Cane Becomes A Professor At A University In California

That dogs have a lot to teach us humans is something we at My Animals don’t question. But it is another thing to read in the news that a dog has become a university professor. We tell you what it is exactly.

Beau, the dog who is part of the staff of a Californian university

Professor Beauregard Tirebiter, Beau to friends, is a new staff member of the University of Southern California (USA). But there is a small detail: Beau is not a person. It’s a dog.

It is a 2 year old, black goldendoodle (a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle). And, reportedly, his coat is hypoallergenic. The animal performs the function of a “dog of well-being”, something similar to dogs for therapy, but aimed at a wider universe. Beau was trained to be able to work routinely with a large number of people.

In short, its function is to help students reduce stress levels and thus improve their academic performance.

And although the dog, in this early stage, has his own place at the USC Office of Health and Welfare Promotion, and certain times to receive students, the idea is that he can interact with them in the different spaces of the university.

Find out how a dog turned into a university professor

According to Professor Olga Solomon, a member of this educational institution, positive interactions with dogs generate feelings of well-being and calm. Petting or playing with a dog tends to raise the levels of certain hormones and chemicals. So people feel happier and their stress lessens.

But the idea is that Beau also helps create a sense of community within the university. And also to remove barriers for those students who have trouble accessing some USC resources.

Amanda Vanni, the dog trainer, works with Beau on a daily basis so that he can perform his function effectively. And, to reach as many students as possible, the furry guy has a Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat account.

Interacting with pets reduces stress levels

What is certain is that stress often leads students to drop out or to perform poorly. For this reason, universities aim to develop policies to solve this problem. The decision to “hire” Beau undoubtedly moves in this direction.

And various studies have found that interacting with pets increases the levels of hormones in people that make people feel happiness and well-being. Between these:

• Serotonin. It acts as a neurotransmitter responsible for keeping the mood in balance. Its deficiency could cause depression.
• Beta-endorphin. It occurs in the central nervous system and works primarily as a pain moderator. It is an endogenous opiate hormone and neurotransmitter.

• Oxytocin. This hormone is held responsible, among other things, for the fact that we love, are faithful, compassionate and kind.

Also, petting or playing with a dog lowers cortisol levels. It is a steroid hormone, produced by the adrenal gland, and which is released in response to stress.

Animals have a lot to teach us

At this point, there seems to be no doubt that dogs have a lot to offer us, and to varying degrees.

And it doesn’t sound so strange that a dog has turned into a professor at an American university.

In his own way, Beau will be able to teach many things to students attending the University of Los Angeles, California.

Photo source: Dog Beau’s Instagram account