When we decided to talk about the emotional life of dogs this week, we went down a rabbit hole. Actually, it was more like a mine shaft, leading to a warren of caverns with quicksand pits at every turn. We did learn a lot though, and, according to “Plutchik’s Wheel of Emotions” – all animals, dogs and humans included, experience eight core emotions: Anger, Anticipation, Joy, Trust, Fear, Surprise, Sadness, and Disgust.
We were surprised that the two we planned to focus on weren’t included in the basics. Neither Love nor Jealousy were among the core emotions. From what we could ascertain, all other emotions (including those two) are combinations of the core emotions, which have degrees of intensity. That makes Love a combination of Joy and Trust. Jealousy is more complicated, a combination of Love, Anger, and Fear.
Common sensibility
Considering that Robert Plutchik studied animals and emotion in the late 20th Century, we have to wonder why there are now periodic headlines announcing that “Study proves dogs experience “X” emotion.” Of course they do! Ask any dog owner.
Love, and all the great things that come with it, is the most powerful emotional tie between people and dogs. We always feel a bit sorry for people who’ve never had a dog. They don’t really know the feeling of being loved absolutely unconditionally by a being that wants nothing more than to just be with you.
We’ve heard it said that a dog is the only love that money can buy. And it’s true. If you have a dog, that dog’s going to love you. They won’t necessarily listen to you, or do what you want when you want them to, but they do love you. As Roger Caras said: “Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made.”
The dark side of love
In both humans and dogs, the dark side of love can include jealousy. In our training, we take advantage of it. We play training games with each of our dogs individually, while the others watch. Needless to say, all of them are eager for their “turn.” They also watch carefully and learn even more by watching. It’s one of the sharpest tools in our training toolbox.
We’re also careful not to go to the dark side of jealousy. Each of the dogs gets his turn. Every time. If we play with one dog, we play with all of them. If one gets a treat, they all get a treat. That even extends to occasions where we have to give medicine. If it’s hidden in a bite of cheese, everybody gets a bite of cheese. We just have to make sure that the right dog gets the loaded nibble.
To avoid triggering a jealous reaction, we always say the dog’s name when it’s their turn. If a dog knows absolutely no other words, they have to know their name.
Personality plus
Part of being a good dog owner is recognizing your dog’s emotional make-up. Some dogs are pretty easy-going. Others are intense. Some are always on alert. Others need time to catch up with what’s going on. Just as your dog loves you just as you are, it’s on you to do the same for your dog.
Among dog trainers there’s a saying that you may not get the dog you wanted, but you get the dog you need. We learn something about ourselves from the dogs we get. Hopefully, it’s the wisdom to accept them. And ourselves.
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