Many dog owners believe they can easily understand their pet’s emotions, but a growing body of research reveals that humans often misinterpret these signals. From stories of unprovoked dog attacks to confusing behaviors like the so-called “guilty look,” it turns out that our ability to read dogs’ feelings is far from perfect.
Recent studies, including a notable US research project, have highlighted this issue. The study focused on people’s ability to interpret dogs’ emotions from pictures of dogs displaying different postures, such as submissiveness or anxiety. The findings revealed that the context surrounding the dog—whether it was a positive or negative situation—often influenced how people assessed the dog’s emotional state, even though the dog’s posture remained unchanged.
This misreading of signals isn’t limited to adults. A 2018 study from the University of Lincoln found that young children often misinterpreted dogs’ facial expressions. For instance, when shown images of dogs baring their teeth—an indicator of distress—children, especially those aged three to five, mistakenly interpreted this as a sign of happiness. The research also showed that educating participants about dog behavior improved their ability to recognize signs of stress, particularly in adults.
A common error many make is anthropomorphizing, or attributing human emotions to dogs. Take the example of the “guilty look.” This behavior, where dogs avoid eye contact or turn their head slightly, is often seen after the dog has done something it shouldn’t. Owners may perceive this as guilt or shame, but in reality, it’s a form of de-escalation. Dogs may avoid eye contact to prevent confrontation, particularly if they’ve already been reprimanded, or because they feel intimidated. This is not a sign of guilt, but rather a response to perceived threats or previous experiences.
Another misconception revolves around the meaning of a wagging tail. While many believe that a wagging tail universally signals happiness, it actually indicates arousal. To accurately assess a dog’s emotional state, it’s important to consider not just the tail’s movement, but also its position. A tail held upright signals tension, while a relaxed tail moving widely from side to side usually denotes a friendly demeanor.
Our tendency to anthropomorphize dogs stems from our own evolutionary history. As humans, we’ve developed a keen ability to interpret emotions in others, particularly through facial expressions. However, when applying this to dogs, we run into issues, as dogs express their feelings quite differently from humans.
To better understand canine emotions, researchers have developed specialized techniques, such as DogFACS (Dog Facial Action Coding System). This method involves cataloging each facial muscle movement in a dog’s face, allowing scientists to analyze expressions with greater precision.
One study from the University of Portsmouth in 2013 showed the power of facial expressions in dog adoption. Researchers found that dogs with more frequent “puppy dog eyes” (the inner eyebrow lift) were adopted more quickly from shelters. This expression is thought to resemble the sad, pleading look humans often make, triggering a caregiving response.
Further evidence that dogs have evolved to communicate with humans was provided by a 2019 study that compared the facial muscle anatomy of dogs and wolves. While dogs and wolves share nearly identical facial muscles, dogs possess an extra muscle that enables them to raise their inner eyebrows. This muscle is thought to enhance their ability to communicate with humans, making their emotional expressions more relatable.
While humans may struggle to accurately interpret dogs’ emotions, research shows that with the right education, we can improve. Understanding canine behavior not only strengthens our bond with our pets but can also prevent misunderstandings and promote better care.
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