A growing area of research suggests human heart rates slow, levels of the stress hormone cortisol shrink and blood pressure decreases when people hang out with dogs. Not only do people report feeling less workplace stress around dogs, but their very bodies tend to support this claim.
Pets can alleviate stress, however, dampening these effects and leading to improved performance on difficult tasks. After all, stress can compromise decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
The Oval Office, the site of momentous decisions, enormous stress and complex social dynamics, may benefit from dogs even more than typical workplaces. President Barack Obama takes a break outside the Oval Office with Bo in 2012. A growing area of research suggests that dogs can provide real benefits, not only to their daily companions, but also to those in their orbit. But as a psychologist studying dog cognition and behavior, I must add a crucial point: Dogs have much more to offer than feel-good stories and cute photo ops. More recently, Buddy Clinton, Barney and Miss Beazley Bush and Bo and Sunny Obama have captivated the American public while roaming the halls of the White House.Īs a dog enthusiast, I too take enormous delight in seeing presidents’ dogs run down the White House hallways, deplane from Air Force One or campaign with their guardians. Bush’s springer spaniel, Millie, “authored” a book on life in the White House that charmed many readers – and even outsold her presidential guardian’s autobiography. Pets in the Oval Office have long fascinated many on both sides of the aisle. Major, the first shelter dog to live in the White House, has delighted so many people, the Delaware Humane Association, from which Major was adopted, held an “indoguration” ceremony for him. The dogs even share a Twitter account, which features photos and doggie press releases. Since entering the political spotlight, Champ and Major have achieved celebrity status, making news when then- President-elect Joe Biden fractured his foot while playing with Major and stumping for Biden on the campaign trail. The first ‘Indoguration’ hosted by the Delaware Humane Association.
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