6d • Sighthound Science
Does your dog yawn after you?
Everybody yawns—usually when they’re tired or bored 😮💨
But there’s another type called contagious yawning. That’s when you yawn just because you saw someone else yawn.
The “we-feeling” behind yawning
Between humans, contagious yawning isn’t random.
Research shows it happens more often between people who feel emotionally close.
The stronger the bond, the more likely the yawn spreads.
This connects to something called a “we-relationship”—seeing someone as part of your group, like “one of us.”
What about dogs?
A study at Birkbeck, University of London, tested 25 dogs.
Each dog watched either:
- their owner yawning
- or a researcher yawning
Over a short 5-minute period, their reactions were measured.
The result
Dogs yawned after their owners…
But not after unfamiliar researchers.
This was selective.
What does this suggest?
Yawning in dogs isn’t just imitation.
It reflects attention, bonding, and social closeness.
Science suggests it’s more than copying—it may be a sign of connection.
❤️ The “we” bond
Humans and dogs may form a real “we-based relationship.”
Not just owner and pet—but a shared social unit.
In this bond:
- emotions influence each other
- attention is shared
- trust runs deep
It can feel like: “what matters to you, matters to me.”
Let’s test it.
Let’s make our own “noodle research” 🐶
Does your dog yawn after you? How often does it happen—and does it show up within a few minutes?
Drop your answer below 👇
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Does your dog yawn after you?
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