Dogs are known for their deep emotional connections with humans. Their ability to express joy, fear, and affection makes them cherished companions.
But do dogs experience emotions in the same way humans do? Specifically, do they feel secondary emotions such as guilt, shame, or pride, which require a higher level of cognitive processing? To answer this, we will explore the science of canine emotions and behavior.
Primary vs. secondary emotions
Psychologists categorize emotions into two types: primary and secondary. Primary emotions, such as joy, fear, and anger are basic and universally recognized among mammals. These emotions are linked to survival instincts and are processed in the more primitive areas of the brain.
Secondary emotions, also called social or self-conscious emotions, include guilt, shame, embarrassment, and jealousy. These emotions require an awareness of the self in relation to others, as well as, a concept of social norms and expectations. In humans, secondary emotions are processed in the part of the brain responsible for complex cognition and social reasoning.
Can dogs feel secondary emotions?
Scientific consensus is that dogs clearly experience primary emotions, but their ability to experience secondary emotions is more debated. Dogs have the cognitive function of a two- to three-year-old toddler. They lack the level of self-awareness needed for complex emotions such as guilt and shame.
Studies using the 鈥渕irror test,鈥� which measures self-recognition, indicate that dogs do not possess the same level of self-awareness as humans.
Many dog guardians report their pets appear "guilty" or 鈥渟hameful鈥� after doing something wrong. However, behaviourists argue this is not actual guilt or shame, but rather a learned response to human cues.
Research led by Dr. Alexandra Horowitz demonstrated that dogs display "guilty" behaviours (such as lowered ears, tucked tail and avoiding eye contact) even when they haven鈥檛 misbehaved, suggesting they are reacting to their guardian's tone and body language rather than actually feeling guilt.
What emotions can dogs feel?
Dogs are equipped to experience a range of primary emotions, including:
- Joy: Evident when dogs wag their tails, jump with excitement, or play with enthusiasm.
- Fear: Seen in reactions to loud noises, unfamiliar objects, or threatening situations.
- Anger: While dogs don鈥檛 experience anger in the human sense, they can show aggression due to stress or pain.
- Affection: Displayed through cuddling, licking, and following their guardians around.
- Sadness: Recognizable when dogs whimper, withdraw, or show a loss of appetite.
Dogs may also exhibit behaviour that resembles jealousy or envy when their guardians give attention to another pet, but this is more likely an expression of competition rather than complex social emotion.
Final Thoughts
Dogs undoubtedly have rich emotional lives, but their feelings are shaped by their evolutionary biology and cognitive abilities. While they can experience a full range of primary emotions, their experience of secondary emotions remains a topic of scientific debate.
They may exhibit jealousy or frustration, but emotions such as guilt or shame are likely beyond their cognitive capabilities. Their behaviours are deeply tied to their interactions with humans, making them intuitive and empathetic companions.
Understanding the true nature of canine emotions helps us respond to them in ways that respect their psychology and strengthen the bond we share with our furry friends.
