Dogs may ease PTSD symptoms and boost focus in police officers
Doctoral research at Radboud University examined how assistance and companion dogs affect police officers with PTSD. In EEG working-memory tests, officers with PTSD performed better when their dog was present, while those without PTSD performed worse. Interviews also described feeling safer and more confident with a dog nearby.
The research was led by neurobiologist Charlotte Witjes-Roelofs and commissioned by the Police Academy. Her thesis is scheduled for defense at Radboud University on Oct. 1, 2026, and the findings appear in Anthrozoös. The project combined EEG-based working-memory testing with interviews, focusing on police officers who developed PTSD after traumatic incidents.
In the EEG task, officers with PTSD responded better when their dog was nearby, while officers without PTSD did worse. Interviews highlighted emotional support, calm, trust, and security, even with ordinary pets. Specially trained assistance dogs, such as those from KNGF, may wake owners from nightmares, help them leave crowded spaces, or mirror behavior.
The findings may influence how police forces and mental-health services consider dogs in PTSD support. Officers with persistent symptoms after therapy could gain another low-risk option, while families and colleagues might see improved focus and confidence. It may also prompt more structured training for companion dogs, though access, certification, and individual suitability could shape real-world benefits.