Dogs are known for their incredible abilities, but can they feel empathy? Studies have shown that dogs are emotive creatures that can read our facial expressions and emotional cues. They even work as Emotional Support Dogs to help people with anxiety and depression. However, the question of how much dogs actually feel is still up for debate.
Signs Your Dog is Showing Empathy
Imagine you’re watching TV and receive bad news over the phone. You start to feel sad and suddenly, your dog comes over and puts their head in your lap. Is your dog empathizing with you? Some people argue that dogs, being animals, cannot have human emotions. However, dogs are actually highly emotive and can display animated feelings, just like the famous TV dog, Lassie.
The debate about whether dogs can empathize is still unresolved.
Some experts believe that dogs have the consciousness of a toddler and have not evolved to feel empathy or compassion. However, observers of young children believe that babies naturally cry in empathy for others, suggesting that empathy is innate.
Dogs are quick learners and can mimic our facial expressions and sense our emotions.
They can also empathize with each other. Studies have shown that dogs in a dog park mimic each other’s actions, such as play-bowing. Next time you’re in the park, pay attention to how dogs that know each other communicate and mimic each other’s behaviors.
Body Language
There are several signs that indicate a dog could be showing empathy, such as barking, head tilting, wagging their tail, drooling, whimpering, raising their paw, and perking their ears up. These behaviors can be seen when a dog is trying to offer comfort or when they whimper in response to their owner crying.
History of Empathy in Dogs
Dogs have a direct lineage to wolves who have shown traits of kindness and love. There are examples of alpha wolves playing with wolf pups and letting them win, as well as showing empathy by taking care of rejected wolf pups. These ancestral virtues are still strong in domesticated dogs.
Scientists’ Views on Dog Empathy
Scientists are increasingly studying dogs and discovering that they are more complex than previously thought. Recent studies have suggested that dogs can show empathy, challenging the traditional non-emotive approach to testing animals for emotional responses. In an experiment conducted by the University of London, dogs were observed to show empathy when their owners or strangers were crying.
Training Dogs to Be Empathetic
With focused training, you can help your dog become your own emotional therapy dog. One method is teaching your dog Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT), where they apply body pressure to help ease anxiety. You can also teach your dog commands like “Paws Up” and “Paws Off” to help them understand when to get on and off furniture. Training dogs to lie with their paws on your shoulders and head close to yours can provide comfort during anxiety attacks.
In conclusion
While the extent of a dog’s ability to feel empathy is still debated, studies and observations suggest that dogs are highly emotive and can display empathetic behaviors. With training, dogs can also provide emotional support to their owners.
“Through their actions and behaviors, dogs show us that empathy is not limited to humans.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Dogs are capable of feeling empathy: Studies have shown that dogs are emotive creatures that can read our facial expressions and emotional vibes, indicating that they have the ability to sense and understand our feelings.
2️⃣ Signs of empathy in dogs: Some signs that your dog may be showing empathy include barking, head tilting, wagging tail, drooling, whimpering, paw raised, and ears up. These behaviors can indicate that your dog is trying to comfort and empathize with you.
3️⃣ Training dogs to be empathetic: With focused training, you can help your dog become your own emotional therapy companion. Teaching them Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT), where they apply body pressure to specific areas, can help ease anxiety and deter self-harming behaviors. Additionally, teaching commands like “Paws Up” and “Paws Off” can help your dog provide comfort and support when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. Can dogs feel empathy?
– Yes, studies show that dogs are capable of feeling empathy and can sense and respond to their owners’ emotions.
2. How do dogs show empathy?
– Dogs can show empathy through various behaviors such as offering comfort, whimpering when their owner cries, copying other dogs, and mimicking their owners’ facial expressions and emotions.
3. Do scientists believe that dogs can feel empathy?
– Scientists have conducted studies that suggest dogs can feel empathy, although the scientific community has not reached a definitive conclusion on the matter.
4. Can dogs be trained to be empathetic?
– Yes, with focused training, dogs can be trained to exhibit empathetic behaviors such as Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT), where they provide comfort and support to their owners.
5. What is the history of empathy in dogs?
– Dogs have evolved from wolves, who have shown traits of kindness and empathy. These ancestral virtues are still present in domesticated dogs, making them capable of empathy towards humans.
