Why should you talk to your dog?

Talking to animals is not only a habitual custom for many of their owners but it can also be a very habit beneficial for people. Although sometimes it may seem strange or even, for some, ridiculous, science has begun to take this behavior into account as something more important. Different studies already show that establishing conversations with our four -legged companions can contribute significantly to the emotional, cognitive and social well -being of humans.

For years, psychologists like Nicholas Epley, a professor at the University of Chicago, claim that the fact of attributing human qualities to animals (anthropomorphism) is a sample of emotional intelligence and empathywhich has nothing to do with simple immature or child behavior. Those who develop this type of dialogue with their pets show a greater ability to interpret others and put on the place of the other, key skills to apply in others Important areas of our livessuch as work.

According to Epley, those who talk with their animals, tend to be more aware of the emotions of others, a quality Fundamental for life in society. In addition, in humans, the social bond with whom speaks influences how language is processed at the neuronal level. For example, children show greater activation in the auditory and brain reward when they listen to affectionate expressions of their mothers.

According to a study published in the magazine Neuroimage Something similar occurs with dogs: dogs that develop a strong attachment to their families, also have a Positive response in the auditory cortex and in the reward center of his brain when he hears verbal praise. In this way, not only humans benefit from emotional exchange: affective language also reinforces the link from the dog's point of view.

Talking to your dog also helps you talk to you

Following this study, many people claim to feel more comfortable sharing their negative emotions with their dogs than with other people, fighting the appearance of stress and anxiety. The absence of judgment And the animal's constant presence offers a safe space that acts as a form of relief. In this sense, talking to a dog can function as a kind of therapyfavoring emotional regulation in times of difficulty.

This type of interaction also has Consequences at the cognitive level. Although the animal does not understand the content of the message, the act of verbalizing thoughts helps to keep the mind active. Reading out loud, talking during walks or even explaining the day to your dog are subtle forms of brain stimulation. In fact, programs have developed in the educational field in which children read dogs as a way to improve their verbal fluidity and trust. Logic is transferable to adults: maintain a conversation, even if it is unidirectional, helps order ideas and reinforce executive functions.

But the benefits do not remain rational. The fact of looking into your dog's eyes while talking can have physiological effects. According to studies published in the magazine Sciencethis visual contact can increase the levels of oxytocinknown as the “love hormone”, both in humans and in dogs. A hormone that is related to confidence, the reduction of fear and reinforcement of emotional ties, which converts each conversation into a mutual well -being feedback.

In addition, talking with a faithful four -legged friend can improve self -esteem. Especially in older people or in situations of social vulnerability, verbal interaction with a pet favors the sense of purpose and utility. Thus, it is not uncommon for animal -assisted therapy patients to be more motivated and predisposed to express themselves verbally when the receiver is a dog than when it comes to a human.

It has also been observed that this type of practices in the daily routine can help establish healthier habits. Walking to the animal, commenting on the weather, giving indications or even talking during the game can better structure the day, motivate you to leave home and foster greater physical and mental activity.

In short, talking to your dog is a natural and emotionally important way of connect with yourself through the link with another living being. That is, it is another human way.