How Dogs Know When Humans Need Comfort

Sometimes it can seem like our canine companions can read our emotions. Especially when we’re down, and our dogs come to comfort us, it can be hard to deny that they can sense our feelings. But is that what’s happening, or are out pups just responding to our body language or tone?

Do Canines Show Empathy?

Empathy is defined as being able to theoretically “put yourself in someone else’s shoes,” meaning you’re able to imagine the emotions and perspective of another person, helping you understand their situation better. So, can your dog out their paws in your shoes? According to recent studies, the average adult dog has the same mental abilities as a toddler – who aren’t considered to be capable of empathy yet. So even though this may be a sign that suggests our pups aren’t capable of empathy, it doesn’t disprove that our durry friends react to our different emotional states.

Other scientific studies support the idea that even though our pups don’t funny understand what or why we are feeling a certain way, they’re still able to respond to our emotions. So, in other words, Fido may not fully understand how you feel, but they know you’re feeling something that isn’t positive and want to help you feel better.

How Your Dog Reads Your Emotions

Dogs are sensitive creatures; they have a heightened sense of smell and hearing, causing them to be hyperaware of situations usually. When it comes to our emotions, there are a handful of ways our dogs try to interpret how we feel.

• Facial Expressions – dogs are actually able to distinguish between an angry and a happy face (they may not know precisely what they mean, especially at first, but they’re able to tell them apart).
• Tone/Voice – like we have “voice areas” in our brains that process the emotions that come through sound, so do our pups. Meaning your furry friend knows the difference between your happy and sad voice.
• Smell – due to Fido’s crazy sense of smell, they may be able to pick up on biochemical changes that are related to moods.
• Body Language – your pooch is hyperaware of how you hold yourself. Your posture, tilt of your head, and the way you walk all help your four-legged friend understand your mood.

How Your Pup Tries to Comfort You

Especially if you’ve had your pup for a while, you probably know the different steps they take to comfort you – but maybe you haven’t picked up on them all. You furry friend ay react your low mood by:

• Physical Contact – this is the most popular method canines use to comfort those they love.
• Distraction – your pup may try to put a toy at your feet or nudge you to go outside with them. What your pooch is trying to do is change your mood by distracting you with what they see as fun.
• Exercise – physical exercise has long been known to be able to ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and even though your pup probably isn’t doing this intentionally, having a dog has been known to increase the moods of their owners due to the exercise they need.
• Give Space – some pups may keep their distance when they notice you’re upset and wait for you to come to them, knowing you might need your alone time right now.

Why Your Canine’s Comfort is so Effective

When your furry friend is able to notice your sadness and actively tries to comfort you, it feels great – but why? A huge reason dogs are such amazing comforters to their owners is because they aren’t human. Relationships between people can become complicated by expectations, choice of words, and judgments. But when it comes to our canine companions, they show us loyalty, love, and comfort – without ever asking for anything in return. Sometimes when you’re going through a hard time, all you need is some nonverbal comfort from your furry friend.

Every dog is different, though, so if your canine isn’t immediately by your side when you’re upset, don’t assume they don’t care about you. Your pooch may be taking care of you in their own way, like giving you space. Just know as long as you are providing your dog with love and safety – they’ll do the same for you because you’re a part of their pack.