2007-10-25 12:13:39 · 21 answers · asked by cajungrlaway 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I know that my lab adores me with his whole heart. but this threw me off when it was said and I just wanted to know was the scientiic aspect of it was.
2007-10-25 12:32:08 · update #1
How odd. I wouldn't want that person training my dog.
It's impossible to answer since we can't talk to a dog. Look at any of your friends. How do you know they can love? Because they say they do... because they show similar reactions and emotions as you. So we assume that all other people experience love in much the same way we do. But can we know for 100 percent certain without literally living in the body of another being? No.
Same with dogs. Look at your dog. Does she appear to experience love in the same way you do? We can't talk to our dogs, but we can examine their behavior and emotions.
When I look at my dog, I'd say definitely. Of course dogs love.
2007-10-25 12:17:28 · answer #1 · answered by Cleoppa 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I think they have the capacity to love. Tell this trainer to read Patricia McConnell's books -- "The Other End of the Leash," and "For the Love of a Dog." Scientific, but also stories about dog emotions, among other things. Cool stuff.
2007-10-25 12:24:14 · answer #2 · answered by Carrie O'Labrador 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That dog trainer's mom must not have had the capacity to love him. Of course dogs can love. Maybe not in the same way as humans, but some would say arguably better.
2007-10-25 12:17:55 · answer #3 · answered by Josh 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is true that dog's do not 'love' as humans do. Humanizing animals is why there are so many unwanted ones. They are loyal to their 'pack' this is you and/or your family based on instinct and survival. It's not love as we feel for each other. They do not sit around and contemplate life,death and the meaning of everything. They are animals,, with the capacity to be excited when they see a member of their pack arrive home. They should be treated well because we take responsibility for them when we acquire one. But they are not 'little people'.
2007-10-25 12:24:38 · answer #4 · answered by stulisa42 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If a dog trainer is saying that, I wouldn't pay to have him or her train my dogs.
Do dogs have the capacity to love? Yes they do! Just ask my dachshund! She's very emotional, loves attention, she waits on the back of the couch for us to come home every night from work (she knows our cars, and knows what time we're supposed to be home!), Loves us up on the couch if we're not feeling well (she's a home nurse!), and best of all, loves to play. Of course dogs can love, and even show it.
2007-10-25 12:25:19 · answer #5 · answered by DH 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps it was meant in the way that they don't love in the sense that a person can love. They don't weight the good against the bad, and love you for being you. They love you because you keep them safe and happy, and they are completely devoted to that because in their mind, there isn't life without you - it just isn't an idea that occurs to them.
There is a very good book called "The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson and she explains her ideas very well, much better than I can! You can always check that out at the library.
2007-10-25 12:19:54 · answer #6 · answered by Amylou 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's not true. Ask someone who's ever gone on a trip and come back to their dog. I've look after my friends shih tzu for weekends and when she is away on long cruises. Even though she likes it at our house she is delighted when her owner comes back. And it doesn't make any difference the length of time she is gone. That dog loves her owner.
2007-10-25 12:24:31 · answer #7 · answered by doglover 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow I cant believe they would say that, I would not let that person train my dog!!!! Of course a dog cant buy us roses and sweet little cards but they sure can love. My dog is a lab mix ( i think) who has the biggest heart and loves my son to peices. As soon as she sees my son her eyes light up!
2007-10-25 12:32:21 · answer #8 · answered by mommy_shanna 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your trainer is an incomprehensibly insensitive boorish idiot. Of course dogs certainly do have the capacity to love. Anyone who believes otherwise should not have a dog. You should really ditch that idiotic trainer. He is not only stupid. He is sick.
2007-10-25 12:31:49 · answer #9 · answered by HadenoughoftheUSfascists 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have seen many a dog form attachments to other beings and toys. When you take it away, they become depressed.
I wholeheartedly believe that dogs can love. They just express their love in a different manner than human beings do.
2007-10-25 12:27:36 · answer #10 · answered by Kristin B © 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋