Dogs Look Embarrassed But Have No Regrets

You know that look your dog gets when he’s caught doing something wrong? Or when, in the middle of the scolding, he puts his ears down and you can swear he regrets what he did? Forget it: according to experts, your dog doesn’t feel guilty. Not even a bit.

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According to veterinarian Susan Hazel of the University of Adelaide, dogs are not capable of experiencing complex emotions such as guilt. But on the other hand, they are smart enough to react to humans’ body language. That’s why, sometimes, even before we say anything, they already react: because our body speaks even before our mouth.

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Studies show that dogs make that sorry face because of the owner’s reaction, regardless of whether or not they did something wrong. According to dog psychologist Alexandra Horowitz of Columbia University, the look has more to do with “don’t scold me for who knows what reason” than an acknowledgment that you’ve done something wrong.

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So the next time your dog looks at you with that smile, don’t think it’s an admission of guilt: he might just be scared of your reaction. Instead of fighting, how about cuddling?