Dogs really can tell when you’re upset, study finds

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA/CNN) – Have you ever wondered if your dog can tell when you’re down in the dumps? A new study indicates they can.

The small study found that dogs are more likely to rush to their owner’s side faster when their owner is distressed or crying, regardless of age, breed or training.

The study, published in the “Learning and Behavior” journal, evaluated 34 dogs by putting them in separate rooms from their owners.

Researchers found dogs ran to their humans much faster when the owner made crying sounds than when the owner hummed “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” or spoke in a normal voice.

The study also found that dogs who were less stressed overall tended to be more helpful.

Scientists say the findings of the study could help them learn more about what influences dogs to help their humans in times of need, especially service dogs.