Overview

• Florida Atlantic University researchers studied 28 female veterans who either trained service dogs for one hour a week or watched dog-training videos.
• Participants in the hands-on training group showed increased telomere length, while the video group showed decreases, according to findings in the journal Behavioural Sciences.
• Researchers collected saliva samples and heart rate variability data and asked participants to wear monitors to assess cellular and stress-related measures.
• Mental health scores improved across both groups, with indications that service-dog training may be especially helpful for those with psychological stress or combat experience.
• Media coverage paired the study with anecdotal claims that dog ownership boosts activity, mood, and social ties, though broader effects on ageing remain unproven beyond this specific context.