Dogs, like humans, have rich emotional lives.
As research continues to unfold, we're gaining new insights into the emotional capacity of dogs, allowing us to understand them on a deeper level.
One important aspect of dog guardianship is the ability to respect and respond to our dogs’ emotional states in a way that honours their individuality.
The Science Behind Canine Emotions
Dr. Gregory Berns has conducted groundbreaking research into the emotional capacity of dogs through the use of brain scans.
His work offers evidence that dogs experience a wide range of emotions, and he made sure that dogs participating in his research were treated as persons. With a consent form modelled on those used for children, Berns ensured that only positive methods were employed in training the dogs.
After several months of positive teaching, Berns’ team successfully achieved the first alert canine brain mapping activity. They found a striking similarity between human and canine brain functions, especially in the caudate nucleus, a region of the brain associated with emotions in both species.
For humans, this region is linked to feelings evoked by music, food preferences, and beauty. In dogs, Berns discovered that the caudate is activated when they see their guardian or anticipate a reward, such as food. His findings suggest this part of the brain may even be associated with love in dogs.
Understanding Canine Emotional Responses
Dogs live in the moment, experiencing the world through their senses and emotions. They, like humans, experience feelings such as happiness, fear, and love, especially in response to their relationship with their guardian. Berns’ research may only be scratching the surface when it comes to understanding how complex these emotional states can be. Just because some feelings haven't been scientifically proven doesn’t mean that dogs aren't experiencing them.
A conscientious guardian recognises the emotional states of their dogs, respects those feelings, and avoids presumption. For example, many dog guardians misinterpret appeasement behaviour—like looking away or lowering their body—as guilt. If a dog chews something when left alone due to separation anxiety, they may greet their guardian with body language that says they are worried, not guilty.
Dogs are highly sensitive to human emotions, and presuming guilt or punishing a dog for such behaviour, even through harsh words, can be considered unkind and even emotionally damaging.
Avoiding Assumptions and Learning Canine Communication
Assuming we know how our dog feels is not only disempowering, but it can also lead to misunderstandings. It is crucial to observe your dog’s body language and behaviour rather than make assumptions. By learning the subtle cues that your dog uses to communicate, you can better understand how they are feeling.
Dogs rely heavily on body language to communicate their emotions. From small signals like a slight change in posture to more overt reactions such as barking or whining, your dog is constantly telling you how they feel. Understanding these cues can help you adapt your environment to support your dog’s well-being.
Practicing Empathy with Your Dog
Empathy is a cornerstone of any good relationship, including the one you share with your dog. It involves recognising how someone else feels and responding in a supportive way.
With dogs, empathy can be cultivated by paying attention to their body language and considering how they may be feeling in any given situation.
As you go about your day with your dog, try to become a “dog watcher” and an “environment expert.” This means observing how your dog responds to different situations and adapting your behaviour to help them feel safe and comfortable. For example, if your dog seems nervous in a certain environment, consider what might be causing that anxiety and take steps to alleviate it.
Empathy extends beyond a single moment. It involves understanding how your dog feels throughout the day.
Like humans, dogs have good and bad days, and their ability to cope with stressors can vary depending on how they’re feeling. By considering how recent events—such as an unexpected visitor or a noisy walk—may have affected your dog, you can anticipate how they will handle future situations.
I'm running a webinar Trauma to Trust: Helping Dogs Heal from Fear and Anxiety you can join by clicking here or the image below.
(Live on the 23rd September 2024 - 7pm UK time)
