Researchers from ELTE University in Budapest studied the brain activity of dogs in relation to various human and dog sounds, such as voices, barking, insignificant grunts and sighs of both kinds.
Prior to this research, we had no idea what happens inside a dog’s brain when people make noise. Among other surprising facts, the research showed similarities in the way a dog and a man react to emotionally colored voices and sounds. Researchers have proven that cheerful sounds stimulate and positively affect the auditory cortex in both species. This common feature tells us about a unique communication system that builds a connection between a dog and a human.
In short – dogs do not only receive seemingly subtle mood swings, but because of the way they are associated with humans, they are more physically sensitive and susceptible to even the slightest mood swings.