Have you ever seen children playing with a dog in the backyard? Sometimes it seems like the dog is having just as much fun as the kids, and they even appear to be laughing! It turns out, dogs and many other animals have a sense of humor too. Studies are even identifying which dog breeds have the best sense of humor.
Signs Your Dog Thinks Something is Funny
Dogs show their sense of humor through playfulness, expressions, and vocalizations. They may smile and show their teeth when they’re happy. They wag their tail to the right and go into a play bowing position when they want to play. They may even give a quick yip to invite you to join in. Dogs also laugh, which can be seen through a wide toothy grin and a unique exhalation. Your dog may romp, frolic, and jab you with their nose to make you laugh.
Body Language
Some signs that your dog thinks something is funny include barking, jumping up, wagging their tail, showing their teeth, and play bowing. Other signs include a toothy grin, playing games, romping and frolicking, and jabbing you with their nose.
History of Dog Humor
Psychologist Stanley Coren and Charles Darwin have both observed the humor of dogs in their playfulness. Darwin believed that dogs have a sense of humor and can find activities or interactions funny, which demonstrates their ability to think. Researchers at the University of California-Davis ranked different dog breeds based on playfulness, with the Irish Setter, English Springer Spaniel, and Golden Retriever being among the most playful breeds.
The Science of Dogs Finding Things Funny
Scientists have studied the capacity of animals, including dogs, to have emotions. They believe that human laughter evolved from the panting behavior of apes during play. Rats have also been observed emitting sounds similar to laughter when they play or are rewarded. Humor in dogs is a social behavior that conveys social information.
Training Your Dog Appropriate Humor
While playfulness is appreciated in dogs, some behaviors that humans find funny may actually be attention-seeking behaviors. It’s important to train your dog to drop or leave items and reward them for playing with appropriate toys. Obedience training can also teach your dog when and how to play. Attention-seeking behavior may indicate that your dog is bored and needs more interaction and stimulation.
Teaching Your Dog to Laugh
You can train your dog to laugh by making specific sounds with your lips and mouth. Your dog may follow along and show signs of happiness, such as wagging their tail and smiling. Remember to reward your dog for laughing along with you.
“Laughter knows no bounds, not even among our furry friends.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Dogs have a sense of humor: Just like humans, dogs can find things funny and enjoy playful interactions. They may show their sense of humor through playfulness, expressions, and vocalizations. Pay attention to signs like smiling, wagging tail, play bowing, and happy yelps to know if your dog finds something funny.
2️⃣ Body language cues: Your dog’s body language can indicate if they think something is funny. Look for signs like barking, jumping up, wagging tail, exposed teeth, play bowing, toothy grins, playing games, romping, frolicking, and jabbing with their nose. These behaviors show that your dog is enjoying the humor and wants to engage in playful activities.
3️⃣ Training appropriate humor: While dogs can have a sense of humor, it’s important to train them to exhibit appropriate behaviors. Avoid rewarding attention-seeking behaviors that you don’t want to see repeated. Use commands like “Drop It” or “Leave It” to discourage unwanted behavior and reward your dog for playing with appropriate toys. Incorporate obedience work to teach your dog when to play and when to remain calm. Make sure your dog gets enough stimulation, exercise, and interaction to prevent boredom.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. How can you tell if your dog thinks something is funny?
– Dogs will show playfulness, expressions, and vocalizations, such as wagging their tail to the right, going into the play bowing position, and giving happy yelps and yips.
2. How do dogs exhibit their sense of humor?
– Dogs may smile, show their teeth, play games like “Hide and Seek” or “Keep Away,” and romp and frolic about. They may also jab with their nose and make you laugh.
3. How did Charles Darwin observe the humor of dogs?
– Darwin noticed that dogs would play practical jokes by taking a stick or object, running off, waiting for someone to retrieve it, and then snatching it and running around. He believed that dogs have a sense of humor based on their playful behavior.
4. Which breeds of dogs are considered the most playful?
– According to researchers at the University of California-Davis, the top ten most playful breeds include Irish Setters, English Springer Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers, Cairn Terriers, Airedale Terriers, Standard Poodles, Shetland Sheepdogs, Golden Retrievers, and Australian Shepherds.
5. Can dogs laugh?
– Yes, dogs can laugh. When a dog is laughing, they may exhibit a wide toothy grin, hold their head up, and exhale with a broader frequency than panting. Their laughter can be expressed through playfulness and by following along with human laughter.
