When we live with a dog and we take care of it with respect and affection, we will know that this furry will behave in the same way with us. However, To what extent is it true that dogs feel love?
Of course, it is very difficult to deny that they are one of the animals that can give us the most company, but let's see what science thinks thereon.
What emotions do dogs feel?
The dog lovers We tend to think and say that these furry ones just need to talk to be like humans. That they have the same feelings as us and that, therefore, they know how to conquer our hearts. Now, although it is true that they may feel jealousy, happiness, sadness or fear, what about love?
Love is a more complex emotion, since it is not only a matter of one, such as jealousy for example, but of two or more individuals. In fact, although people can feel self-love - and it is something we should do, even a little 😉 -, dogs can only feel it towards another animal and towards the places that make it feel good, quiet and safe.
This is what various studies showed, as one of the University of Atlanta. In it it was said that the caudate nucleus, an area of the brain that humans also have, reacts by making the animal feel love when it smells a home or person that it has associated with tranquility.
Another study, from the University of Budapest, demonstrated through magnetic resonance imaging done to both people and dogs, that the latter can differentiate cries from human laughter, which is why they approach us when they see us sad.
Why do they accompany us in the worst moments?
That is a question that was asked in the Department of Psychology of a University of London. To answer it, they chose a group of people and another of dogs, neither of whom knew each other. The people were separated into two other small groups: some had to speak normally and others cry.
Well, the dogs approached those who cried… Simply to offer your support.
How do I know if my dog loves me?
Loving a dog and trying to give it all the care it needs is something that everyone dog lovers It comes out spontaneously. But how can you know if that love is reciprocated? We have already talked about how they feel love, but ... how to find out if our furry is really comfortable with us?
For that, we will have to look at whether:
- It does not separate from us when we are sick and / or sad.
- He is attentive to our movements. Sometimes it follows us wherever we go.
- He wants to spend with us the longer the better, which is why he loves to sleep in our bed.
- He asks us for our attention when he wants to play, eat or go out for a walk.
- He waits for us impatiently behind the door, and greets us with great joy when he sees us.
- When he is the one who is sick or sad, it is to us he comes first.
And how can we show him that we love him?
Well for that we can (and should) do the following:
- Make sure you have food and water on a daily basis, and that you are living in a home where you can feel safe and calm.
- Give him a lot of love, only through dog treats, but also with caresses, hugs and nice words.
- Respect him at all times.
- Teach him to be a good, sociable dog, using positive training techniques.
- Treat him for what he is (a dog, an ideal four-legged friend), and not humanize him.
So if you had doubts about whether dogs feel love or not, you already have one more reason to love him 🙂.