A little bit of knowledge goes a long way towards cultivating the best possible environment for your furry friend!
Sometimes we feel like we’re totally on the same wavelength as our pups. Other times we find them simply baffling. Great pet parents love insights into their dog’s psychology because they help us take better care of the canines we adore. Luckily, Petloc8 has some key wisdom to share.
Today we’re going to discuss four key dog psychology questions:
- What is my dog’s emotional capacity?
- What does my dog’s body language mean?
- What do I do about my dog’s aggression or anxiety?
- How can I improve my bond with my dog?
What is my dog’s emotional capacity?
Scientists are all over this question! Many top universities now have research teams dedicated to studying not just what pooch feels, but also how pooch relates emotionally. Complex stuff!
Here are some basic findings:
Dogs’ Emotional Range
Current wisdom suggests that dogs have a similar emotional range to that of two or three-year-old human children. It includes:
- Excitement/Arousal
- Distress
- Contentment
- Disgust
- Fear
- Anger
- Joy
- Suspicion/Shyness
Affection/Love
That’s right! Your dog can love you back. We knew it all along…
This is because dogs have a similar brain structure to our own and release the same hormones as they change emotional states—including oxytocin, the “love hormone.”
Empathy Between Dogs and Humans
Studies confirm that dogs and humans can in fact empathize with each other.
Scientists have been able to measure dogs’ physical and behavioral responses to the subtle changes in human facial expressions and body odor that accompany our changing emotions.
Dogs are capable of reading us so well because they’ve evolved to observe their humans very intensely. So, the more quality time we spend with our pups, the more highly developed their capacity for affective empathy.
Inter-dog Empathy
Inter-dog empathy is most visible during play.
Professor Marc Bekoff from the University of Colorado, Boulder writes about how, during play, we see that dogs are capable of role play, asking for forgiveness, and resignifying behaviors that would otherwise show aggression or a desire to mate.
This means that canine playmates can broadcast and interpret intentions and feelings.
What does my dog’s body language mean?
Since dogs can’t speak, body language is their most important communication tool. Understanding pup’s body language can help you recognize their likes and dislikes so you can better provide for them.
Observing your own pup carefully is the best way to get to know their individual quirks. But there are some common postures that you can learn to get a sense of what any dog’s body language is telling you.
Eyes
Soft Eyes - Relaxed or squinty eyes signal calm and happiness.
Hard Eyes - A cold, unflinching stare shows that your dog detects a threat.
Whale Eyes - This is a funny term for when your dog averts their gaze, showing the whites of their eyes. It is a more submissive response to discomfort, stress, or anxiety.
Facial Expressions
Yawning and lip-licking in dogs signal discomfort or stress.
When you see a dog “smiling,” jaw relaxed, lolling tongue, they generally are as happy as they look!
But if you see more of a snarl, with the corners of the lips tightly curled and both the front and the side teeth showing, your dog is warning a perceived threat to back off.
Body Posture
Raised hackles, when a dog’s fur stands on end, indicate excitement or arousal.
Likewise, when your dog’s weight is shifted forward. They are clearly intrigued by something.
Submissive postures include hunching or rolling onto the back and exposing the belly.
In most species, a raised paw indicates uncertainty.
Tail Position
Wagging signals positive or negative arousal.
Sticking straight up can signal assertiveness or confidence.
Remember, to accurately interpret your dog’s body language, you’ll have to read all the bodily elements as a whole and take context into consideration.
How can I improve my bond with my dog?
Bonding with pooch can be the sweetest, most rewarding part of having a dog!
Routine and Consistent Communication
When pup knows what to expect they feel more secure and confident.
Touch, Eye Contact, and Grooming
Touch and eye contact help release oxytocin and strengthen bonding.
Activities and Training
Activities like training, walking, and games help build trust.
Praise
Your dog loves to please you, so positive reinforcement strengthens the bond.
So what have we learned about your dog’s psychology?
- Observation and time together are key.
- Dogs have emotional range similar to humans.
- Body language is their main communication method.
- Aggression and anxiety can be managed.
- There are many ways to strengthen your bond.
Have fun deepening your relationship with pooch!
