Everyone has laughed at internet photos of shamefaced dogs alongside evidence of their naughty deeds. There's no doubt that dogs are good at looking guilty, but is guilt or shame an emotion they actually experience? If your guilty dog is truly ashamed of his bad behavior, why does he turn around and do it again at the next given opportunity? Read on to see if dog shaming really means anything to your dog.
While there's little doubt that dogs are capable of feeling primary emotions, which include feelings such as happiness, sadness and fear, there's far less evidence that dogs experience what are called secondary emotions, which include guilt and shame, says Scientific American. Secondary emotions are much more complex, and researchers surmise that dogs simply don't have the cognitive ability to process such complicated feelings.
The truth is, while there is no scientific evidence that dogs actually feel guilt or shame, there is also no proof that they don't. That said, PBS News Hour reports that some studies, such as one conducted by New York City's Barnard College associate professor of psychology Alexandra Horowitz, suggest that the guilty look dogs give when they're caught in the act is a learned response to human reactions. In the study, dogs acted guilty when scolded by their owners, regardless of whether they had actually committed the act for which they were being scolded. Based on this, it seems likely that dogs learn quickly that when pet parents unhappy with them, they can placate their humans by looking sad.
Another experiment conducted by Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, which appeared in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science, corroborated these findings. The experiment was designed to answer two questions: would "guilty dogs" who had misbehaved greet their owners differently from those who had not misbehaved, and could owners accurately determine by the way they were greeted whether their dogs had done something wrong? The study found that not only were dog parents unable to accurately tell whether their dogs had messed up, but as with the other study, both guilty and innocent dogs acted ashamed only when their owners assumed they had misbehaved and spoke to their dogs accordingly.
Maybe your dog doesn't feel actual guilt over his transgressions, but it's clear that he can tell when you're unhappy with him. The problem is, your dog often has no idea why you're angry, The Telegraph reports. Dogs can't be shamed into avoiding bad behavior when they have no understanding of which thing they did was bad. Reprimanding your dog only works if you can do it either while he's committing the act or immediately after so that he makes the association between his behavior and the consequence, reports USA Today.
The dog shaming trend may do more harm than good. The concern is that what's being interpreted as a guilty look is actually a sign of anxiety or fear, and that shaming or scolding your dog will only add to his stress. There's also the possibility that many of the behaviors for which dogs appear on dog shaming sites, such as destructive chewing or relieving themselves inappropriately, might be signs of an anxiety disorder or an underlying health issue, such as a urinary tract infection. While it seems unlikely that your dog will be harmed by having a picture of his guilty look posted on the internet for fun, it's a good idea to discuss his unwanted behavior with your veterinarian, especially if it's out of the ordinary or if it becomes a chronic problem.
Ultimately, it's important to keep in mind that scolding or shaming your dog too long after the fact will only serve to make you feel better. It won't make your dog feel bad about his actions — he'll only be sad that you're upset. So, if you find yourself coming home to torn up pillows or puddles on your floor it is best to think about training your dog some more. If the actions continue, you may have to consult your vet for a health check or a dog behaviorist for better training instruction. Dogs are pack animals, and they see you as their pack leader. They want to make you happy, not angry, so just remember that their bad behavior is not intentional or directed toward you. Keep calm and be sure to reward his positive actions, rather than disciplining him for bad behavior. In time, he can start to understand, and you can start to build an even stronger relationship with your pup.
Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger, and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of fur babies.
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+. Delicious food in a small bite size
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Chicken & Beef recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Low calories for less active small & mini dogs
Chicken & Vegetables recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Fewer calories for less active dogs, who prefer smaller kibble
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini dry dog food is tailored nutrition for Small & Mini dogs while being gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini Dogs
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a large bite size.
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Changing dog food isn't something you should rush into. Learn how doing so slowly can help your dog avoid digestive problems and adjust to his new home.
Learn about the dog park rules that make for a fun time at the park. Park outings are a fun way to socialize with your dog, but safety comes first.
Dogs howling at sirens is common behavior, but why do they do it? Also, learn if sirens actually hurt dogs' ears and which dog breeds like to howl most.
Is your dog scared of vet appointments? Learn tips for calming his anxiety and taking the stress out of his trip to the veterinarian.
Learn whether or not dogs truly have best friends, including information on their loyalty to humans and behavioral tendencies to support the idea.
If your dog was hit by a car, learn immediate steps you need to take, how to get him to safety, and signs to watch for even if he has no visible injuries.
Learn what to do if your dog starts choking, including how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on a dog, and how to prevent choking hazards in the future.
Find out if you can feed your dog spicy food or add some spicy flavor to his dog food, and any health implications of doing so.
Learn why soda is a treat to avoid giving your dog, including issues with caffeine & artificial sweeteners, as well as the best alternative for your pup.
Seasonal allergies can affect dogs just like humans, but with a few preventative measures & testing or medicine, you can get these issues under control.
Learn tips to think about if you're considering a dog for apartment living, including ideal breeds/characteristics & how to make your space dog-friendly.
Learn important features and considerations when choosing a dog harness, including the style, material, proper fit and durability.
Learn important information about lyme disease in dogs, including symptoms, testing procedures, treatment options and how to prevent this disease.
Dog Skin Tags: Facts, Causes & Diagnosis
Learn what kind of training to expect from an obedience school and whether or not it is a good idea for your dog, no matter his age.
Learn the facts about whether broccoli is good for your dog, including any health & safety concerns, portion information, preparation tips and more.
Learn how to spoil your dog without compromising his health. Discover how to reward him for good behavior and not overdue it.
To help ensure your puppy is in healthy, read about the different signs of good puppy health, and talking to your veterinarian about any abnormalities.
Much like humans, not all dogs show affection the same way. While some dogs may not be as outgoing as others, learn how you can still form a loving bond.
If you're a runner and a dog parent, consider running a race with your dog! Learn how to get started, from training tips to finding dog-friendly races.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool