
14/08/2025
Science confirms what dog lovers have always felt. In a groundbreaking fMRI study led by Emory University neuroscientist Gregory Berns—reported in National Geographic and Nature Scientific Reports—researchers found that when dogs smell their owner, the caudate nucleus, the brain’s center for joy, reward, and affection, lights up far more than when smelling food or other dogs. This means your scent isn’t just familiar to them—it triggers a powerful emotional response, a biological signature of love and bonding. It’s neuroscience proving that to your dog, you’re not just a caretaker—you’re family.