Behavioral synchronization and affiliation in dogs: analogy with human processes

Theoretical notes
By Charlotte Duranton, Florence Gaunet
English

Behavioral synchronization is adaptive, increasing social cohesion between group members. In humans, affiliation is linked with a high level of synchronization, and individuals prefer people who synchronize with them. Studying these phenomena at interspecific level is essential to better understand the respective roles of ontogeny and evolution. Here, we review recent findings on behavioral synchronization between dogs and humans and the role of affiliation in it. As in humans, i. affiliation affects the degree of synchronization of dogs towards humans; and ii. dogs prefer people who synchronize with them.To conclude, we have evidenced in dogs a new social process similar to what is found in humans. We can say that as in humans, behavioral synchronization is a social glue between dogs and humans. The mechanisms at play and the implications of the findings are discussed.

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