08/20/2025
Research Impact on Understanding Welfare
Before this study, I had not considered that positive animal welfare is supported not only behaviorally but also chemically. As described by Nagasawa et al., the “loving meaning” of eye gaze has neurobiological implications. This reinforces the importance of treating traumatized animals carefully, compassionately, and thoughtfully to provide both mental well-being and physical comfort.
Domain 5: Mental State
Domain 5 focuses on animal-related feelings. The oxytocin-gaze loop indicates that human-dog interactions work on many levels, fostering trust, curiosity, and calm. Positive welfare is not only about removing harm; it is about creating moments of hope, connection, and renewal.
Integrating New Information into Assessment
I will now observe signs such as voluntary approach, soft eye contact, relaxed posture, and partial engagement. These indicators reveal the dog’s emotional world and progress in healing. Staff and volunteers will be trained to view these behaviors as evidence of trust and recovery, not just “good behavior.”
Industry Policy Implications
The evidence in this study supports structured human-animal interaction programs in shelters, including low-stress handling, choice-based engagement, and consistent caregiver assignments to increase oxytocin. Adoption decisions could also consider emotional compatibility and the continuation of these practices in the new home.
Revised Perspective on Questionnaire
Originally, I saw my questionnaire items as measures of stress or training success. Now, I view them as indicators of relational healing. The human interaction component, in particular, serves as a barometer of a dog’s progress toward security, stability, and emotional well-being.
Reference
Nagasawa, M., Mitsui, S., En, S., Ohtani, N., Ohta, M., Sakuma, Y., Onaka, T., & Kikusui, T. (2015). Oxytocin-gaze positive loop and the coevolution of human-dog bonds. Science, 348(6232), 333–336. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1261022
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