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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by hyperfocus on December 22, 2009, at 20:15:14
My dog isn't very touchy-feely and doesn't even like ear-scratching or patting or belly-rubbing that much. But I notice that many times when I'm in a bad way, and the pain is cutting, she always comes fawning over me like asking to be petted and fussed over, although I'm the one that gets the most out of that. Just now she was crying to be let in the room where I'm on the computer - something she never does usually.
I know there's countless movies and stuff about it. But yeah I think they can - dogs seem to have an empathic sense for the feelings of their parents.
My beloved 4-legged friend; I don't know what I'd do without her. I've said it before and I say it again - dogs should be compulsory for everyone with mental illness.
Posted by inanimate peanut on December 22, 2009, at 20:48:01
In reply to Can dogs sense human emotions?, posted by hyperfocus on December 22, 2009, at 20:15:14
I definitely believe that dogs can sense human emotions. My dog was always so good about that. She would be going along with her life until she realized I was crying or upset at which time she would come and lick my face and make me feel better-- she definitely knew. That's one thing with my new cat-- she doesn't seem to have that sense about her, so sometimes i'm disappointed not to get a cuddle when I need one. Overall, though, animals are so important and I wish everyone (who would be willing to take care of one) could have one!
Posted by Sigismund on December 23, 2009, at 3:43:54
In reply to Re: Can dogs sense human emotions?, posted by inanimate peanut on December 22, 2009, at 20:48:01
Humans say all sort of things about other animals, most of them self serving.
I think dogs smell our emotions, and understand our tone of voice.
Posted by Dinah on December 23, 2009, at 8:50:49
In reply to Can dogs sense human emotions?, posted by hyperfocus on December 22, 2009, at 20:15:14
Absolutely. Maybe the ability to do it is different in different dogs, like the sense of smell. But absolutely yes.
But then, I tend to think there's something to sense. Maybe neurochemical scents, maybe small changes in posture or movement, tone of voice, etc. I know there's a smell of fear and stress, because I can smell it myself - maybe moreso when it's stale. Dogs have better noses than we do.
In evolutionary terms, it would make perfect sense that this would be a survival advantage in pack animals, which dogs very very much are. I think we reap all sorts of benefits from "adopted" into a pack with animals who are really really good at that.
Whether it's empathy, I don't know. It's hard to live with a dog and not recognize that they too have emotions. It certainly seems like they understand what we're feeling and either enjoy it or try to help us. Again, with abilities varying between dogs.
Posted by Phillipa on December 23, 2009, at 10:40:08
In reply to Re: Can dogs sense human emotions? » hyperfocus, posted by Dinah on December 23, 2009, at 8:50:49
My pups tend to both avoid and empathize with me. They stick by Greg which hurts.I've felt for two years that my poodle feels I'm dying. I see it in his eyes. Dogs are wonderful. I'm finding it hard to give to them out of fear what they deserve and this in turn hurts me. And of course them. Phillipa
Posted by manic666 on December 24, 2009, at 5:52:57
In reply to Can dogs sense human emotions?, posted by hyperfocus on December 22, 2009, at 20:15:14
mine sence illness in me, when a size 8 foot launch,s them through the door.//// just kidding ,the sleep in my bed most nights.
This is the end of the thread.
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