LAUSR

ABSTRACT The oxytocin system has recently received increasing attention due to its effect on complex human behaviours. In parallel to this, over the past couple of decades, the human‐analogue social behaviour of dogs has been intensively studied. Combining these two lines of research (e.g. studying the relationship between dog social behaviour and the oxytocin system) is a promising new research area. The present paper reviews the existing literature on how oxytocin is related to different aspects of human‐directed social behaviour in dogs. HIGHLIGHTSOxytocin plays a complex role in regulating human − dog relationships.OXTR polymorphisms and IN‐OXT have an effect on social behaviour towards humans.Behavioural treatment with human social stimuli influences oxytocin levels.Methodological discrepancies exist between the published studies.Standardization in the measurement of peripheral OXT and the administration of IN‐OXT is necessary.