This whole conversation would be so much easier if we could just speak with our doggies. Until then, we have to rely on research and experts to fill in the gaps on our dogs' emotional range. Our dogs never cease to keep us thinking!
Researchers at the University of Helsinki took a look at your dog’s shame face. Their conclusion: our pups picked up the shame face over centuries of domestication, as a tactic to make peace with their human friends.
Marc Bekoff, author of The Emotional Lives of Animals, says that dogs can experience “embarrassment, shyness and humiliation”. But most researchers side with Alexandra Horowitz, author of Inside of a Dog: What Dogs Smell, See, and Know. Horowitz credits dogs for their strong talent for reading our own feelings, but considers “shame” or “embarrassment” too complex.
My investigation: An interview with Ziggy
via Barkpost
Will: Ziggy, you’re rather famous in our office for your, well, awkwardness. Let me read you some quotes from earlier this week, when you had a bad case of gas after dinner.
“It’s making me wonder if I ever want to breathe again” – Chris.
“I’m gonna go blind in one eye.” – Marcus.
“This is a big office and he just hotboxed us all.” – Zoe
Ziggy, would you say that was… embarrassing?
Ziggy: (blank stare, smile
Will: Ziggy, I recently found this book under your dog bed. Do you recognize it?
Will: This diary seems to be in your paw-writing. Let me read you an excerpt: “DO NOT TELL ANYONE ABOUT MY CRUSH. It’s my–”
So, based on this sound research, do you believe dogs can feel embarrassed? If author Alexandra Horowitz is correct, then I'm sure many humans wish they could be like their furbabies and avoid that dreadful feeling of embarrassment. It would be great to always feel comfortable in any situation! If our dogs do feel embarrassed, then we will always be right by their side to help them through their rough day. Maybe dogs are just like humans in that some are more sensitive to embarrassment than others. Who knows!
Article Source: Barkpost
