Discovering Empathy
Much has been written and said about the friendship between humans and dogs. After all, one of the most famous phrases is that "a dog is a man's best friend."
For this article dedicated to the friendship between humans and dogs, we wanted to delve deeper into where this special relationship originates and how it can develop. We know dogs have boundless affection for their pet mates, but do humans feel the same for their furry friends? And how does friendship work between dogs?
To explore this, let's start with a very special concept: empathy.
Can Dogs Experience Empathy?
Psychiatrist and philosopher Jung defined empathy as a ‘compassionate heart,’ the ability to put oneself in another’s shoes, understand their emotions, and act accordingly. If someone is suffering, we are empathetic if we feel their pain and try to alleviate it or help them suffer less.
The world likely divides between empathetic people, who want to understand others for a common good, and those who are not. But can we speak of empathy in dogs?
As seen in articles dedicated to canine emotions, our four-legged friends experience feelings and can understand the emotions we humans feel.
Do Dogs Understand Human Emotions?
Research conducted by the University of Pisa, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, highlighted that dogs can follow the body orientation, head direction, and gaze of those they interact with. During play, they express their positive emotional state through specific signals, like tail wagging.
This proves that dogs read our behaviors and emotions, empathize with us, and consequently develop a profound friendship with us!
Can Dogs Sense When We Are Suffering?
When we speak of true friendship, we define it as the ability to be close, support, and comfort our friends when they are suffering. We often say a true friend is someone who stands by you in difficult times.
Can we say the same for dogs? According to the scientific research mentioned above, the answer is yes. Anyone who has a four-legged friend knows how sensitive they are to our mood and emotional changes. This sensitivity is evident in their gaze, the way they approach us, and their desire to comfort us, stemming from their primal heritage as wolves.
What Emotions Do Humans Feel Toward Dogs?
Each person is unique and feels emotions based on their character, past, and upbringing. When discussing the friendship between dogs and humans, it’s important to consider that not everyone feels the same emotions or expresses them in the same way. Some people love to pet and cuddle dogs, while others may keep their distance due to fear or past experiences.
Regardless, those who love dogs and animals know how deep and intense the friendship that develops can be. Pets bring color to the human world with their presence, expressive eyes, and gestures that show their unconditional love for us. This love has significant benefits for our mental, physical, and emotional health. Living with pets helps prevent disorders and diseases, reduces loneliness, and even helps combat serious conditions like depression.
Pet Therapy and Its Benefits
Pet Therapy, or Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI), offers numerous benefits to people, especially those who are ill or have physical, mental, or emotional disorders. The goal is to improve psychological and emotional well-being through interaction and play with companion animals like dogs, cats, and rabbits.
Studies have shown remarkable physical results, such as increased survival rates after heart attacks, and improved mental well-being following trauma or addiction. The therapeutic power of dogs and animals is undeniable, making their presence and support crucial for human beings.
Do Dogs Form Friendships With Each Other?
Research from the University of Pisa, analyzing the behavior of 50 dogs, concluded that dogs do respond involuntarily to the gestures of their peers, indicating a true friendship.
Why Do Dogs Fight?
The reasons for conflict among dogs, especially males, can include competition for resources, territory protection, and the presence of females in heat. Female dogs may fight due to personality, educational experiences, and group dynamics.
How to Teach a Dog to Ignore Other Dogs?
This is also about friendship! If our furry friend is not inclined to meet other dogs, it can turn a peaceful walk into a Greek tragedy. Understanding why our dog behaves this way is crucial.
Conclusion: The Wonderful Relationship Between Humans and Dogs
Every relationship is regulated by emotions and feelings, generating actions and behaviors. This is also true for friendships between humans and dogs. We can foster this friendship by ensuring our furry friends grow up in a safe environment, giving them all the love we can, and socializing them with other dogs. Just like humans, dogs benefit greatly from friendships with their peers, filling their hearts with joy and making their lives more complete, joyful, and fulfilling.
Article drafted with the consultancy of Chiara Festelli, Canine Educator.