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VetVine Client Care

Posted On Aug 23, 2015

Updated On Jun 25, 2025

Dog Shaming And The "Guilty Look"

Behavior

Do dogs know right from wrong? Some dog owners think so based on their pet's "guilty look." Or could it be that the "guilty look" is in response to the cues or negative reactions of their owner? For example, let's say that a dog eats a piece of ham that he was commanded not to eat. After the misdeed is done, will the dog know he's done something wrong and feel guilty about it? Next, let's say that the owner left the room and, upon returning, discovered the ham missing. Would his owner be correct in believing that it was the dog that did (or did not) consume the ham based on the presence (or absence) a pet's “guilty look?"

Dog shaming has always been the buzz of the internet. Photos and videos of "shamed" pets tend to be entertaining - observing the body language, facial expressions, and inference that the dog knows that he or she has done something wrong. Although most of these are fun and cute, shaming dogs with true problem behaviors, and/or scolding a pet that "looks guilty," can adversely impact the human-animal bond and the learning capability of the pet.

If a dog really knows that he is guilty of wrongdoing, then he should show the body language of guilt whether or not the owner scolds or reprimands him. A study was conducted to examine owners’ perceptions of their pet's guilt or innocence, and a pet's reaction to performing a "misdeed." Dr. E'Lise Christensen - a veterinary behaviorist - spoke to us on this topic back in 2015 about this topic:



It's important to remember that the negative reaction of a frustrated or angry owner can be distressing and fearful to pets. Actions commonly performed when scolding or shaming such as lowering or deepening of the voice, pointing or shaking a finger, or advancing toward the dog, can be perceived as threatening to the pet. In response to this fear, pets will often display appeasing behaviors including the body language that many regard as "the guilty look."