Motivations of Human Helping Behavior towards Dogs

Human-dog interactions have a positive effect on human sociality and health. The relationship with dogs helps humans to cope with stress during an emotionally challenging period, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, a growing global interest in pets has been registered, including the volunteering for shelter/stray dog protection. However, a considerable increase of human dysfunctional interventions toward dogs has been observed in Southern Italy. In this study, we investigated the psychological characteristics of humans volunteering at animal shelter or engaged in stray dog protection. The effect of psychological training and education about dog ethological needs on volunteers' helping behavior was also analyzed. We report that the intervention can improve volunteers' physiological features and, consequently, may enhance human management and dog welfare.

Automated summary

Interactions with dogs have a positive effect on human sociality and health, especially during stressful periods. However, there has been an increase in human dysfunctional interventions towards dogs in Southern Italy. This study investigates the psychological characteristics of humans involved in animal shelter work or stray dog protection and analyzes the impact of psychological training on their helping behavior. The findings suggest that intervention can improve physiological features of volunteers, potentially enhancing human management and dog welfare.