It’s a common notion, especially among pet lovers, that dogs are embodiments of love. At Holiday Barn Pet Resorts, during a recent discussion about making our furry guests feel loved, a comment sparked a thought-provoking question: are dogs even capable of feeling love?
This idea, that dogs might not experience love, isn’t new. For years, animal behavior and training schools have taught that while dogs possess a wide range of emotions, love might not be one of them. Experts have theorized that dogs, despite their apparent deep connections with humans, might not have the capacity for this complex emotion.
But is it really true? Can these creatures, who shower us with affection and loyalty, not feel love in return?
The suggestion that dogs can’t feel love can be unsettling, especially for those who share their lives with these animals. Many dog owners see their pets as sources of unconditional love and devotion. This question deserves deeper exploration. It turns out, a growing body of research suggests that the bond we feel with our dogs is indeed rooted in love, in a way that is both profound and scientifically supported.
The Science of Canine Emotions: Do Dogs Feel Love?
For some in the scientific community, acknowledging emotions in animals, particularly dogs, has been a challenge. However, for anyone who has experienced the companionship of a dog, the emotional connection is undeniable.
One insightful exploration into canine emotions comes from Dr. Stanley Coren’s article in Psychology Today. Dr. Coren highlights a historical perspective where science viewed both humans and dogs as mere “machines,” governed by mechanical and chemical processes, devoid of genuine feelings. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the prevailing view was that dogs were programmable entities, not sentient beings capable of emotion.
Fortunately, our understanding has significantly evolved. Modern research reveals that dogs possess a mental capacity comparable to a human child aged 2 to 2.5 years. This is a crucial point because human children begin developing emotions from birth and can experience a full spectrum of emotions, including love and affection, by around 9 or 10 months old. Dogs, in their emotional development, mirror a child’s emotional range up to the age of 2-2.5 years. While human children then progress to more complex emotions, dogs reach their emotional maturity at this stage.
Interestingly, dogs achieve this full emotional capacity, including the ability to feel love and affection, much faster than humans, typically by 4-6 months of age. This rapid emotional development underscores the intensity and sincerity of a dog’s feelings.
The Role of Oxytocin: The ‘Love Hormone’ in Dogs
The 2015 oxytocin studies on dogs provided groundbreaking evidence for canine love. Oxytocin, often dubbed the ‘love hormone,’ is a chemical messenger in mammals that plays a significant role in social bonding, parental attachment, and romantic love. In humans, oxytocin levels rise during physical affection like hugging and cuddling, and during moments of deep emotional connection.
When researchers measured oxytocin levels in dogs interacting with their owners, they discovered a significant increase. This finding was revolutionary for those who doubted dogs’ capacity for love. The study demonstrated that physiologically, the emotional bond between dogs and humans mirrors the powerful attachment between human parents and their infants. This comparison highlights the profound depth of love that dogs are capable of experiencing and expressing.
Brain Scans Reveal Dogs’ Love for Owners’ Scents
Further solidifying the science of canine love, neuroscientist Gregory Berns employed MRI technology to study dog brain activity. His research involved presenting dogs with various stimuli, including the scent of their owners, while monitoring their brain responses in an MRI machine – a remarkable feat of canine training and cooperation!
The results were compelling. When dogs recognized their owner’s scent, there was a surge in brain activity in the regions associated with positive emotions. This neurological response indicates that a dog’s love for their owner is not just behavioral but is deeply rooted in their brain’s reward and emotion systems. The scent of their beloved human triggers feelings of joy and positive anticipation, further confirming the emotional depth of the dog-owner relationship.
5 Ways Dogs Show Their Love for You
A bearded man lovingly snuggles a white puppy, illustrating the deep bond and affection dogs have for their owners
While scientific studies offer compelling evidence, sometimes the most convincing proof is in the everyday behaviors of our canine companions. Carl Safina, a renowned ecologist and author, aptly stated when asked if his dogs love him, “That’s easy. Yes! And I don’t need to scan their brain activity to know this. They show it in their actions and the choices they make.”
Here are five common ways dogs demonstrate their love, making it clear how much they cherish their human families:
-
Overjoyed Greetings: Does your dog greet you with enthusiastic tail wags, jumps of joy, excited barks, and kisses when you return home? This exuberant display is a clear sign of happiness and affection. If your dog acts like your arrival is the best thing that’s happened all day, it’s because, to them, it probably is!
-
Sleeping Proximity: Dogs are pack animals with a natural instinct for closeness and security within their group. If your dog chooses to sleep in bed with you or snuggle up on the couch, it signifies they feel safe, secure, and consider you part of their family pack. This desire for physical closeness is a heartwarming testament to their trust and love.
-
Presenting ‘Gifts’: Have you ever been ‘gifted’ a slobbery toy or a half-buried treat by your dog, especially when they don’t seem interested in playing? Dogs often offer their prized possessions as a sign of affection. They are sharing something they value with you, wanting you to enjoy it too. This behavior is their unique way of showing generosity and love.
-
Loving Eye Contact: While direct eye contact can sometimes be perceived as a threat in the dog world, soft, relaxed gazes are entirely different. If your dog looks at you with relaxed body language and normal pupil size, they are likely gazing at you with love and affection. This gentle eye contact is a way for them to bond and express their adoration.
-
Shadowing Your Every Move: Does your dog follow you from room to room, always wanting to be near you? This ‘clingy’ behavior isn’t just about security; it’s a strong indicator of their desire to be close to you, simply because they love your company. They can’t get enough of you, and their constant presence is a loving reassurance of their bond with you.
Dogs Love You. Period.
A woman affectionately kisses her happy golden retriever during a hike, showcasing the unconditional love and joy dogs bring to human lives
Clive Wynne, another prominent dog behavior specialist, describes dogs as having “an abnormal willingness to form strong emotional bonds with almost anything that crosses their path.” In essence, dogs are inherently loving beings.
While it’s true that we shouldn’t interpret dog behaviors solely through a human lens, their actions and body language offer clear insights into their feelings. Dogs may not have the same vocabulary for love as humans do, but they demonstrate a range of behaviors that convey the same sentiment.
The essence of canine love might even surpass human love in some aspects. It is often unconditional, non-judgmental, and intensely loyal. The bond between dogs and humans is undeniably powerful and deeply emotional. From their unwavering loyalty and protective instincts to their joyful greetings and constant companionship, dogs show us, time and again, that they love us. Period.
You might also be interested in exploring our article on do dogs get bored?
