Emotions In Dogs

The subject of emotions in dogs has always been a dilemma between scientists and pet lovers. Are there emotions in dogs? We at “My Animals”, as we are lovers of pets and especially dogs, will respond with a loud and clear YES!

In fact, the more time we spend with our pet, the easier it will be to distinguish the mood or its emotions according to its gestures, attitudes, the way it walks and even the sounds it emits. But well, as with everything, we have to start from the beginning, so let’s first see what emotions are like in dogs.

How are dogs’ emotions?

Emotions can be divided into 2 groups: positive and negative. Both drive the animal (in this case your dog) to react in one way or another to a situation and act accordingly.

For example, when your dog sees you come home, it makes him feel a positive emotion, because he loves you and wants to see you. This emotion causes your dog to feel happy and to jump and bark around you, which shows that he feels happy, calm and safe with your presence.

Another example: when your dog sees something he’s afraid of, he feels a negative emotion, an emotion of dread. This emotion can cause you to get nervous, run, shiver or hide. This makes you feel vulnerable and sad as well as scared.

Therefore, we understand by emotions what your dog feels and what makes him act in one way or another, and then feel, in one way or another. I guess it’s not that hard to understand, is it?

What emotions can your dog feel?

Although there are many people against the idea that a dog can have emotions, what is certain is that people who have or have had animals can clearly see how they can come to feel the same way we do. These are some of the emotions we can find in them:

• Excitement. It cannot be denied that animals have the ability to feel love, to exalt or get emotional when they see that person they love, when they see your dog friend who lives next door or when you feed him his favorite dish.
• Shyness. This may not be the case with your dog, but there are many types of dogs who are shy, who don’t like to be with people they don’t know, and who hide behind their owners looking for protection.

• Fear. How many times have you seen your dog crawl under the bed or behind the couch when he heard firecrackers or some ambulance siren? That’s because dogs are also afraid, and that’s an emotion, one of the negative emotions.
• Irritation. It’s clear that dogs get angry. For example, when another dog tries to steal your food, or even when you want to take your favorite toy out of your mouth. They also show their annoyance when someone tries to attack you, even though it’s just for fun. Do you still have any doubts that dogs do have emotions?

• Dislike. Have you ever noticed your dog’s face when he is wanting you to give him something to eat and you give him something he doesn’t like, like a piece of bread? At that moment we remember that phrase that says: “If looks could kill…” Yes, your dog would have killed you with his gaze. Is there a more expressive way to express displeasure?
• Affection. Your dog looks for you whenever he can, lies down on you, strokes you with his head. He gives you and asks you for affection.

Without a doubt, dogs have emotions. In fact, this is something that scientists are increasingly proving. Although animals are not rational, they are capable of feeling and showing their feelings. Obviously, they don’t do it with words like us, but with their gestures, with their looks and their attitudes.

Is there still anyone who dares to say that dogs neither feel nor get emotional?