Dogs can sense human emotions
Dogs are remarkably attuned to their owners and can pick up on subtle cues like facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language to understand human emotions. They have evolved to be highly receptive to signals we give, and research shows they can discriminate different emotional states in humans. Dogs may recognize emotions in humans by connecting vocalizations and facial expressions with their memories of past experiences with their owner (1). For example, when a person smiles and speaks in a friendly, high-pitched voice, the dog recognizes this as happiness through association.
Dogs are also capable of picking up emotional chemical cues through their acute sense of smell. Recent studies found dogs could detect emotional states just by sniffing human sweat and breathing samples. By sensing the different biochemical markers, dogs were able to distinguish between emotions like happiness, fear, sadness, and anxiety (2). Their exceptional “nose skills” allow dogs to respond appropriately to human emotional cues.
Through domestication, dogs have become hyper-aware of human emotions. This allows them to form deep social bonds with people and make sense of our communications and behavior. So next time your dog gives you comfort when you’re sad or seems eager to please when you’re happy, know that they are tapping into their natural abilities to understand your state of mind.
Sources:
(1) https://www.rspca.org.uk/-/blog_how_dogs_know_what_were_feeling
(2) https://www.freshpet.com/blog/can-dogs-sense-human-emotions
Dogs may show guilty behaviors
Dogs sometimes act guilty by slouching, rolling over to show their belly, avoiding eye contact, and other submissive behaviors when their owner is upset. However, this does not necessarily mean they feel complex emotions like guilt or shame. According to the American Kennel Club, these behaviors are likely the dog’s reaction to their owner’s cues rather than an expression of remorse over their actions.
Research has found that dogs show guilt-like behaviors regardless of whether or not they actually committed a perceived transgression. For example, in a 2009 study published in Behavioural Processes, owners were asked to scold their dogs for eating a forbidden treat. However, some owners scolded an innocent dog who did not actually eat the treat. The study found both groups of dogs showed similar guilt-like behaviors, suggesting the dogs were responding to their owners’ behavior rather than feeling genuine guilt.
Dogs don’t feel complex emotions like guilt
Despite the “guilty look” dogs often display, research suggests dogs lack the higher reasoning skills required to experience complex emotions like guilt, shame or spite. Dogs simply don’t have the cognitive ability to reflect on actions and consciously feel bad about something they’ve done (1).
According to Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, dogs are not able to mentally represent the past or think through the consequences of an action. Their minds are focused in the present moment (2). So when a dog chews up a shoe for example, they are incapable of feeling remorse over their behavior after the fact.
Rather, a dog’s “guilty look” when confronted is likely an instinctual appeasement response designed to diffuse conflict. The dog has associated past scoldings with the presence of a torn up shoe, and displays submissive postures like a lowered head, averted gaze or tucked tail to pacify their owner (3). But true feelings of guilt require a level of self-awareness that dogs lack.
So next time your dog gives you those “puppy dog eyes” after a misdeed, understand they are not saying sorry – just reading your body language and responding instinctually. Focus instead on positive reinforcement for good behavior going forward.
(1) https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/do-dogs-feel-guilt/
(2) https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/thoughtful-animal/do-dogs-feel-guilty/
(3) https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/behavior-appearance/do-dogs-feel-guilt-or-shame
Signs your dog knows you’re upset
Dogs are highly attuned to human emotions and body language. There are several signs your dog may display that indicate they sense you are upset with them:
Tail/ear position: Your dog may tuck their tail, flatten their ears back against their head, or lower their tail and ears. This can signify they feel worried or anxious.
Licking lips: Excessive lip licking when you are around can signal stress in dogs. It is a self-soothing behavior when they feel uneasy.
Yawning: Frequent yawning when not sleepy may indicate your dog is stressed. Like lip licking, it is a tension-relieving action.
Whining: Your dog may whine more than usual when you are upset with them. The whimpering can communicate they are uncomfortable.
Avoidance behaviors: Hiding, backing away, or avoiding looking at you can all be signs your dog knows you disapprove of their behavior.
Dogs pick up on facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice to sense human emotions. If you are feeling disappointed or angry with your dog, they may exhibit anxious or appeasing behaviors to communicate they understand your displeasure.
Why your dog may appear ‘guilty’
A dog’s “guilty” behavior may be a response to their owner’s body language, not because they actually feel remorse for their actions. Dogs are very attuned to human emotions and can sense when their owner is upset. This may cause them to act in a submissive manner, such as lowering their head, tucking their tail, and avoiding eye contact – behaviors that owners often perceive as “guilt.” However, research suggests dogs lack the cognitive complexity to experience complex emotions like guilt (Scientific American, 2015).
Rather than feeling remorse, dogs exhibiting “guilty” behaviors are likely responding to nonverbal cues from their owners that communicate anger or displeasure. Studies have shown that dogs will display guilty behaviors even when they have not done anything their owners perceive as “wrong.” This indicates their body language is reacting to their owners’ demeanor, not their own feelings (Vetstreet, 2015).
While dogs lack true guilt, they are adept at learning which behaviors earn approval or anger from their owners. Clear communication and positive reinforcement are key to training dogs effectively.
How to respond to unwanted behaviors
It’s important not to punish your dog long after an unwanted behavior has occurred. Dogs don’t understand punishment that happens after the fact. Instead, immediately interrupt unwanted behaviors with a firm “no” to get your dog’s attention, then redirect them to a wanted behavior. Praise them when they start doing the right thing. For example, if your dog jumps up on you, say “no” firmly and then ask them to sit. When they sit, praise them and give them a treat. This helps reinforce the wanted behavior.
According to the AKC article “How to Curb Unwanted Dog Behaviors,” “First, greet your dog calmly, so you’re not getting them overly excited. If they try to jump on you, stand like a statue or turn your back. Since dogs jump up for attention, ignoring them is the best way to discourage it.”
The key is to stay calm, interrupt and redirect your dog right away, and reinforce good behaviors through praise and rewards. Punishing long after the fact will not change their behavior.
Use positive reinforcement
Rewarding your dog with treats, praise, or play when they demonstrate good behavior is an effective way to reinforce what you want them to do. This positive reinforcement training technique uses operant conditioning to strengthen desired behaviors (Source). When your dog does something good, immediately give them a reward. This helps them associate the behavior with something pleasant. It’s more effective than punishing bad behavior, which can cause fear or anxiety.
For example, when housetraining a puppy, wait until they go potty outside, then cheer, give treats, and offer playtime. This reinforces going potty in the right spot. Punishing accidents inside is ineffective since the puppy won’t understand. The key is rewarding the right behavior so the puppy repeats it. Positive reinforcement builds a bond through praise and motivates dogs to listen (Source).
Clear communication is key
Dogs do best when there is clear communication of expectations through consistency, routine, rewards, training. Set them up for success.
Dogs can learn over 100 words and gestures, but they don’t understand English. We need to teach dogs which words and gestures mean which behaviors through consistency, repetition and positive reinforcement (Source).
Use consistent verbal cues and hand signals so your dog knows exactly what behavior corresponds to each cue. For example, always use “sit” when you want your dog to sit. Reward desired behaviors with treats, praise or play. This reinforces the behavior you want.
Dogs thrive on routine. Establish a daily schedule for things like walks, feeding, playing and training. This helps them understand what to expect. Avoid sudden changes in routines when possible.
Set your dog up for success by keeping training sessions short and rewarding good behavior. Don’t give confusing cues or punish for not understanding. Be patient and allow your dog time to learn.
Clear communication, consistency and positive reinforcement are key to developing a well-trained, happy dog who understands your expectations.
Build a strong bond
A strong bond with your dog encourages them to pay attention to you and please you. Taking time to play, train, and walk together every day is one of the best ways to deepen your connection. Activities you enjoy together will strengthen your relationship. Your dog will be eager to spend more time with you as you form a close companionship.
Grooming sessions are another opportunity to bond. As you gently brush their coat, your dog will feel calm and cared for. Cuddling or petting while you watch TV is an easy way to build affection. Create a routine with regular time set aside for just the two of you.
Speaking in an excited, positive tone and using your dog’s name will help reinforce their attention. Clear and consistent communication is key, so your dog understands what you expect from them. Patience as you work together lays a foundation of trust.
Make sure walks allow time for sniffing, exploring, and engaging with your dog – don’t just lead them from point A to B. Allow your dog to interact and play with other friendly, vaccinated dogs on walks as well to satisfy their social needs.
When your dog feels loved every day, they are devoted companions for life. Investing in your bond now creates years of joy ahead.
When to seek professional help
Most behavioral issues can be addressed through training, but some cases may require professional assistance from an animal behaviorist or certified dog trainer. If your dog exhibits aggressive behaviors like growling, snapping, or biting that put you, your family, or others at risk, seek help from a professional right away. Other signs it may be time to get professional support include:
- Destructive behaviors like excessive chewing, digging, or urinating in the house persist despite training efforts.
- Excessive barking or whining disrupts the household and neighbors.
- Intense fear or anxiety, like hiding, trembling, or panicking around strangers or in new environments.
- Obsessive behaviors like tail chasing, licking themselves raw, or staring persistently.
Your veterinarian can provide a referral to a certified applied animal behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist who can observe your dog’s behaviors and design an effective behavior modification plan. They can also determine if anxiety medication may help in conjunction with training. With their expertise and your dedication to training, you can get problematic behaviors under control. But don’t wait too long to seek help – the earlier you can intervene with professional support, the better the chances of resolving the issue.