It is reasonable to suggest that dogs have emotions similar to humans, given their comparable neurology and chemistry. However, it is important to exercise caution and avoid assuming that the emotional ranges of dogs and humans are identical. To gain a better understanding of what dogs feel, we can look to research conducted on human emotions. It is worth noting that not all humans possess the full range of emotions, and that emotional development is a gradual process that occurs over time. Infants and young children, for example, have a more limited range of emotions that gradually expands as they grow and develop.
Understanding the emotional experiences of dogs is crucial, and researchers have found that a dog’s mind is comparable to that of a human between 2 to 2-and-a-half years old. This means that dogs have similar cognitive abilities, including emotions, to young children. By referring to human studies, we can gain insights into the emotions that dogs may experience.
Although dogs may have fewer varieties of emotions compared to adults, they undoubtedly experience emotions similar to young children. To illustrate, when a human infant is born, they only exhibit excitement, which indicates their level of arousal. As the infant grows, additional emotions become discernible, such as disgust, fear, and anger. Similarly, dogs may experience a range of emotions, and it is important to understand and recognize them.
The emergence of complex social emotions, which require learning, is delayed. It takes more than three years for shame and pride to develop, while guilt emerges around six months later. It is not until a child is almost 4 years old that they experience contempt.