If you own a dog you are probably asking yourself if your pet can really read your emotional state. Did he respond you trying to provide sympathy and comfort? Generally, dogs are showing empathy for their owners. They have the ability to put themselves into the shoes of another person. Why? Because they want to understand and identify their emotions and feelings.
Scientists say that the mind of a dog is similar in capacity and behaviors to the mind of a human of 2 to-3-year-old. A child doesn’t have the capacity of being empathetic until is four years old or more. To be empathetic requires a more advanced mental capacity. A child responds to emotions without fully understanding what the other person is feeling. The researchers conducted many studies to find out why dogs respond to human’s emotions. Most of the analyzed dogs were trying to comfort people. The trigger could be their curiosity, their desire to gain comfort for themselves or their care about human’s emotions.
The studies revealed that dogs show empathy and understanding of the emotions of others. They tend to respond as a young human child. They are not only showing empathy, but they also show sympathy. Sympathy represents a desire to comfort others who might be in emotional distress.
So, yes, your dog often acts as a better confidant than another human. He can listen better, respond appropriately to your emotions and care about your feelings. Yes, he is one of the best friends you could have ever had and he is capable of intense feelings. That’s because he is highly social and considers you as his own family.
There are many things related to you that your dog understands even if you don’t realize. It is important to understand how your dog perceives you, to relate better to him. One of the most important aspect you should be aware of is that your dog knows when you are sad. If you notice that he adjusts his behavior when you are sad, it is because he understands your mood. Sometimes, he prefers to observe you from a corner of the room. Other times he prefers to be around you to comfort you.
Studies have revealed that a dog was more likely to approach a person who was crying. A dog’s reaction to weeping is submissive. Furthermore, dogs tend to approach an upset person regardless of whether he is their owner or not.
Dogs are also known for their ability to sense when something unpleasant is about to happen. This explains why he can also sense your intentions. Researchers have found that dogs used eye contact to figure out what people are thinking.
Your dog understand well when you are happy and want to join your joyful, to share your mood with him. It is the same thing when you feel scared. He can sense subtle scents such as adrenaline that is associated with fear and danger. Small breed or those with nervous temperaments will start to feel scared. Another breeds will try to protect you. Generally, your dog looks to you for guidance on how to react in certain situations. He tends to adopt the same attitude as you. When your pup feels scary, his pupils dilate, his lips curl and he changes his stance.
Now you know that your dog has many skills to detect your mood. You can analyze each reaction he has. You'll be able to understand him better and improve the relation between you. And, yes, you have gained a real friend that will support you whenever you need.