Does My Dog Really Feel Guilty?
Image by damita118 from Pixabay
It’s got a really fancy term (anthropomorphism), but
it simply means projecting human characteristics
onto a non-human entity (i.e., your dog).
Let’s be honest, we all do it, but is it really in the best interest of our canines?
Psychology Today defines anthropomorphism as attributing “human behavior to animals.” But, do our dogs really experience life in the same way humans do? Or is it merely a natural attempt to better understand, relate and bond with our K9s using our own perspective of intent, motivations and emotions?
Does your dog really feel guilt or shame over getting into the garbage, eating your couch or favorite pair of shoes?
Is your dog really angry with you and ignoring you as “payback?”
Or are they simply taking their cues from us and naturally reacting?
What Do Dogs Think?
It’s often easy (and fun!) to imagine what our dogs are thinking or feeling based on what we perceive to be telling facial expressions and body language. This is the essence of anthropomorphism; transferring our own human characteristics. Countless memes on social media have perfected this into a fine – and yes, hilarious – art form!
However, the canine’s body language is sophisticated and evolved over generations in order to predict and communicate with other members in the pack. Even after they were domesticated to become our best furry friends, it seems Fido has modified his uncanny ability to understand – and react to – human body language as well.
So the next time you’re scolding your dog for unwanted (“bad”) behavior, dog cognition expert Alexandra Horowitz offers this scientific explanation, “What looks like a guilty look in dogs is actually prompted by human scolding.” In other words, what we often interpret as a “guilty” reaction on the part of the dog, is actually more a fear response to the owner’s reaction. (This response is similarly used in undomesticated dogs when another dog is disagreeing with a certain behavior; the offending dog will react by backing down and offering submission to placate the offended party.)
So DO Dogs Have Emotions?
Photo by Jeremiah Higgins on Unsplash
Absolutely! Dr. Stanley Coren, winner of the Writer of the Year Award from the International Positive Dog Training Association and author of “How to Speak Dog,” explains:
“Dogs have all of the same brain structures that produce emotions in humans. Dogs also have the same hormones and … chemical changes that humans do during emotional states. Dogs even have the hormone oxytocin, which, in humans, is involved with feeling love and affection for others.”
But the actual range and depth of emotional range is much different. Research places a dog’s emotional mind at the approximate level of a human child around 24-30 months old. Imagine how a toddler at that age acts, displaying natural and basic emotions like happiness, love and fear.
Photo by Anastasiia Tarasova on Unsplash
Perhaps the real question here is do our dogs actually have – and use – intent? When questioning whether a dog feels the emotions of guilt, shame or anger, these are emotions tied to intent, typically human tendencies. It’s important to remember ALL dogs live in the moment and unlike humans, they don’t analyze the past or plan out the future. A dog’s true intent is to live in this very moment.
Resist Oversimplification
Our canines are amazing creatures. But it’s important to avoid oversimplifying and assuming both dogs and their humans feel the same emotions in the same way. This is especially true when training or modifying unwanted behavior. Without properly understanding your dog’s reactions and body language, it’s possible to overreact confusing your dog more than helping him to understand what you really want.
Image by Péter Göblyös from Pixabay
Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language Will Help You
Better Understand Your Dog!
Creating the Forever Dog is ready to help you with professional training services including:
- Puppy classes;
- One-on-one dog training; and
- In-home K9 training.
There’s no better way to understand
what your dog is trying to tell you
with his body language and behavior!
Just call us today at 303-904-0484 to get started!
And remember, we also offer dog walking, house sitting and dog grooming!
Schedule Dog Walking & House Sitting Services with Distinctive Pet Care:
303-904-0484 or info@DistinctivePetCare.com.
And always keep your dog groomed with The Ken Caryl Pet Spa:
720-981-7387 or info@KenCarylPetSpa.com.
Additional Reading:
- What is Anthropomorphism?
www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/anthropomorphism - In the Minds of Dogs
www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/201709/in-the-minds-dogs - Which Emotions Do Dogs Actually Experience?
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/201303/which-emotions-do-dogs-actually-experience - Let’s Journey Through the Mind of a Dog
blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2018/03/22/what-do-dogs-think/#.XL32NIlKi00 - Book: Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know by Alexandra Horowitz (New York Times’ Bestseller)
