Dogs and Fair Play

Scientists are now discovering that dogs can experience a wide range of complex emotions, ranging from the more common love and affection, to jealousy, and pride. Until recently it was believed that only Chimpanzees and humans were capable of these emotions. I think that it is about time that scientific evidence will prove once and for all of what dog lovers are already aware, and they no longer will be considered as just "anthropomorphizing" in relation to their pet's feelings.

According to CNN.Com/technology, Paul Morris, a psychologist at the University of Portsmouth, England who studies animal emotions, told the SUNDAY TIMES, "We are learning that dogs, horses, and perhaps many other species are far more emotionally complex than we ever realized. They can suffer simple forms of many emotions we once thought only primates could experience".

Scientists are now saying that often dogs hate to see their owners show affection to other dogs, and often become jealous when a new partner or baby appears in their territory.

As an experiment, scientist Friederike Range and her colleagues at the University of Vienna, Austria, asked 33 trained dogs to "give their paw" to a human. Whether or not they were rewarded, the dogs responded to the command almost every time, when alone or in the presence of another dog. But of course after not receiving rewards, the dogs soon lost their enthusiasm for the game when they observed other dogs receiving treats to reward them for their behavior.

The dogs that were not rewarded with a treat or praise obeyed the command far fewer times than the dogs who were rewarded, only responding positively 13 out of 30 trials. They also displayed anxious behavior by scratching and licking themselves.

Dr. Range told NEW SCIENTIST magazine, "They are clearly unhappy with the unfair situation." She postulated that this sensitivity to food might extend further to more abstract things, such as attention and praise. She added, "It might explain why some dogs react with 'new baby envy' when their owners have a child."

This research now has me wondering if the emotions I attribute to my cats are also accurate and that cat lovers truly understand the emotional makeup of the species.

Do you believe that dogs and cats are capable of complex emotions? Tell us about your experiences by leaving a comment.