Jen
People have been observing dogs react in ways that look like guilt after a transgression for many years. We’d like to believe that dogs develop guilt because of their actions.
Do they really do so? Are you able to ascertain how much dogs and people have in common? To answer these questions, we have to look at dogs’ emotions, the notion of guilt in dogs, and how guilt can develop from their fault.
The Science of Dog Emotions
Dogs are very intelligent animals (that can feel such things as glee, sadness, anger, and more). However, their emotional capabilities are not the same as was observed in humans.
For instance, although dogs may be capable of connecting and (to a point) interacting with mutual affection, they never express any kind of guilt because they never know they exist, one of the key elements of guilt.
Here are two aspects of the emotions and the level in self-awareness in dogs.
PRIMARY VS. SECONDARY EMOTIONS:
Inherent basic emotions are known to occur in many species and as such can be said to be part of primary emotions.
It has primary emotions such as fear, joy, anger and sadness just like humans have these emotions.
Secondary feelings like guilt and shame are much more developed and require a secondary cortex or rather advanced forms of self-bewishness.
These are feelings and for them to be understood one needs to understand among other things, the reasons behind their actions and what could happen next.
SELF-AWARENESS IN DOGS:
While the self recognition in dogs level is not as high as in human beings, dogs do have self recognition.
They can mimic using a mirror and respond to their images without necessarily comprehending the actions that they perform or the results that emanate therefrom.
What Is the “Guilty Look”?
The so-called “guilty look” is a familiar expression among dogs, often characterized by:
AVOIDING EYE CONTACT:
Just like any other dog, when one is caught with wrongdoing, he or she will not look directly at the owner. This may be done in order to make us leave them alone or give them a chance to crease to us.
TUCKING THEIR TAIL BETWEEN THEIR LEGS:
You may also see this with dogs in a resentful or guilty posture, for example if they have a tucked tail.
EARS FLATTENED AGAINST THEIR HEAD:
I should also add that auricles are flat if the dog is anxious or worried, and this is the ‘guilt look’.
How Dogs Learn from Mistakes
Although they do not experience guilt, they learn from their actions that would make their owners unhappy.
Their behavior is learned through working with positive reinforcement and constant training.
TIMING IS CRUCIAL:
In the case of teaching dogs, the trainer must react instantly towards the actions committed. If a dog has done something wrong, reacting at a later time will not teach them the right way to behave.
REINFORCE POSITIVE BEHAVIOR:
Positive reinforcement for any specific behavior will make the dog do the same thing over again.
It will make the dog well trained, and build a good relationship between you and the pet.
AVOID PUNISHING DELAYED ACTIONS:
But if you try to punish the dog for some action the dog does a day later, it won’t learn anything because it doesn’t get the sequence.
Follow this up with a positive, repeat what you like and consistent approach.
Why Understanding Dog Behavior Matters
Misunderstanding your dog’s behavior or gesture will go a long way in influencing the way you handle your dog.
Knowledge of the fact that dogs do not recognize guilt as human beings do will enhance the friendly/nuisance relationship and training.
STRENGTHEN COMMUNICATION:
It’s when you learn about the psychological aspects of dogs that you can be able to explain their behaviors and act as a consequence. They will help to enhance interaction with the pet once this is done,
BUILD TRUST:
A compassionate response to your dog is very important in building trust between you two as the owner.
Your dog will also feel safe knowing that when they behave in certain ways you as their owner are also gentle towards them.
AVOID MISPLACED FRUSTRATION:
Usually, the dog does the offending behavior and the pet owner can be frustrated if he thinks that a dog’s specific behavior is guilt.
This way you’ll channel your emotions into training rather than attempting to punish or reprimand for something your dog doesn’t understand.
Conclusion
If guilt is absent among dogs, various reactions and facial expressions in animals are fully associated with instincts and the ability to recall people’s feelings.
The “guilty look” in most cases receives your signals as opposed to it being a sign of actually apologetic.
By knowing this, you can relate with your pet especially when choosing a friend who will understand you anytime you are stressed out.
Finally, understanding that your dog has his emotional galaxy will make you a better person and the owner to boot.
