[PetrZimin]

My mother & I were discussing the subject of whether dogs (& cats) love their humans. I say they can. She meanwhile is of the opinion that what appears to be love or happiness is merely an instinctive response to elicit a caregiving response from us, much as a young child does.

So what do you think? Can dogs love or not?

[sleepergun]

I would like to think so. I believe they do.

[orison]

Id like to think they love.. I certainly feel love when theyre near me.

[huntbytnkbel]

I believe that they do love us.They strongly bond with the owners,some dogs so much that when the owners die,the dogs will wait a lifetime for them to return.

[Paybeskf]

I think dogs can create very strong bonds of devotion and loyalty to their masters.

[Ornamiviant]

I believe they do.

[Tusethede]

I believe love is a human emotion. So, nope, I don't think they feel love as we perceive it, however, I do think they feel something toward us that is a lot like love. lol.

[V8V8V8]

I believe they do

[blackjackblax]

There's a great book by Patricia McConnell (trainer/behaviorist/scientist) called For the Love of a Dog. http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/pro...ons-human-dogs
It looks at dog's emotions from both a scientific and experience/anecdotal point of view. So, she looks at things like similarities in brain structure and chemical responses between human and canines. She also talks about experiences she's had w/her own dogs, or helping other people w/theirs. She's a great writer, I actually listened to it on CD from my local library. I honestly think that it's a worthwhile read/listen for anyone w/any interest in dogs.

Yes, I do believe dogs can love. I think we all know of dogs that grieved when they lost a housemate, and I think grief is associated w/love. I don't think a dog's love is exactly the same as a human's, I think dogs are less complicated.

[Paybeskf]

I don't think a dog's love is exactly the same as a human's, I think dogs are less complicated.

Agreed with that!, lol Human love is very complex and there can be a fine line between love and hate.

Animals are more pure and of a single nature. Humans are double standards, and all over the map. Which is why I think its important to keep strong emotional human complexities out of our relationships with our dogs so we don't drive them carzy.

[PetrZimin]

Yes, I would like to think they do too. But here were some of her points. They disturbed me b/c they do make sense:

- They're happy to see us b/c we feed them, let them outside, play with them, etc. Just like they're UNhappy see the vet b/c the vet gives them shots & does things to them that are unpleasant. Their "happiness" to see us is simply a result of positive association.

- They snuggle with us in our beds b/c it's comfortable.

- They want to be in the house with us b/c it's comfortable.

- They want to be with us b/c good things happen to them (i.e. fed, ride in the car or walk)

- They protect us b/c they're either resource guarding (we're a prized resource to them since we provide food, water, outdoor access, etc.) or they are displaying fear aggression or defensive aggression.

When I asked her about my cat who sits with me during my seizures she said he was just sensed something was wrong with me biologically & was sitting by me waiting for me to die so he could eat my face!

[sleepergun]

Well the part about the cat could be true! Just kidding

[heinz_1966]

Yes, I would like to think they do too. But here were some of her points. They disturbed me b/c they do make sense:

- They're happy to see us b/c we feed them, let them outside, play with them, etc. Just like they're UNhappy see the vet b/c the vet gives them shots & does things to them that are unpleasant. Their "happiness" to see us is simply a result of positive association.

- They snuggle with us in our beds b/c it's comfortable.

- They want to be in the house with us b/c it's comfortable.

- They want to be with us b/c good things happen to them (i.e. fed, ride in the car or walk)

- They protect us b/c they're either resource guarding (we're a prized resource to them since we provide food, water, outdoor access, etc.) or they are displaying fear aggression or defensive aggression.

When I asked her about my cat who sits with me during my seizures she said he was just sensed something was wrong with me biologically & was sitting by me waiting for me to die so he could eat my face!

Your mom makes me laugh!! That is wrong in so many ways but so funny! I agree about the whole cat sensing something is wrong but WOW to the part about eating your face.

I don't know if my dogs love me like I love them, but darn if I don't think they are telling me that when they lay their head on my shoulder and sigh heavily. If anything they are surely content.

[IRYzouNv]

I don't know if my dogs love me like I love them, but darn if I don't think they are telling me that when they lay their head on my shoulder and sigh heavily. If anything they are surely content.
I agree totally
I love the feeling i get from my dogs when i hug them and tell them i love them

[PetrZimin]

I agree when the dogs sigh or the cats sit on my lap & purr, but all that means is that they're happy.

As for the face eating thing, that freaked me out - but what freaked me out more is that it happens!!!! I heard 2 pugs were eating their owner a few weeks ago!

If they truly loved us, they wouldn't eat us - would they??

lol.

[astonmartinrx371]

I think I feel like ABK's mom about it. I think they are clever parasites that will do whatever it is that makes us provide them with the things they want. They will hunt,let you pet them,dress them up,etc. But I think they only do it to satisfy themselves.

[heinz_1966]

I agree when the dogs sigh or the cats sit on my lap & purr, but all that means is that they're happy.

As for the face eating thing, that freaked me out - but what freaked me out more is that it happens!!!! I heard 2 pugs were eating their owner a few weeks ago!

If they truly loved us, they wouldn't eat us - would they??

lol.

If you were on a deserted island and your friend died and you were hungry would you eat him? It may take you a few days but eventually you might look at him and decide he would taste pretty yummy with ketchup!

[yarita]

awww...Bully just laid his head in my lap and let out a big sigh, so yeah...he loves me

But he also loves the vet so I don't feel that special

[PetrZimin]

True, but ...

1: The pugs didn't use ketchup. (Nasty dogs! Don't they know everything tastes better with ketchup?)

2: They didn't attempt to prey on one another. Why?

And of course this isn't an isolated incident. I could see if this is a one time thing, but dogs eating their owners isn't unheard of.

[astonmartinrx371]

Maybe they see it as once your dead your spirit has left your body so the body is fair game.