We all love our dogs. They bring joy to our lives every day. But do they love us back? Can dogs feel emotions? While they can’t communicate like humans, dogs are capable of experiencing emotions. Studies show that dogs have the emotional and mental abilities of a two-and-a-half year old toddler. So not only are they bundles of love, but they also feel and think like children!
Signs Your Dog Feels Emotion
Dogs can feel a range of emotions, starting with excitement. Signs of excitement include a wagging tail, wiggly body, forward ears, dilated pupils, and an open mouth with the tongue hanging out. Dogs also experience distress, disgust, and fear, which can be seen through lowered ears, dilated pupils, a tucked tail, shaking or quivering, and attempts to hide or be submissive.
Dogs can also express love, contentment, and joy. These emotions are shown through wagging tails, wiggly bodies, forward ears, and jumping up to give slobbery kisses. When relaxed and content, dogs will have their tongue hanging out and a calm stance.
Understanding your dog’s body language is crucial in knowing their emotions. Happy dogs have wagging tails, while afraid or nervous dogs have their tails between their legs and ears pressed close to their head.
Body Language
Some cues that indicate your dog’s emotions include growling, alertness, cowering, howling, wagging tail, raised ears, low tail carriage, wiggling, and ears back. Other signs to watch for are booty-shaking, tongue hanging out, rolling over, hiding, and licking.
The Science Behind Dogs Feeling Emotion
Scientists have conducted studies to understand how dogs feel and express their emotions. Dogs are similar to toddlers in terms of emotions and thoughts. Their expression of emotions depends on their breed, age, and temperament. Understanding your dog’s emotions is important in keeping them happy and healthy.
Training Your Dog To Feel Emotion
There is no specific training required for dogs to feel emotions. As they grow, they naturally learn to experience and feel new emotions. Some dogs, especially rescue or abused dogs, may have difficulty expressing their emotions. It is important to create a safe and comfortable environment for these dogs to build trust. With time and love, they will become more expressive and show their emotions.
“Understanding our dogs’ emotions: They feel and think just like kids!”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Dogs have the emotional and mental capabilities of a two-and-a-half year old toddler, which means they can experience a range of emotions such as excitement, distress, love, and joy.
2️⃣ Understanding your dog’s body language is crucial in determining their emotions. For example, a wagging tail and forward ears indicate excitement, while a tucked tail and lowered ears suggest fear or distress.
3️⃣ It’s important to create a safe and comfortable environment for your dog, especially if they have had a traumatic past. Building trust and showing love will help them become more expressive and open with their emotions.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. Do dogs have the ability to feel emotions?
Yes, according to psychological studies, dogs have the emotional and mental capabilities of a two-and-a-half year old toddler.
2. What are some signs that indicate a dog is feeling excitement?
Signs of excitement in dogs can include a rapidly wagging tail, wiggly movements, forward ears with dilated pupils, and an open mouth with the tongue hanging out.
3. How do dogs express fear or distress?
Dogs that are afraid or distressed may exhibit lowered ears pressed flatly to the head, dilated pupils, a tucked tail, shaking or quivering, attempts to hide or find a safe place, and rolling on their tummies to appear submissive.
4. How do dogs express love and joy?
Dogs expressing love and joy may have wiggly tails and booties, forward ears, jumping up to give “kisses,” and relaxed or content body language with a hangin’ tongue.
5. Can dogs feel complex emotions and is there anything we can do to help them express their emotions?
Dogs can feel complex emotions as they grow and develop, and their ability to express emotions may vary based on breed, age, temperament, and life experiences. Building trust and providing a safe and comfortable environment can help dogs express their emotions more fully.
