Dogs / Behaviour
One of the most persistent myths in dog ownership is the "guilty look" — that hangdog expression with lowered head, averted gaze, and tucked tail that dogs show when their owner discovers a chewed sho
One of the most persistent myths in dog ownership is the "guilty look" — that hangdog expression with lowered head, averted gaze, and tucked tail that dogs show when their owner discovers a chewed shoe or a raided bin.
What science says: Studies by Alexandra Horowitz and others have demonstrated conclusively that this expression is not guilt. Dogs lack the cognitive architecture for guilt, which requires understanding abstract moral rules and one's own violation of them.
What the dog is actually displaying is a fear or appeasement response triggered by the owner's angry tone, body posture, or facial expression. Dogs showed the "guilty look" even when they had done nothing wrong, as long as the owner acted upset.
The damage: This misunderstanding leads to owners scolding dogs for past actions, which only teaches the dog to fear the owner's return — not to avoid the behaviour.
Article content © S Vejay Anand. All rights reserved.
Dogs / Breeds
Beyond the familiar Great Dane and Saint Bernard, a number of large, calm breeds carry the same gentle-giant temperament without quite the same name recognition. Most remain genuinely rare in India, b
3 min read
Dogs / Health
A once-bouncy dog that suddenly seems flat, uninterested in walks, and withdrawn from the family is unsettling to watch, and the question that naturally follows is whether dogs can actually feel somet
4 min read
Dogs / Health
A healthy dog isn't just a contented one; they're more playful, more energetic and more emotionally settled. As their owner, you're the biggest factor in how well your dog thrives, day in and day out.
5 min read
