Can Dogs Feel Shame? Debunking the Guilty Look on Your Dog

You walk in the door to find your favorite shoes in shreds.

Your dog meets you with droopy ears, a tucked tail, and those big, soulful eyes.

It’s tempting to think, “They know they’ve done something wrong—they must feel guilty!”

But is that really true?

Can dogs actually feel shame, or are we just seeing what we want to see?

Let’s explore the science behind the “guilty look” and what it really means.

The “Guilty Look” Explained

The so-called “guilty look” is a behavior most dog owners recognize. It includes:

• Avoiding eye contact.
• Ears pinned back.
• Tail tucked between the legs.
• A hunched posture.

While it’s tempting to interpret this as shame, the reality is more complex.

The “guilty look” may not indicate an understanding of wrongdoing but rather a response to your tone, body language, or emotions.

Scientific research

Research has shed light on what the “guilty look” really means.

A 2009 study by Alexandra Horowitz, a cognitive scientist at Barnard College, tested whether dogs showed guilt after breaking a rule.

Owners instructed their dogs not to eat a treat and then left the room.

Some dogs ate the treat, while others did not.

When owners returned, some were told their dog had disobeyed, regardless of the truth.

Key findings

Dogs showed a “guilty look” even when they hadn’t done anything wrong.

The behavior was more pronounced when owners scolded them, suggesting the “guilty look” was a reaction to the owner’s cues rather than an admission of guilt.

Alternative explanations

So, if the “guilty look” isn’t about guilt, what’s really going on?

Here are some other possible reasons for this behavior:

Reacting to your emotions

Dogs are masters at picking up on human feelings.

If you walk in angry or upset and scold them, their “guilty look” might just be a reaction to your mood—not their actions.

Showing submission

As pack animals, dogs use submissive behaviors to keep the peace.

That tucked tail and those lowered ears could be your dog’s way of saying, “I don’t want any trouble. Please don’t be mad!”

Feeling anxious

Sometimes, the “guilty look” is more about fear or anxiety than guilt.

If a dog gets scolded, they might respond with these behaviors because they’re stressed, even if they don’t fully understand what they did wrong.

Canine Cognition and the Limits of Shame

To understand whether dogs feel shame, we need to examine their cognitive abilities.

Shame is a complex emotion that requires self-awareness and moral reasoning, which dogs may not possess.

Self-awareness in dogs

Self-awareness is the ability to understand yourself as a separate individual.

Scientists often use something called the “mirror test” to check for this in animals.

In the test, an animal is placed in front of a mirror to see if they recognize themselves.

Most dogs don’t pass this test, which suggests they might not have the level of self-awareness needed to feel emotions like shame.

The cognitive demands of shame

Shame involves reflecting on one’s actions and understanding how they violate social norms.

While dogs are intelligent, their cognition doesn’t extend to this level of introspection.

Self-consciousness

Unlike humans, dogs don’t seem to have self-conscious emotions like shame or guilt.

Feeling these emotions requires an awareness of how others see you, and dogs likely don’t have this ability.

Moral reasoning

Dogs don’t decide what’s right or wrong based on a moral code.

Instead, they learn what behaviors are acceptable through training and experience, not from an internal sense of morality.

Social comparison

Shame often comes from comparing yourself to others, but dogs don’t appear to do this.

They don’t measure themselves against others in the way humans do, which makes it unlikely they feel shame.

How to Respond to Canine Misbehavior

If dogs don’t actually feel shame, how should you respond when they do something wrong?

Here are some helpful tips to guide you:

Use positive reinforcement

Focus on rewarding good behavior rather than punishing the bad.

Treats, praise, or a fun play session can show your dog what you want them to do.

Positive reinforcement is not only kinder but also more effective for teaching them what’s acceptable.

Set clear boundaries

Consistency is everything when it comes to training.

Make sure everyone in the household follows the same rules so your dog doesn’t get mixed signals.

For example, if one person lets the dog on the couch while others don’t, it can create confusion.

Create a dog-friendly environment

A big part of preventing bad behavior is removing temptation.

If your dog loves to chew on shoes, keep them out of reach.

If they tend to get into the trash, invest in a secure trash can.

Setting your dog up for success makes it easier for them to behave.

Avoid punishment

Yelling, scolding, or punishing your dog might make you feel like you’re addressing the problem, but it can actually do more harm than good.

Punishment often creates fear and anxiety, which doesn’t solve the root cause of the behavior.

Instead, redirect your dog’s energy to something positive, like a chew toy, and reward them for making the right choice.

Final Thoughts

While it’s endearing to think of our dogs as little humans, attributing emotions like shame to them may not be accurate.

The “guilty look” is more likely a response to our behavior rather than a reflection of their understanding of wrongdoing.

By focusing on positive reinforcement and understanding canine behavior, we can strengthen our bond with our furry companions and create a happier, healthier relationship.

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