06/16/2026
Book Quote from "Separation Anxiety in Dogs" by Malena DeMartini:
Calculated reasoning is not in a dog’s repertoire.
The guilty look that some dogs display is commonly used as a case argument for the naughty-dog-syndrome.
However, it has been shown in many studies that these guilty-appearing behaviors are born of something completely different.
The appearance of guilt is typically associated with a fear response to the owner’s reaction.
Guilt is not a dog-construct, as dogs have no moral compass.
Many people disagree with that statement, but I would urge
you to consider this or research it further while thinking critically.
Being virtuous requires a type of cognitive reasoning that dogs do not possess.
Dogs can react to our irritated or angry emotions, even in the absence of punishment.
This look is simply born of association and is anticipatory
in nature.
The statement “he knows better” needs to be removed from our dog-related language!
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Get your copy of "Separation Anxiety in Dogs" at www.dogwise.com and watch the replay of our LIVE interview with the author on our YouTube Channel (link in bio)
