Does My Dog Have a Sense of Humor?

Yes! Yes, he does!

According to Stanley Coren, Ph.D, DSc., FRSC, professor at the University of British Columbia, dogs do have a sense of humor that usually manifests itself in small instances of keep away and practical jokes. What they find funny isn’t always exactly the same as what we find funny, but the idea that your dog might be laughing at you when they hide the remote is great. Right?

Even more interesting, researchers from the University of California – Los Angeles, found that 65 species of animals (including dogs) actually do laugh at things through “vocal play signals,” meaning that some animals physically laugh at amusing things. 

The reason why this is important is because it gives us insight into why dogs – and other animals – do certain things. Let’s say that your dog likes to snatch your sock out of your hand while you’re putting it on. He taunts you with it until you chase him around the house. He isn’t doing it just because he wants to play, but because he thinks it’s funny when you chase him up the stairs. 

It also gives us more of a direction when it comes to furthering our research into dog-human relationships, since now we know there is a deeper, more psychological reason behind certain behaviors.

As you develop your relationship with your dog, pay more attention to what they’re doing and why they’re doing it. Play with your dog. Make jokes and play pranks, and you’ll see your connection blossom into something deeper. Make them laugh.