We should smile at our dogs – a new scientific study reveals why

Cuaya explained that, from a neuroscience perspective, “the dog’s brain is quite fascinating”.

“They are really good at understanding emotions in humans – a species that is completely different from them.”

This research is building a picture of exactly how thousands of years of living alongside humans has made this possible by moulding and changing dogs’ brain circuitry.

“When we compare humans with other primates, we are looking at abilities that may have come from a common ancestor,” Cuaya added.

“With dogs, the story is totally different. They followed a very different evolutionary path, but through domestication, they developed the social abilities needed to understand and cooperate with us.”

Cuaya and Hernández-Pérez also hope their findings will help show people to communicate more effectively with their own beloved canine companions.

“We can reward our dogs with treats, but also reward them with happiness,” said Cuaya. “So we should smile at the dogs – even at random dogs in the street.”

The findings are published in the journal iScience, external.