Did you ever notice that when you’re sad, your dog sticks closer to you? Or if you’re stressed out your dog exhibits odd or even obsessive behaviour? This is not a coincidence. Dogs are very in tune with their human’s feelings, so you should pay attention. Dogs watch people so closely that they will notice any slight change in mood.
Recently I had a friend come stay with me who had been through a hard time, and my dog would sit beside her every day with her head on her lap. It was like she knew from the moment she walked in she needed some TLC. Unfortunately not long after my friend came to stay, I experienced a death in my family, and that night my sweet dog hopped up between us but turned and put her head in my lap. She just always knows when her love is needed.
Also, I have noticed that if I’m particularly stressed or angry about anything, my dog follows me around with her tail just slightly wagging and a worried look on her face. If I sit down, she will sit next to me and occasionally lean over and give me a little lick.
The best is when you’re happy though. My pup will dance and jump around with me, even in her advanced age. She’ll grab a toy and start playing with it and try to entice you to join in. It’s so endearing how in tune they are.
I didn’t fill this blog with scientific facts about dogs being empaths, even though they are out there, because I think sharing my own experiences with my dog shows enough proof that dogs are empaths and take on our feelings as their own. They have an unwavering love for their owners that translates in the sweetest and most fascinating ways. You can watch these qualities come to life if you pay attention to your dog responding to your moods. I promise you, you’ll see it.
Written by: Gill Peters, Client Care Specialist
