Smell of human stress affects dogs’ emotions, study finds

The study found the smell of stress released through human sweat and breath can change the behaviour of a dog. Picture: University of Bristol/PA

The smell of human stress affects dogs’ emotions and could lead to them making more pessimistic choices, new research has suggested.

University of Bristol-led researchers suggest the findings are important for dogs in kennels and when the animals are being trained for roles such as assistance dogs.