The relationship between animals and humans goes back thousands of years and has been mutually beneficial for both of us. Dogs are provided and safe warm place to live surrounded by their pet parents love but they also give us a lot and not just company. Research shows that letting a dog can reduce blood pressure, improve mental health and in particular during the pandemic - ease stress and provide companionship. Data shows that per owners may have fared better these last few years because of their furry friends.

So in this episode we talk with Dr Carolyn Walsh who co-founded the "Canine Research Unit" lab at Memorial University. Their research focus is on the social behaviour of domestic dogs, and the relationships between hormones such as stress hormones and our feel-good hormone oxytocin, as well as dog personality, and behaviour. She will walk us through why dog ownership may have some unexpected positive health benefits. We’ll finish our show talking with Sandy Delaney from the newfoundland athletic dog association and learn how dogs and their humans can get active with their program.