Can Dogs Be Embarrassed? Signs & Reasons About Dog Shame

It’s a question that has plagued philosophers and pet owners for centuries – can dogs be embarrassed?

The answer, it would seem, is yes.

Dogs can feel shame and embarrassment, and there are several signs that your dog may be feeling this way.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why dogs may feel embarrassed, as well as some tips on how to help them through these challenging emotions.

What makes a dog embarrassed?

There are a few different factors that can contribute to your dog feeling embarrassed.

Caught doing something it knows it should not be doing

Dogs are intelligent creatures, and they are often very aware of when they are doing something they are not supposed to.

This can lead to a sense of embarrassment or guilt when they are caught in the act, especially if they are scolded by their owner.

Scolded or reprimanded in front of other people or animals

If a dog is scolded or reprimanded in front of other people or animals, it may feel embarrassed or ashamed.

This is because dogs understand that being singled out in front of others is often associated with negative consequences.

As a result, dogs will often try to avoid being in the spotlight if they think they might be scolded.

Makes a mistake in front of others

When a dog makes a mistake in front of others, it may hang its head in shame or try to slink away from the attention.

In some cases, a dog may even show signs of physical discomforts, such as yawning or licking its lips nervously.

Not able to do something that others can do

Not being able to do something that others can do is embarrassing for anyone, including dogs. When they are not able to perform a task that the other dogs can do, it feels like a failure.

This sense of failure can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment.

Wear clothes or accessories that it does not want to wear

Dog owners often think it’s funny to put their dogs in clothes or accessories that they don’t want to wear.

However, it’s important to remember that dogs are very sensitive to their appearance and can be embarrassed by being forced to wear something that doesn’t feel natural to them. 

Treated differently than other dogs

Dogs often react negatively when they are treated differently than other dogs in their social circle.

This can manifest itself in several ways, including excessive barking, withdrawn behavior, and even aggression.

While it may be tempting to believe that your dog is embarrassed by being treated differently, it is more likely that they are simply confused and uncomfortable.

How to tell if your dog is embarrassed?

There are some signs when a dog feels embarrassed. It includes:

Hiding Their Face

One of the most common ways that dogs show embarrassment is by hiding their face.

This can involve turning away from the person or situation that they are embarrassed about or actually putting their paw or tail over their eyes.

Slinking Away

Another common sign of embarrassment in dogs is slinking away. This is when a dog lowers their body and head and tries to sneak away from the situation.

This behavior is often seen in dogs who have done something they know they shouldn’t have, such as stealing food off the counter.

Avoiding Eye Contact

Another way that dogs show embarrassment is by avoiding eye contact. This can be combined with other behaviors, such as hiding their face or slinking away.

Dogs who avoid eye contact may also have their ears pulled back or their tail between their legs.

Blushing

Some dogs actually blush when they are embarrassed. This is most commonly seen in lighter-colored dogs but can occur in any color dog.

The blush will usually be visible on the dog’s cheeks or around the neck area.

Yawning

Yawning is another common sign of embarrassment in dogs. It is often seen in combination with other behaviors, such as avoiding eye contact or hiding their face.

Yawning can be a way for a dog to try to calm themselves down when they are feeling embarrassed or stressed.

Panting

Panting is another behavior that can be seen in dogs who are feeling embarrassed or stressed. It is often seen in combination with other behaviors, such as yawning or avoiding eye contact.

Licking Their Lips

Some dogs lick their lips when they are feeling embarrassed or stressed. This behavior is often seen in combination with other behaviors, such as yawning or panting.

Shaking

Some dogs shake when they are feeling embarrassed or stressed. This behavior is often seen in combination with other behaviors, such as yawning or panting.

What to do if your dog is embarrassed?

If you think your dog is embarrassed, the best thing you can do is to try to help them feel more comfortable.

This may involve moving them to a different location, removing the source of their embarrassment, or simply giving them some time to calm down.

If your dog is showing signs of stress, such as panting or shaking, you may also want to try some calming techniques, such as offering them a treat or toy.

Remember that it is important to be patient with your dog and not to force them to do anything they are uncomfortable with.

The takeaway

It is clear that dogs experience a range of emotions, including embarrassment.

When their humans laugh at them, they may well feel embarrassed – especially if they are not sure what they have done wrong.

This suggests that dogs are more sensitive than we often give them credit for.

So next time you see your dog looking sheepish, don’t be too quick to laugh – they might just be feeling a little bit embarrassed.