resonance”. When a person observes someone performing an action, certain areas of their brain activate as if they were carrying out the movement themselves. This mechanism is associated with the famous mirror neurons.
The authors of this study therefore sought to find out if a similar process could exist in Man's best friend and to explain why it adjusts its behavior so easily to that of humans. To do this, they analyzed work on canine cognitive abilities, human-dog interactions and behavioral contagion phenomena observed between the two species.
An observed synchronization
The group of researchers believes that dogs have several prerequisites necessary for the appearance of motor resonance. They are capable of perceiving and interpreting many human signals, such as gaze, gestures or attention to an object. They also adapt their reactions based on the behavior of their human interlocutor.
Scientific literature also shows that doggies spontaneously synchronize their movements with those of their owner, even without reward or specific instructions. This coordination was observed in different walking environments and contexts.
Other phenomena reinforce this hypothesis, such as contagious yawning between humans and dogs or even certain forms of behavioral mimicry. According to the authors, these observations are compatible with the existence of an interspecific motor resonance, that is to say a mechanism shared between humans and dogs.
However, scientists emphasize that this is still only a hypothesis. Direct evidence to confirm the existence of this brain mechanism in Man's best friend remains to be obtained.
A unique bond that is not just about learning
This study sheds interesting light on the unique relationship that has existed between dogs and humans for thousands of years. It suggests that the ability of our beloved furballs to match our behavior could rely on more complex cognitive mechanisms than previously thought.
If this hypothesis is confirmed by future research, it would allow us to better understand the joint evolution of the two species as well as the biological bases of their daily cooperation. It could also help improve dog training methods and the quality of interactions between dogs and their owners.
* “Behavioral Synchronization between Dogs and Humans: Unveiling Interspecific Motor Resonance? », Angélique Lamontagne, Florence Gaunet, Animals, 2024.