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Dogs as catalysts for social interactions: Robustness of the effect

2000/02/01 by June McNicholas, Glyn M. Collis · 550 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Chemistry · Neuroscience · Psychology · #Chemistry #Cognitive psychology #Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior #Feeling #Human-Animal Interaction Studies #Observer (physics) #Psychology #Psychology of Moral and Emotional Judgment #Robustness (evolution) #Social psychology #Social relation

paper · doi:10.1348/000712600161673

published in British Journal of Psychology 91(1), 61-70 (Wiley)

openalex publication_date 2000/02/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01

Abstract

It is known that pet dogs can act as catalysts for human social interactions, and it has been suggested that this may enhance feelings of well-being. Two studies were carried out to establish the robustness of this effect. In Study 1, a highly trained dog was used to ensure that the dog itself did not solicit attention from passers-by, and data were collected across a range of normal daily activities in which a dog could be included, not confined to conventional dog walking areas as in previous studies. Being accompanied by a dog increased the frequency of social interactions, especially interactions with strangers. In Study 2, also using a trained dog, a different (male) participant observer was dressed either smartly or scruffily. Although there were significantly more interactions when he was smartly dressed, the greatest effect was between the Dog present and No Dog conditions irrespective of the handler's dress. It is concluded that the social catalysis effect is very robust, which opens the way for investigating possible consequences of the effect for well-being and health.

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