Behavioural Synchronisation between Dogs and Humans: Unveiling Interspecific Motor Resonance?

Abstract

Dogs' behavioural synchronisation with humans is of growing scientific interest. However, studies lack a comprehensive exploration of the neurocognitive foundations of this social cognitive ability. Drawing parallels from the mechanisms underlying behavioural synchronisation in humans, specifically motor resonance and the recruitment of mirror neurons, we hypothesise that dogs' behavioural synchronisation with humans is underpinned by a similar mechanism, namely interspecific motor resonance. Based on a literature review, we argue that dogs possess the prerequisites for motor resonance, and we suggest that interspecific behavioural synchronisation relies on the activation of both human and canine mirror neurons. Furthermore, interspecific behavioural studies highlight certain characteristics of motor resonance, including motor contagion and its social modulators. While these findings strongly suggest the potential existence of interspecific motor resonance, direct proof remains to be established. Our analysis thus paves the way for future research to confirm the existence of interspecific motor resonance as the neurocognitive foundation for interspecific behavioural synchronisation. Unravelling the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying this behavioural adjustment holds profound implications for understanding the evolutionary dynamics of dogs alongside humans and improving the day-to-day management of dog-human interactions.

Keywords: behaviour; dog; human–animal interaction; interspecific cognition; mirror neurons; motor contagion; motor resonance; synchronisation.

Figure 1

Sensorimotor processes associated with motor resonance in humans. The perception of an action activates the observer’s sensory and motor representations associated with that action. Motor resonance induces a first response, which is a trigger for executing the action. This initial response is modulated through top-down processes, either reinforcing or inhibiting it. When this initial response is uninhibited, it leads to the observer executing the perceived action.

Figure 2

Canine behaviours while hunting.

Figure 3

Mirror neurons, a neurological solution conserved over evolution for behavioural alignment in social species.

Figure 4

Interspecific locomotor synchronisation.