Biobehavioral synchrony across species: Evidence for multi-level regulatory dynamics in human–canine dyads

Abstract

Coordinated dynamics between individuals are a hallmark of social interaction, yet the temporal structure and physiological basis of such coupling beyond human species remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated cross-species biobehavioral synchrony by simultaneously quantifying motion dynamics and autonomic activity with hyperscanning of human-canine dyads. We observed both spontaneous and task-related synchrony across motion dynamics, heart rate, and heart rate variability at multiple timescales. Importantly, synchrony was modulated by individual and relational factors. Task-related autonomic synchrony was affected by the human temperament, whereas greater familiarity within the dyad altered the leader-follower dynamics, shifting directional influence from human-led toward canine-driven coordination. Motion synchrony emerged with minimal delay, whereas cardiac synchrony unfolded across longer timescales, suggesting coordinated processes underlying the shared activity, arousal, and autonomic regulation. Our findings extend current models of social synchrony beyond human interactions and reveal that regulatory dynamics underlying coordinated behavior operate across species boundaries.