The short answer is no, not always. As a matter of fact, our ability to attribute human characteristics to non-human animals is an impressive ability that we should be proud of. In addition, it can make us better dog owners.
Lest you think I’ve lost my mind, let me explain, this time with a longer answer. Go back to about 40,000 years ago, when people began creating figures that combined features of humans and animals. We don’t know their purpose, but we do know that our tendency to combine human and non-human characteristics is ancient. Archeologist Steven Mithen argues that anthropomorphic art suggests that hunters were attempting to identify empathetically with hunted animals to “better predict their movements.” The term was actually used most often in early history as imagining religious figures in the form of mankind, or attributing human emotions to biological events, like “angry winds” or “benevolent seas.” Revengeful winds make little sense, but the ability to project ourselves onto others actually does. Not only does it have a purpose, but it is not an especially easy thing to do.
Indeed, the ability to attribute “human traits” to non-humans is actually only possible if a creature has reached a high level of cognition. For example, suggesting fear or jealousy in another is only possible if you are capable of putting yourself in the place of another. This is a handy ability to have, given that it allows one to make predictions about the future behavior of one’s partner, competitor or prey, and adjust one’s own behavior accordingly. You’d expect to see it in highly social animals with a high level of cognition, and indeed, that appears to be the case.
Primatologist and rock star author Frans de Waal reminded me of that last week, in a great speech he gave about the evolution of morality at UW-Madison for the Isthmus Society. Part of his talk included a study (V. Horner et al, PNAS ) in which chimpanzees chose a token that resulted in a food reward for themselves, or for themselves and another chimp sitting close by. More than half of the apes chose the token that got their companion a food reward too, even though it made no different to the chooser. This kind of behavior is called “pro-social behavior” and presumes that an individual understands that another would want some food, (because they would in the same circumstance) and even more, cares about whether they get it. You can learn more about this, and watch some great videos, in Dr. de Waal’s TED talk on morality in animals.
My point here is that being “anthropomorphic,” is actually an example of what is called “Theory of Mind,” in which one realizes that another has a mental life somewhat like one’s own. That’s an impressive skill, and one that has stood us in good stead for a long time. And yet, of course, we can get into a lot of trouble taking this ability too far. I talk about this at length in The Other End of the Leash, when discussing how we humans hug others to express affection or solace, and how we often hug our dogs. Not being apes however, most dogs inherently dislike hugging, and often perceive it as rude or threatening. Another example of anthropomorphism getting us into trouble is the attribution of guilt to dogs when they are exhibiting appeasement behavior. Thus, yes indeed, being being anthropomorphic can get us into trouble, but that doesn’t mean it is always a problem.
In Ape and the Sushi Master, Frans de Waal examines anthropomorphism in detail, and I would argue that his evaluation makes more sense than any other I’ve heard. He suggests that the “big A” actually consists of three sub-categories:
Anthropocentrism, in which one puts oneself in the center of the universe and assumes that animals are simply fuzzy or feathered people. This, needless to say, is the kind of thinking that gets us into trouble, and results in viral videos of “guilty” dogs who aren’t guilty at all.
Anthropodenial, in which one assumes that if a human can do it, an animal can’t. This perspective, at the other end of the continuum from the one above, results in its own set of problems. Arguing that a dog or a chimpanzee can’t be fearful or angry because humans have exclusive ownership of emotions is now known to be ridiculous. It ignores all of what we know about neurobiology, physiology and the fact that humans are mammals and share much of who we are with our animal brethren.
That is why de Waal argues for what he calls Animal-centrism, in which we do all we can to elicit what life is like for a member of another species. Alexandra Horowitz’s book, Inside of a Dog does a great job trying to see the world from a dog’s perspective. The fact is, the comparative internal life of you and your dog is a glass half full and a glass half empty. Both dogs and people are mammals and share a significant amount of our mental lives based on similar brain structure and neurophysiology. And yet, dogs are red/green color blind and we are idiots when it comes to perceiving the world through our noses. But the next time someone accuses you of being “anthropomorphic,” ask yourself which category your behavior was in, and don’t hesitate to stand up for yourself if you were being “animal centric.” In my experience, people are often anthropocentric too often (“I am furious at my dog for chewing up the pillow!”) but often not animal centric enough (“I just can’t understand why he would bite my child just because he was backed into a corner and being slapped on the face!”) Progressive trainers and animal behaviorists all seem to concur that fear is the number one cause of “aggression,” and yet so often owners neglect to understand that their dog is acting out of fear rather than being stubborn or “dominant.” Seems to me that a little of the right kind of the “big A” would go a long way sometimes. . .
Find out more on emotions and anthropomorphism by reading chapter one in my book, For the Love of a Dog.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: Maggie and Willie continue to play relentlessly. I’ve found it interesting that their play has changed over the weeks. They still do a lot of running, but now their play includes lots of herding, in which they attempt to head each other off at the pass, so to speak. This begins the second they are let outside, with Willie “short stopping” in front of Maggie as she tries to run up the steep hill behind the house. Maggie appears to think this is great fun, and tries as hard as she can to beat Willie at his own game. They are evenly matched, and so they make their way up the hill darting right, and dashing to the left, while I watch with my heart still in my throat, thinking about the pin in Willie’s shoulder. I do stop them when I become concerned that Willie has done too much, but I am amazed how how hardy he has become.
Tootsie is so much better; we’ll never know if her painful swollen foot was an injury or from Lyme, but she’s still on her antibiotics and doing really well. She’s getting her teeth cleaned today, poor kid, she won’t be very happy tonight when I pick her up. But it’s well worth it, her mouth was a mess when she was pulled from the mill (the dentist extracted 20 teeth) and she needs a lot of dental care to stay healthy.
Lambs!? Not yet, but any day and I can’t wait. We let the ram breed only four of the ewes, although it looks as though one of them, Cupcake, didn’t take. Maybe she’ll surprise us, I’m hoping… But Lady Baa Baa, her mother Lady Godiva and Cupcake’s mother Barbie are clearly getting close. Oh boy… I do so love lambs!
Willie and Maggie continue their love affair. Here they are playing one of Willie’s favorite games, Keep Away. Of course, there is lots more to the story, but overall things are just wonderful at Redstart Farm. I’ll write next week about their first three weeks together, and how I managed their introductions in the house.
That’s not the only news at the farm. Spring has finally truly arrived. That, of course, includes the torrential rains that we got this weekend and snow this morning, but it’s all part of April in the Midwest, so no one is surprised. Here are some of the first flowers on the farm, a tiny patch of color amidst a sea of brown and grey.
Kat says
Lately I’ve been wondering if dogs can be canine-centric. I have the grandmother of all colds and have been miserable for over a week. The dogs have been “taking care” of me. They check on me, stay quietly by my side without the usual demands for attention, and they move more slowly with me when we’re going outside. Both are high energy herders but they’ve taken it down several notches while I’ve been unable to even make a pretense of keeping up. So they are aware that I feel lousy and are responding in the way they’d want me to respond if they felt lousy. They are, it seems to me, putting themselves in my place and using that to select appropriate behavior.
I love watching herders play. Watching my two (English Shepherd type and Corgi/GSD) they seem to alternate between games where they practice what they’d do if they were working together moving a flock or herd and games where they take turns pretending to be the livestock. Of course the best game in the entire world is when the cat gets out and they can make him be the livestock. The cat however isn’t usually interested in playing livestock and has become very adept at speaking dog. He will sit, turn his back, and when all else fails he’ll flop down and roll on his back. The dogs won’t let him go wherever he wants but they do refrain from trying to make him run and from chasing him back into the house when he starts sending canine calming signals.
Rose C says
Thanks for the info on the root origin of anthropomorphism. And Animal-centrism? Still wishing I could get a glimpse of what different animals see.
Willie and Maggie, the farm, the lambs — everything just wonderful. And hoping a full recovery for Tootsie.
Joe says
Kat–A bilingual cat–Now that’s something!! Horowitz’ book–I can’t help thinking that the title is a play on the Groucho Marx quote: “Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.”
Hard to figure just what dogs think all the time–Make that most of the time. And their senses are so different. Why does cat poop taste so nice? (Or cow poop for that matter…) Why this obsession with other dogs’ anal glands? I’ve been on the other end of a leash with a hound trailing a wounded deer–Might as well have been a heat-seeking missle, so single-minded.
I know this: My dog cares what I think, even if she doesn’t understand it most of the time. And she knows how to communicate what’s important to both of us. (I need to go outside, Please feed me, YESSS I will fetch that for you!!)
Lyn says
As usual I have really enjoyed your article.
As an aside, two things have struck me with my dog recently having a mast cell carcinoma removed.
One is that being penned, my dog appears to be craving a hug. When I let him out under supervision he smooches up to me and wiggles with pleasure (I think) when I briefly hug him. This is consistent with his normal behaviour when I get home from work – he jumps onto the back of the armchair so that he can get up close and I can rub him down and even encircle him in my arms. Only on return from an absence though – normally hugging is not enjoyed. I think removing him from the pen is an extension of this.
The other thing niggling at me is this carcinoma and the effect it had on him. We found it because he was biting it. The vet explained that it would have been releasing histermines but what’s bothering me is what I’ve heard about dogs recognising cancer as wrong and reacting to it in humans. Did he know it was wrong on him? I’m guessing I’ll never know but I think the fact it is bothering me is symptomatic of my tendency to anthropomorphise – I’m now going to think of this as empathising thank you.
Laceyh says
I once had a dog who was “canine-centric” enough to hug me a couple of times. Her dog-socialization needed much work when I adopted her, in fact her general world experience was very limited, but she was a clever sheltie-pom and learned a lot, especially during her first year here. But she had some good background with people.
Jen says
Maggie and Willie are adorable together!
My Doberman, Elka, is very “human”. She will lean against us to invite hugs. She has a honed sense of trading, and brings her best toy to you when she feels she ought to get some of the food you’re eating (and will nose the toy and wiggle her eyebrows at the food quite a lot to make sure you have the idea), etc. etc. We all have “my dog is amazing!” stories, I’m sure, but I’m no longer able to use “Just a dog” as a serious phrase.
Rebecca says
I still cringe when I see dogs wearing dresses.
Kelly says
Serpell published a paper about a decade ago that looked at anthropomorphism, which I found fascinating. My interpretation of what he wrote is that anthropomorphism in people has been developing for thousands of years, so it must provide some benefit to us as a species.
One example given was that dog owners who had chosen pets compatible to them experienced better mental and physical health, enhanced feelings of well-being, and less distress or anxiety.
I agree that a little bit of anthropomorphism is not a bad thing, it’s what gives us compassion! I know my dog’s emotions are not displayed in the same ways mine are, but I know they are there regardless. It’s my job to learn how to read their emotions and how to appropriately respond.
Here’s the reference (no link, unfortunately)
Serpell, J.A. (2002). Anthropomorphism and anthropomorphic selection – Beyond the “cute response.” Society & Animals, 10:4. 437-454.
Nic1 says
Fascinating post Trisha– I’ve lots of research to do now! Love that pic of Willie and Maggie – she is grinning and gazing adoringly at him. Great to hear that Tootsie is recovering well.
I’ve always considered the possibility that the better behaviourists do actually anthropomorphise to a certain extent. Because if they are also committed to understanding canine behaviour, both emotionally and biologically, then they are actually attempting to emphasise with the animals emotional state – and outward behaviour is all about inner emotional states. I would imagine it automatically allows you are more humane approach to your work if you are operating empathetically as opposed to simply following a ‘theory of mind’.
I’ve read Horowitz’s book and it’s really informative in lots of ways, but gives some good examples of how some people anthropomorphise. I particularly liked the description of why lap dogs such as Pugs and Shi Tzus are considered ‘more human’ because of the expressive way they look at their owners, particularly close up. Really, it’s all to do with anatomy and physiology:
Humans are good at seeing things right in front of us because our photoreceptors in the retina are centrally located in an area called the fovea. Dogs do not have foveae and so are not as good at seeing things right in front of them. Those breeds, like pugs, that have retinas more like ours and can see close up, tend to be lap dogs that focus on their owners’ faces, making them seem “more companionable.” In dogs with long noses, often bred for hunting or herding, however, the photoreceptors cluster along a horizontal band spanning the middle of the eye. This is called a visual streak, and those dogs that have it “have better panoramic, high-quality vision, and much more peripheral vision than humans.” Hence, they are better at catching and herding etc. but don’t tend to like being ‘close up’ in your face, possibly because they can’t see us too well?
Trisha’s book was responsible for getting me hooked on neurochemistry and emphasising the difference between primary and secondary emotions – understanding that while we have a sense of self but that we don’t have any real evidence that a dog does, really helped in my understanding of what a dog is a capable of emotionally. And, crucially, what he isn’t (guilt, spite etc.). Oh, and he really doesn’t have the cognitive ability to take over the household after all! Too much future planning for his pre-frontal cortex (only 7% of the dog’s brain compared to 30% of a humans brain). It’s when anthropomorphise to the extent that we give dogs more capability (unrealistic expectations) than they are actually capable of, that it gets tragic for dogs and guardians/owners.
Trish Kirby says
A coworker recently told me that when he takes his dog to a new place for an over night stay or leaves the dog alone too long in the house the dog gets angry with him and purposely and strategically poops where he ( my coworker) will step in it. He really believes it! 🙂 I think it’s funny and not probable, but who knows? Ha ha. Really though who knows?
My Bella was looking out our window at the park across the street on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. She wasn’t in alert mode scanning the area for birds or squirrels. It seemed she was relaxed just enjoying the view so I went and sat next to her, head to head side by side to see what she was looking at. Because I’m weird I started to pretend I was a dog and started curiously sniffing the air and window and looked over at her to see what she thought of my antics. Her head cocked sideways staring at me, I think she knew I was acting out of my human character. But who knows. Just as we don’t/shouldn’t think of our dogs as furry little humans, I don’t think dogs think of us as mostly hairless upright canines. I wonder what they think when we send calming signals that they seem to understand. Do they love it or are they thinking ” what is my crazy human doing?”
The Big “A” is a fascinating subject and I bought the recommended reading the ape and the sushi master although haven’t had a chance to read it yet. I did however watch a few interviews and videos of FdW and let me just say IMHO Frans De Waal makes science sexy. Ha
Vicki in Michigan says
A dog on its back expresses vulnerability, but a cat on its back is better able to use all four sets of claws AND it’s teeth, all at once.
I wonder if the cat who is telling two dogs to leave it alone is speaking dog, or cat…..
Sign me “a person who mistook an exposed cat-belly as a wish for a rub, and got some nasty scratches out of the deal”
Nic1 says
‘A coworker recently told me that when he takes his dog to a new place for an over night stay or leaves the dog alone too long in the house the dog gets angry with him and purposely and strategically poops where he ( my coworker) will step in it. He really believes it! I think it’s funny and not probable, but who knows? Ha ha. Really though who knows?’
Pooping like this is often a sign of Separation Anxiety or extreme stress to my knowledge – and that would be the first reason to cross my mind. Of course, I’m no expert, but hopefully I think that would be a good pace to start.
The dog pooping to purposely annoy it’s owner implies that he has future awareness that his owner will:
a) step in strategically pooped poop and
b) will be angry about it because the dog broke the rules
There’s way too much complicated cognitive processing going on there for our canine pals to comprehend.
Poor dog is probably not happy in strange/new environments and perhaps needs de-sensitising to being left alone.
‘
Andy says
This is a really helpful breakdown. I can think of another kind of anthropomorphism that sounds silly but I believe is rather important – creating fiction about our dogs. I’m thinking of silly stories, behavioral explanations, poems, theme songs, etc. The reason I think they’re so important is that they help humans bond with their dogs, but are explicitly understood as not true. The dog often benefits indirectly because of the attention, and the human gets to enjoy doing something we’re good at – making up stories that bring us pleasure.
I consider costumes to be a kind of storytelling and usually don’t have an issue with them, provided the person dressing the dog is being truly animal-centric when they consider the impact. If it doesn’t significantly bother the dog (and that’s an important if!), the “humiliation” isn’t really occuring at all – it’s just another story we get to use to entertain ourselves, and it’s absolutely fine.
Kat says
@Vicki in Michigan. Sometimes The Great Catsby rolls on his back to bring all weapons to bear and when he does the dogs give him a wide berth. Usually though he fops over on his back in a loose relaxed manner with his paws dangling toward his chest. When he does that the dogs respond by relaxing, taking a step back, and waiting to see if he’ll change his mind and be the livestock after all. When he’s tense on his back with paws ready to slash the dogs move back several feet or leave entirely. Catsby’s relaxed demeanor and the way the dogs react to it is why I label it a cat using a canine calming signal.
LisaW says
From an anthropocentric p.o.v., if I were planning world or even household domination, I wouldn’t start with pooping on the floor 🙂
I, too, sometimes get down on my dog’s level to try and see what they’re seeing or how things look from their vantage point. I have also smelled the ground where they seemed particularly interested, but I couldn’t smell anything identifiable to me. On occasion I’ve done that rapid smell (sniff, sniff, sniff, sniff) to them like they do to us when we come home and they want to find out where we’ve been. I know they get a lot more information that I do!
I still get befuddled by their responses to things sometimes, just not what I expected in the context. I admit to having some expectations based on what I think I know and what I think I know about these two dogs. The animal-centrism theory may help keep it in perspective.
Trisha says
To Kat: Love the ‘canine-centric’ concept, and I too wonder what motivates dogs to behave differently when we are sick. Compassion? Anxiety? Emotional contagion? Someday maybe we’ll know. (But hope you are feeling better by now!)
To Joe: You are right that Alexander was indeed punning on Groucho’s great line, “… inside of a dog its too dark to read.” One of the world’s best titles on dog behavior in my opinion!
Re dressing dogs: Interesting point that it is a way of telling a fictional story. I’m working on that, but have to admit I’m more in Rebecca’s camp, not a fan of dogs in dresses. (Sounds like a horrible idea for a TV pilot, “Dogs in Dresses!!!” Eeeeps.)
Thanks Kelly for the link to Serpell’s article. I hadn’t seen it and I love his work, so I’m grateful you alerted me to it.
Nic1: Love the primer on photoreceptors and behavior. Thanks for reminding us all the structure and physiology can have a profound effect on behavior. I’ll never forget a veterinary opthalmologist telling me that almost half of the German Shepherds he had evaluated were extremely near sighted. That one sentence had a huge effect on my understanding of them.
And to Trish: Oooooh how I wish I had a clue how dogs categorize us? Clearly we are social partners, but that doesn’t mean they think we are mis-shapen dogs with no sense of smell. Here’s the question: How would we ever find out?
Marjorie says
Happy to hear that Tootsie is on the up-swing, poor little girl. As for her teeth, I’d highly recommend using a product called Healthy Mouth. My holistic vet recommended this product. I have tried many dental products and this is by far the best. You need to get it from a vet and you just put it in their water. I also think it has helped to improve her touchy stomach.
In your post you metioned that most dogs don’t like hugs and I agree with you, but both my Cavaliers do love to get in my lap, put their paws over my shoulder or around my neck and press into me. When I hold them close and “hug” back they are quite content to stay there. If this is not a hug, what type of behaviour is it? I have never seen other dogs do this.
Love the pics of Willie and Maggie at play.
mgr says
Animal Wise: The Thoughts and Emotions of Our Fellow Creatures by Virginia Morrell peeks into the labs of researchers who are asking similar questions about a variety of different species, including several we might not put in the “high level of cognition” category, like ants and fish. I liked it. I’m always partial to books written by authors who thank their dogs in their acknowledgements. 🙂
Trish Kirby says
Nic1 – I agree with everything you said and my response to the co worker was basically “shame on you for being gone too long” . Also the “STRATEGICALLY” placed poop was right in front of the door. Poor thing just probably waited as long as possible and couldn’t hold it. It gives me a bit of hope knowing there are other dog owners out there even more clueless than I am. I’m working on it! It will be a good day when just the basics of canine communication/body language become common knowledge and understood by average family dog owners . I could be wrong but I don’t think it is yet.
Dr. McConnell , I’m going to do a small neighborhood survey and ask average dog owners three basic questions about canine communication and body language, any ideas? I thought maybe as simple as did they know how most dogs feel about receiving HUGS or if they know certain signals a dog might show to tell it’s probably stressing out? I work in graphics and I’m thinking Bumper Sticker” Hug your kids Not your Dog”….dogs really hate that. Learn more at PatriciaMcConnell.com. Haha
My first thought as to how dogs categorize us is by the energy that we project. Strong and confident or weak and insecure or somewhere in between animals. Sorry if I answered a rhetorical question…I wasn’t sure.
A few months ago I watched part of a live stream you suggested Going to the dogs an evening of canine science. I believe the last speaker was Clive Wynne and one of the last things he spoke about was dogs and guilt. He basically said that people misinterpret their dogs as looking/feeling guilty because they’ve done something wrong when really the dog is reacting to the owners body language/energy or disapproving tone in their voice. He suggested that if when we come home to a mess that we pay close attention to our own body language making sure to not project negative energy then the dogs wouldn’t appear guilty. I remember thinking that I had a different experience with my last two dogs ( my current dogs have no reason to ever look guilty because I have put the onus on me for their mishaps for now) when I entered the house very happy and wasn’t aware of the destruction in another room. I really believe they had that “guilty ” look before I had a disapproving glare or harsh tone. Hmmm
Frances says
I admit to being an unashamed anthropomorphist – I have conversations with my dogs about their emotions and motivations, I assume that they think about things, and I turn my guesses about those thoughts into human words, inevitably also interpreting them as human-like feelings. But that does not mean that I am not aware that they are dogs, not humans (and am even grateful for it, as when my two fluffy toy dogs recently dispatched a baby rabbit with advanced myxy in seconds, when I knew I was to squeamish to do the merciful thing). But there have been moments of communication that were at a level way beyond words or even conscious though. Once was when Sophy and I were struggling to keep her tiny premature pup alive, and he cried and cried, too weak to suckle and too strong to give up. Sophy stared into my eyes, and the message “Help! I don’t know what to do!” did not need words – for a while we were as one in our shared anxiety and total focus on that little flickering life. And then there was the moment when she was in sudden, agonising pain from a trapped nerve, and flung herself onto my kneeling lap for me to protect her and make it stop. I can only express what happened in words, and I am attributing human thoughts and emotions because those are the only words I have, but at the time it was immediate, wordless and visceral – emotion at a physical level. I wonder if that is how dogs feel emotions – not with all the baggage of analysing cause and effect, or gradations, or possible consequences, but just simply feeling. If so, it must make our procrastinations and prevarications and delayed gratification and self imposed guilts a source of constant confusion and mystification to them.
Perhaps that is the greatest difference I have found living with both cats and dogs: the dogs seem to try very hard to read me, and to understand what I want – even to comply with it. The cats cheerfully expect me to learn to read them – and to both understand and comply!
HFR says
I’m not sure how to ask this: But is there some significance to the universal expression of emotions? For instance, when we feel guilty, we lower our head, turn our eyes upward, slouch our shoulders, etc. Or at least that is how a child acts and how they ask for forgiveness at the same time. I’m assuming they are trying to look small and helpless in order to garner sympathy. Or maybe just look “cute” since that would also urge us to protect them rather than punish them.
Maybe the reason we insist on misinterpreting “guilt” in dogs is because they look like we do when we feel guilty: lowered head, eyes up, slouched shoulders, ears back (which we can’t do, but probably would if we could). The other night I said something out loud that, to my dog, sounded like I was angry with him (which I hardly ever am) and he took that stance. I was so surprised as I hardly ever yell at him and I felt so bad. But what is it that makes that stance so universal? It sure looks like guilt, but perhaps they are just imitating us?
Maybe anthropomorphizing comes from thinking our body language must be the same for all species. How about when a dog’s body language is NOT what we would do? For instance, the belief by most that aggression is dominance when it is most likely fear. A dog’s fear doesn’t look like our fear. Our fear reaction is usually to run or cower, their fear stance is to growl or snarl. The way we connect with people is to meet their eyes. To avert your eyes when communicating is usually seen as a sign of wariness or that you are not to be trusted. While with dogs, averting your eyes is a sign of respect. When we feel warm toward someone we hug them, when a dog “hugs” another dog, it usually is a threat of some sort. It’s so fascinating to me that some body language translates and some doesn’t.
But on the whole, I know I’d much rather we err on the side of thinking dogs too much human than too much animal.
em says
I’m so enjoying this conversation. I find that I’m pretty much in the middle when it comes to athropomorphism- I do a LOT of guessing at my dogs’ motivations and feelings, and I do often conclude that their reactions are parallel to those I might find in a human, but I do base these conclusions on close observation and I try to make my observation as rational as possible. 🙂
I don’t especially object to dressing up dogs, provided that the dog doesn’t mind and the human is grounded in reality. I dress my own dogs for Halloween. I am careful to choose costumes that will be comfortable, and I don’t lose sight of their basic dogness, but while I acknowlege that I dress them primarily for my own amusement (and that of others), I would argue that my particular dogs benefit as well. The costume itself may mean nothing to them, but the attention they get while wearing it means a great deal. Sandy in particular has become positively gleeful at wearing costumes (Otis gets a lot of attention regardless) and I might dress her more often if I didn’t find it so impractical (for me). I can readily understand that not all dogs might feel the same way, though- mine are especially fond of body contact and especially outgoing toward people. A shy, body-sensitive dog might hate a costume, and I’d never inflict one on a dog who showed discomfort with it.
Along the same lines- Otis loves hugs. It was one of the first things he ‘trained’ me to do- he stands in front of me and waves his back legs at his belly when he wants a standing belly rub. He honestly seems to like the sensation of arms wrapped around his chest and will return again and again to a person who does this, stranger, friend, and family alike. Sandy is much more typical- she loves body contact, but wrapping arms around her clearly made her slightly nervous when she first came to us- she would tongue-flick and look a little wide-eyed, though she wouldn’t pull away. We backed off immediately, and only started offering hug-like gestures at her initiation (she’ll stick her head and shoulders under our arms as she snuggles against us). She seems to enjoy the hugs that she initiates, but I don’t think she would appreciate an unsolicited hug from a stranger at all. So I wonder if it is a more nuanced thing than simply saying, “dogs don’t like hugs.”
Some dogs do like hugs, and many dogs, it seems, come to appreciate hugs or hug-like contact from trusted family members, even if they wouldn’t enjoy it in all contexts or from all people. I suppose, once again, it comes down to really trying to see what your dog is showing you and understand it from his perspective. Yay, animal-centrism!
Beth says
I do believe defecating on the floor can be intentional and is meant as a communication (though not the one we likely think). We had a small dog who would house soil when left and she went within a minute of our leaving, as we discovered more than once when we forgot something and went back in. Dogs after all use defecation to mark territory. For some dogs, our leaving seems to trigger a strong need to leave this communication. The same dog once peed on my mattress when I stayed out later than normal even though everyone else was home (this was still my parents’ home).
I doubt it was spite, but clearly the little girl was trying to communicate something to some one.
Beth says
By the way, the narrative I imagine for strategic house soiling is this: “We have a great territory and there are usually a bunch of us to defend it, but now it’s just me. I’d better mark near the entrance so any newcomers know it’s ours.” The helpful thing about this narrative is it covers both very anxious dogs and also not-so-anxious dogs.
I don’t think peeing on the owners bed or clothes is quite yet same thing, though.
em says
Just a quick thought on “guilt” in dogs- I don’t believe that dogs feel guilt as I would define it, because I’ve never seen any – in my dogs or others’- that dogs view rule-breaking actions as objectively or morally wrong. If they did, they wouldn’t eat the forbidden treat just because a researcher’s eyes are closed. For me, guilt is defined as consciousness of having done something wrong by your OWN definition, and I just don’t see that in dogs.
BUT, I’ve seen lots of dogs address appeasing behavior both to humans and to other dogs when they are aware that they have broken social rules, even before the offended party reacts. I have myself experienced the phenomenon of returning home happy and becoming aware that a dog has eaten half a loaf of bread or a baggie of dog biscuits ONLY because of the dog’s aberrant (avoidant, appeasing) behavior. I might never have noticed otherwise. I agree that we cannot treat dogs as if they were capable of human ethical reasoning, and I wholeheartedly agree that we should not allow anyone speaking in our earshot to hold dogs responsible for “bad” actions as if they were human, but I’m always a bit disappointed in those who completely dismiss canine “guilt”. Clearly, SOMETHING is happening. It would be fabulous to know what.
Nic1 says
Dogs with separation anxiety may urinate or defecate shortly after the owner departs, even if they have just recently eliminated outdoors.
Where is the evidence that dogs poop,to ‘mark terrirtory’ please? I have never seen this before and would like to learn more if this is indeed the case. Had some fascinating discussions on here with regard to urine scent marking. But as for pooping, well, isn’t it simply a matter of bowel movement and excretion?
When looking at behaviour in context, pooping as a form of communication would not be something I would seriously consider to be honest. My dog can’t poop on demand, neither can I for that matter! Bowel movements are to do with feeding schedules and diets, unless there is some stomach upset or psychological upset. Most dogs probably go twice a day and usually not on their own immediate territory, unless they have have an upset tummy and can’t hold on. Then if outside, some dogs will leave scratch marks in the grass to alert to the offensive stool. This is the only communication I can think of when it comes to ‘marking’ and poop.
Thinking logically about what we know for sure about dogs, looking at the route cause of house soiling should be a process of elimination. First, rule out any medical issues; ensure that the dog has been thouroughly housetrained; any changes in feeding schedule or diet and whether the dog is suffering from SA.
And if they do poop indoors, they certainly don’t feel guilty about either I’d imagine! Because as far as we are aware, the cognitive processing that requires an understanding of guilt (i broke the rules about 4 hours ago in the past and I understand that is the reason you are annoyed with me in the present moment) are beyond the ability of dogs emotional awareness. It is important to communicate to people about the real reasons why dogs poop in the house because it is one of the major reasons a lot of dogs are given up for adoption. Needlessly so.
Trish Kirby says
Nic1- I had a dog once that as we would walk around the neighborhood he would pee on trees, fence posts, fire hydrants and street signs. Peeing where other dogs have gone, marking the territory I’m guessing. He would also poop on the street sign pole. The first time he did it I thought well that’s strange. Then I noticed that he did it every time! He even kinda lifted his leg. Probably just an oddity but maybe he was marking that area with his poop? He could’ve picked a nice flat grassy area but he chose to back up to the sign poles. He pooped normally at home, no poles or upright structures. 🙂
I haven’t seen any studies on this but I think that suggesting to a dog to pee an poo after he’s learned what you want that they do it sooner than if you didn’t suggest it. I believe I have trained my dogs to pee and poo on command. Not saying that if they just did it that they will do it again, but if we were out playing and I’m ready to go in and I ask them to go, they do. As for pooping, maybe they didn’t have a desperate urge to go but my suggestion helped move the process along?
Beth says
Nic1, wolves indeed defecate to mark territory. There is less literature on dogs. I’ve read that dominant cats won’t bury feces but others do.
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/29409988/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/wolves-dogs-are-in-your-face-poopers/
As far as timing, my current two eat twice a day and so defecate twice a day. Based on walks vs when they ASK to go out, the afternoon poop can happen anytime between noon and 6 pm; they are normally walked at. 5 if fed at 7am, but if they happen to be walked sooner they will go. They can’t manufacture poop out of air, but my male always manages to find reserves if taken to a new place even if he’s already gone; he’s a confident male who tends to have high status with other dogs. He likes to poop on top of bushes or rocks, much as described in the article.
I agree that guilt is not something dogs feel and they shouldn’t be punished for soiling. I have known dogs who didn’t seem terribly anxious who would soil if left alone though.
Beth says
Here is the best info I could find on dogs, which isn’t much. http://books.google.com/books?id=FQijE4uIGGoC&pg=RA2-PT120&lpg=RA2-PT120&dq=dogs+fecal+marking&source=bl&ots=oyXRdDpczJ&sig=B4ZaGGLfpBahtQyIuhc1CbMm6io&hl=en&sa=X&ei=htBSU6ChIaqy2wWuk4CoBw&ved=0CDsQ6AEwAzgK
Beth says
And finally a bit about cats:
http://www.thecatbehaviorclinic.com/defecating-or-middening.html
I think poop left right in the middle of a doorway or hallway is done for a reason; most animals who are not fully housebroken tend to find a corner out of the way.
LisaW says
When we would spend a few days at someone’s house, one of our past dogs would discretely poop in a back hallway or room within 10 or 15 minutes of our arrival. We always walked them right before going into the new house, and we didn’t leave them alone there. She didn’t do this at home, and she didn’t do it if we were just visiting someone for an afternoon or a few hours. I never could figure out why she did this. Luckily, she only did this a few times as a teenager, and we had very understanding hosts.
She was an avid over marker, and I believe she did poop-mark as well.
One of our current dogs is always over marking both our other dog’s pee and sometimes if she can smell an old poop scent, she’ll mark that, too, but this morning she went out and pooped, smelled it, and peed on her own poop! I don’t even want to begin to guess what that means!
Nic1 says
Thanks Beth, interesting, but cats and wolves are not domestic dogs, although it is interesting to speculate. I notice you bring rank of dogs and pooping habits into this discussion too. Where is your evidence for apparent ‘status’ of dogs and pooping habits? Or is this purely anecdotal?
And are we anthropomorphising to the extent that we think dogs bring geometry into their pooping? And that they think that the middle of the floor, as opposed to the corners of the room, has some meaning to us and that they understand that it is a form of communication to us? I’m not criticising, I am genuinely interested and fascinated into what you believe a dog is communicating to us when it poops in the middle of the floor. Of course, dogs will defecate in other areas usually if they have been punished when house soiling in a particular place? That makes sense!
Also, there is some evidence that seriously suggests that because your dog shows no outward signs of stress when you leave it alone, it doesn’t mean that he isn’t suffering emotionally. A recent pilot study on SA on 40 randomly selected companion dogs in the UK indicated that there was a significant cohort of dogs that did not show any signs of anxiety at being left alone (dogs were filmed) but they had the same rise in cortisol level as the dogs that DID show outward signs of stress.
http://dogs.channel4.com/40-dog-study/
SA is one of the biggest behavioural issues in companion dogs today because they are not genetically prepared for our expectations of them in the 21st century. Being left alone – a lot. A lot of them are literally soiling themselves in fear.
I guess I prefer Occam’s Razor….but then if you were to rule out the more obvious reasons and your dog is STILL pooping in the middle of the floor, then I guess we’ll never know. 🙂
May says
I had an elderly Golden Retriever who was very calm and never barked. One winter I had a bad accident and was housebound for a couple of months. My dog would lie or sit beside me and bark whenever the doorbell rang. I really had the sense that she had become my guardian. Thank you for the post.
Nic1 says
http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2014/jan/08/dogs-defecate-earths-magnetic-field-research-finds
Now this I never realised! Dogs are in tune with magnetic field of the planet – via their toilet habits!
Dogs will certainly poop over a previously marked poop place. It’s why it’s so important to avidly clean the floor/carpets with a biological detergent if they do go inside the home. I think that’s fairly common knowledge, but I can’t see any evidence as to it being some sort of strategic communication to the dog guardian.
Trish Kirby says
“The next time you’re lost in the wilderness, trying to figure out which way is north, forget about moss growing on the side of a tree. Just pay attention to how your dog poops. He’s a regular canine crap compass.”
It’s true! I pay attention to my dogs and more often than not it’s north and south.
Two ways I find myself Humanizing my dogs are not staring at them while they are doing their business. I would like to say its because it is not a pleasant thing to watch but really it’s so they can have their privacy. Ha ha ha Another is washing their face once a day. Water only and I do it because I hope it makes them feel refreshed . Like wipe the sand and out of their eyes.
Beth says
Nic1, just to clarify, I don’t think the dog poops as a message to us. I think it’s a message to others who may try to come into the territory.
To the best of my knowledge, all wild canines use fecal marking (wolves, foxes, coyotes). I guess I’m in the camp that if it’s an instinctive behavior I would need some evidence that dogs have totally lost that behavior. They still urine mark. Why wouldn’t they mark with feces ? When I see an empty dog force out the tiniest little poop on a new trail like mine does, it sure looks like marking.
If you read the literature on wild canids you’ll find they defecate on prominent locations and at crossroads in their territory, especially near the edges. That’s why I always associated pooping in front of the door with marking. Or to put it another way, if the behavior so closely mirrors that of wild cousins as to be indestinguishable, I’m comfortable with categorizing it that way.
Wild canids also mark more when cortisol levels are higher, so the one supposition does not negate the other. Anxiety associated with owner leaving could increase the likelihood of marking (as opposed to being so stressed they can’t hold it–the true accident)
Frances says
On cats defecating – Pippin finds a quiet, hidden spot and then buries it carefully. He will also try to bury the dogs’ faeces. Tilly-cat – AKA Empress of the Universe – has been known to find the highest, most prominent point on the estate and leave hers there to waft its message far and wide…
Sam says
So, I have read your books multiple times and I KNOW I shouldn’t be hugging dogs! But my shameful confession is that I do . My 3-legged border collie mix solicits hugs by jumping on me and putting her one foreleg on my shoulder and really seems to enjoy getting hugged and scratched. Lately, I have found myself hugging a few select dogs at the shelter where I volunteer– never right off the bat, and I try to observe their body language carefully. But I do find myself leaning into the bigger dogs with my arm around their shoulders……so far I’ve only gotten licks and nuzzles in return. (It’s an adoption facility and all the dogs have been temperment tested. I know, still.) Even though I still hug dogs on occasion, I’ve learned a lot from your books and ‘The Other End of the Leash’ is the first dog-book I recommend. Thanks!
Trish K says
It was only within the last year that I read an article about dogs not liking hugs and also some tell tale signs of how a person can tell that the dog is uncomfortable being hugged. In the comment section some dogs owners agree totally and were appalled at the thought of a person hugging a dog and some swore that their particular dog didn’t mind at all and actually really liked it. It made me think of my past with hugging dogs and although I know that I’ve probably without realizing it Invaded their personal space by Loving all over them, petting them from head to toe, holding their little fur faces in my hands and nuzzling up to them and giving them Eskimo kisses…yeah. I think as adults, even if like me never really knew a thing about canine body language can tell if a dog basically doesn’t want to be held. They get a little stiff and kind of pull away and we most likely respect that.
I think the most important group of people that need this info are kids and parents . Its the little children that are close to eye level with the dogs that tend to hold too tight and poke and prod making the dogs uncomfortable and not know that a bite might come soon if the dog feels trapped and aggravated. I say give them doggy hugs not bear hugs and just be aware. I think they like physical affection
noman says
Eskimo kisses…yeah. I think as adults, even if like me never really knew a thing about canine body language can tell if a dog basically doesn’t want to be held. They get a little stiff and kind of pull away and we most likely respect that.
I think the most important group of people that need this info are kids and parents . Its the little children that are close to eye level with the dogs that tend to hold too tight and poke and prod making the dogs uncomfortable and not know that a bite might come soon if the dog feels trapped and aggravated. I say give them doggy hugs not bear hugs and just be aware . http://www.playwrightsguild.ca/news/updated-musicals-catalogue
em says
Thinking more about the dogs and hugs conundrum, it occurs to me that it is analogous to many general observations that one could make about dogs. As a large dog owner, it has been my experience that dogs dislike being picked up. Every dog I’ve ever owned has looked alarmed, stiffened, or struggled when lifted off the ground. I have every reason to believe that this is a pretty common reaction with dogs of ALL sizes. Many of the small dog owners on this blog report that their dogs are frightened by strangers who pick them up without warning or describe how a ‘ready’ cue helps their dogs become more comfortable with being lifted.
Does this mean that all dogs dislike being picked up? I don’t think so. Not only have I seen many, many dogs who seem utterly relaxed when lifted by their owners, but I’ve also seen little dogs actually begging
to be picked up. The obvious difference between large and small dog reactions to lifting is that many small dogs have ample opportunity to become accustomed to being picked up, held, and carried. They have the chance to form positive associations, and for them, instead of being a frightening, restrictive experience, being lifted CAN come to signify security, affection, and physical comfort.
I think that knowing that, in general, many dogs dislike being lifted can be a helpful thing to know- it can discourage unsolicited grabbiness, and help owners to conduct and condition the activity so that it becomes firmly associated with pleasantness. BUT, I wouldn’t go around telling otherwise dog-savvy people that they must be misreading their dogs’ reactions if their dogs HAD come to enjoy being picked up.
Just so, I think that the general statement that most dogs dislike hugs can be a very valuable starting point- it is a good way to help begin a conversation about appropriate ways to approach dogs, read dogs’ reactions, and respect dogs’ physical space, but I don’t think people are crazy or wrong for thinking that a dog who leans in, loose and waggy, enjoys them.
After all, the experience of having a towel draped over their heads is supposed to be so aversive to dogs that some canine intelligence tests base part of their assessment on how long it takes the subject to extract themselves. If I went by that test alone, Otis’ IQ would come in right around zero, because he’ll stay under a towel basically forever. In fact, when anyone holds out a towel, for any purpose, he will trot over and duck his head underneath it. Why? Because we live in a cold and wet place, and we walk a lot. My thin-coated dog has, by all indications, developed an abiding love for towel-time. I think that for him, whatever unpleasantness might be generally associated with a draped towel is utterly trumped by the pleasure of being warmer and dryer. He has come not only to tolerate what is usually an unpleasant sensation to dogs, but apparently to enjoy it. He’ll trot across a room to duck under a towel even when he’s bone dry. I’d never be daft enough to argue that “dogs love towels on their heads”, but I’d also never be daft enough to deny that mine does, or that others might as well. Whatever the general reaction is, dogs can and do form positive associations with any number of things.
As in all things dog, I think the key is to approach any generalization with both eyes and minds open.
Nic1 says
‘Naughty’ dogs grow up to be better dogs as adults, according to this article. It is not what the actual study says of course, but a good example of how the media can anthropomorphise the behaviour of dogs spectacularly inaccurately.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/pets/10790356/Naughty-pups-grow-into-better-dogs.html
The abstract in the study lists the specific behaviours more ethologically.
http://www.appliedanimalbehaviour.com/article/S0168-1591(14)00083-5/abstract
Interesting to see that possible compulsive and obsessive behaviours, considered as negative behavioural traits on temperament testing for guide dogs, could possibly be the opposite….