Scientias · Science

Dog brains resemble human brains in self-control

Hungarian researchers have discovered that the frontal lobe of dogs, responsible for suppressing impulses, is more active when dogs have to restrain themselves. This shows striking similarities with human brain activity.

Self-control, the ability to suppress impulses, plays a crucial role in both humans and animals. In humans, the frontal lobe is essential for this, a brain area also associated with conditions such as ADHD.

Despite the close bond between humans and dogs, little research has been done on the frontal lobe in dogs. This is despite the fact that, as intelligent companions, they experience situations daily that require self-control.

Using EEG measurements, researchers analyzed the brain activity of fourteen dogs. They observed that the frontal lobe was significantly more active during commands that required self-control, indicating conscious behavioral management.

The measured brain activity in dogs showed a strong resemblance to that of humans. This is explained by thousands of years of cohabitation, which means dogs are confronted with similar situations that require self-control.

These findings not only provide insight into the behavior of pets but can also contribute to the understanding of the development of the human brain. The shorter lifespan of dogs also makes them suitable for faster age-related research.

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