Canine Emotion Part One

Dogs are are capable of all of the same basic emotions as humans except for guilt and shame, which they are physiologically prevented from experiencing.

People often tell me, “The dog knew he did something wrong, he was looking guilty.” He wasn’t. The behaviors that look like “feeling guilty” were more likely what is called “appeasement.” This is a fairly complex and very important discussion in itself with a sound ethological and physiological basis that every pet owner should at least be aware of and accept if not fully understand.

Do not ever punish your dog for something that happened a minute ago or an hour ago.