Although it is not difficult for humans to attribute human traits and emotions on dogs, is this too much? Do they truly understand the world as well as we do? Numerous studies have been done over the years to examine how dogs feel emotion, especially love. We have learned that dogs can experience some of the same emotions as humans, but not at the same level.
Signs a Dog Can Feel Care
Science has shown that dogs can show signs of love, happiness, and attachment to their owners. Although every dog is unique, it is easy to see when your dog feels love. You will notice certain behaviors that your dog will do as they get to know you better. Dogs can recognize when their owners are taking care of them and show affection by responding to these messages.
Every dog lover desires a companion to cuddle, explore and just be with them. Our dogs are our children and we do everything in our power to make them feel loved. Dogs show how much they care for us by cuddling, listening and making us feel special.
What’s the bottom line? They love us and we love them. Although our four-legged furry friends might not be able to tell us how they feel, we know it is true. To let you know that they love you, your pet will show you trust by displaying a relaxed disposition, rolling over to give you a belly rub (this is a sign they trust you), soft facial expressions, and tail wagging.
It is our responsibility as pet owners to ensure that our dogs are happy and healthy. They will be able to feel secure and loved for many more years.
Dogs and Love: A History
It was once thought that dogs felt only basic emotions and could really only sense what we taught them. Thanks to advancements in science and countless studies, we now know that is not true. Most dog owners think their canines are very intuitive and even have superpowers when it comes to understanding them, and while this may be a stretch, it’s not far off. Our dogs can feel anger, fear, joy, sadness and grief, happiness, and love. The connection is real between humans and our loyal, floppy-eared companions.
Numerous studies have been done all over the globe since the 1970s to determine the dog’s emotional capabilities. Although results vary from breed to breed and there are always exceptions to the rule, the truth is that your dog can tell when you’re happy and when you’re sad.
Science Behind Dogs: We Care About Our Dogs
According to scientists, dogs have the same capacity for emotions as a two-year-old human. This means that your dog can understand and feel the basic emotions we’ve discussed. When it comes to love, dogs have the same hormone – oxytocin – that humans do, which governs how we feel love and affection for others.
Researchers also used MRI machines for measuring brain activity in dogs. They discovered that even the smell of a dog’s owner could ignite the part of the brain that experiences joy, commonly called the “reward centre”.
Many dog owners are more attached to their pet than they are to other people. How many times have your run from work been not because of another person, but because your dog was missing you? We speak to our dogs as we would to other people and know that they will listen without judging or interjecting.
If you ask us, it’s a perfect relationship. The amount of love that you show your dog is reciprocated is a good thing. Keep doing what you’re doing, crazy dog owner. We won’t judge.
Train your dog to feel love
When it comes to training your dog to understand how much they mean to you, the only thing you can really do is work towards gaining their trust. Depending on the history of the dog, this may take more time than you had anticipated. Rescue animals, for example, often come from abusive pasts where their trust was broken, making it difficult for them to understand not every human is bad.
Establish a routine and slow approach with your dog. This is the best thing that you can do to improve your relationship with your puppy. Once you have established a routine, you can build on it and start testing your pup. You can teach them basic commands like sit, stay, come and be sure to reward them with handsome rewards. Dogs are driven by rewards and this helps them to understand that you are their best friend.
Remember that you have time on your side if you rescue animals. You can show your rescue dog how much you care and that you won’t hurt him.