Dogs have lived alongside humans for thousands of years, so it’s no surprise that they’ve developed an ability to read our nonverbal cues, including our emotions. When it comes to sensing when their owners are angry or upset, dogs seem to pick up on signals that humans give off, both intentionally and unintentionally.
Do dogs understand human emotions?
Research has shown that dogs are surprisingly good at recognizing human emotions. Studies have found that dogs can distinguish between happy and angry expressions on people’s faces. They also seem able to match emotional vocalizations with the appropriate facial expressions. This suggests that dogs have a fundamental understanding of human emotions.
Dogs are especially attuned to their owners’ emotions. The extreme moldability of dogs has allowed them to become acutely aware of their humans’ moods. Through experience and observation, many dogs learn to associate certain behaviors, body language, and vocal inflections with specific emotional states.
How do dogs know when you’re angry?
When you’re angry or upset, your dog likely picks up on the subtle (and not-so-subtle) cues you display. Here are some of the signs dogs detect:
- Facial expressions – Dogs read the emotion on your face, so anger displays like frowns or furrowed eyebrows are apparent to them.
- Body language – Angry physical postures like clenched fists or tense muscles are a dead giveaway.
- Vocal tones – Raising your voice or yelling alerts your dog to your mad mood.
- Smell – Dogs can literally sniff out stress and anxiety thanks to apocrine gland secretions given off through sweat.
- Behavior – Angry behaviors like slamming doors or stomping feet signal strong emotions.
Dogs ability to pick up on even subtle body language and other cues enables them to recognize when their owner is angry, even if they seem outwardly calm. With their superior senses, hiding negative emotions from dogs is nearly impossible.
How do dogs react to anger?
When dogs sense anger being directed at them, most react submissively. Telltale signs of fear, anxiety, or appeasement behavior exhibited by dogs include:
- Cringing
- Holding the head and tail low
- Crouching down
- Lip licking
- Averting their gaze
- Tucking the tail
- Flattened ears
Some dogs may go in the opposite direction and react defensively when they feel threatened by anger. Signs of defensive aggression in dogs include barking, growling, baring teeth, and snapping. But most dogs aim to diffuse tension when they pick up on signs their human is upset or angry, especially with them.
| Friendly Dog’s Reaction | Fearful Dog’s Reaction | Defensive Dog’s Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Play bows to diffuse tension | Avoids eye contact, cowers | Barks, bares teeth |
| Licks face | Tucks tail between legs | Growls as warning |
| Brings over toy | Darts away | Gets stiff, still |
The way a dog reacts to displays of human anger depends on both their personality and past experiences. Abused dogs are more likely to respond fearfully, while well-socialized dogs often try to cheer their owners up.
Why do dogs react to anger?
Dogs have evolved to be acutely aware of human social cues and emotions so they can avoid conflict and stay in our good graces. This is a survival adaptation. Since dogs depend on humans for their basic needs, it’s vitally important they recognize when their owners are angry or upset with them.
Signs of anger in humans can signal threat or danger to dogs, triggering their fight or flight response. Submissive reactions are designed to avoid escalation. Dogs that react aggressively are engaging their fight instinct in hopes of driving off the threat.
Dogs also form strong social bonds with their people. Since most dogs hate to see their loved ones upset, they often try to diffuse situations with affection or silly antics when they sense anger.
Are some dogs more sensitive to anger than others?
Just like people, some dogs are more perceptive and attuned to emotions than others. Dog breeds that were historically bred to work closely with humans, like herding and gun dogs, are often more responsive to emotional cues. Breeds that are less social or that were bred for independent work, like terriers, are typically less affected by human anger.
A dog’s past history also influences sensitivity. Dogs that have been abused are often hypervigilant to anger, while well-socialized dogs with loving homes are less reactive. A dog’s inherent personality plays a role as well – nervous dogs are more likely to cower, while bold dogs may become defiant.
Dog breeds particularly sensitive to anger
- German Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Collie
- Poodle
- Boxer
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Dog breeds less sensitive to anger
- Husky
- Afghan Hound
- Chow Chow
- Akita
- Shiba Inu
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Beagle
- Greyhound
But even within breeds, dogs have individual personalities and backgrounds that shape how sensitive they are to displays of human anger. The only way to know for sure is through closely observing your own dog’s responses.
Tips for controlling anger around dogs
Since anger can be stressful for dogs (and trigger aggressive reactions in some), it’s best to minimize overt displays of rage, shouting, and aggressive postures like fist-shaking. Here are some tips for controlling anger when your dog is nearby:
- Take deep breaths to calm yourself before interacting with your dog.
- Speak in a measured, calm tone of voice.
- Pay attention to your body language and try to appear relaxed.
- Don’t make sustained direct eye contact with your dog, which can seem threatening.
- Give your dog a place to retreat if they feel overwhelmed.
- Distract yourself and your dog by going for a walk together.
- Consider enrolling in an anger management class if you have trouble controlling rage around your dog.
While the occasional outburst is normal, anger can be frightening for dogs. Learning to control strong emotions helps create a safe, stable environment for both you and your four-legged friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if your dog is afraid of you when you’re angry?
Signs your dog is fearful when you’re angry include cowering, freezing in place, darting away, hiding, rolling on their back, lowering their head and ears, tucking their tail, whimpering, and avoiding eye contact. Panting, trembling, and salivating can also signal anxiety in dogs.
Should you comfort your dog when you’re angry?
It’s best not to positively reinforce your dog’s fearful response to anger by comforting them. Instead, remain calm and neutral. Wait until you and your dog have both relaxed before offering affection. It’s fine to reassure them verbally with a relaxed tone during your angry episode.
Can being angry at your dog cause trauma?
If displays of human anger are frequent, unpredictable, or exaggerated, they can definitely traumatize dogs over time, leading to lasting effects. This is especially true for yelling, rough handling, and physical abuse stemming from anger. Trauma can result in anxious, withdrawn, or aggressive future behavior in dogs.
Should you apologize to your dog after an angry outburst?
Dogs don’t understand apologies or hold grudges, but it is a good idea to make amends after an anger episode. Provide your dog with calm affection, treats, and reassurance when you’ve collected yourself and your anger has dissipated. This helps re-establish a feeling of safety and normalcy.
Can dogs get angry at humans?
While dogs certainly feel basic emotions like sadness, anxiety, and fear, the consensus is they do not experience complex emotions like spite, resentment, or rage. Growling, snapping, or biting are usually defensive behaviors due to fear rather than anger. The emotion of true anger does require a level of social cognition dogs likely don’t possess.
Conclusion
Dogs have evolved highly sophisticated abilities to read human body language, emotions, and behavior. This allows them to recognize when their owners are feeling angry or upset. Most dogs react submissively to anger displays to avoid escalation, though abused dogs may become aggressive. Controlling anger around dogs helps prevent trauma and promotes a secure bond. With awareness and training, owners can limit the stress their negative emotions inflict on their canine companions.