Today 🧒
Child: How does my dog seem to know how I’m feeling?
Dogs can read how we feel by watching our faces and listening to our voices. They notice if we look sad, happy, or scared.
Child: But how do they really understand what we feel?
Dogs pick up on small clues like our body language and tone of voice. They use their senses to guess how we feel, even if we don’t say anything.
Child: What happens in their brain when they know how I feel?
When dogs see or hear us, their brains get signals that help them feel connected to us. They might feel happy if we’re happy or try to comfort us if we’re sad.
Child: So if I’m sad, does my dog feel sad too?
Sometimes dogs do feel a little sad or worried when we are. They sense our mood and want to help us feel better by cuddling or staying close.
Child: How do we know dogs really feel this way?
Scientists watch dogs carefully and see how they act around people. They also check dogs’ brains and hormones to understand their feelings.
Child: How long does it take for a dog to learn to read feelings?
Dogs start learning when they’re puppies. Over time, they get better at reading people because they spend a lot of time with us.
Child: Some people say dogs just guess, is that true?
Dogs do guess a bit, but they are very good at reading us. They use lots of clues together to make a smart guess about how we feel.
Child: Is it like how I can tell if my friend is happy or mad?
Yes! Just like you watch your friend’s face and listen to their voice, dogs do the same with us. It helps them understand and respond.
Child: Can I try to see if my dog knows how I feel right now?
Absolutely! Try making a happy face and then a sad face. Watch your dog’s reaction. You’ll see how they respond to your feelings.
Child: So dogs really care about us and notice our feelings?
Yes, they do. Dogs are great friends who pay close attention to how we feel. Keep watching and learning from them—it’s a special kind of love.