Most dachshund owners will agree that their pets have a lot of emotions. Science has confirmed what my owner already knows – dachshunds do feel emotions. However, there is a difference between which emotions we feel and which emotions you think we feel.
Love
Most dachshund owners love their pets to the moon and back. You’ll be happy to learn that we can also love and feel love. Dachshunds also release oxytocin, the same ‘love chemical’ that humans do so go ahead and believe that the feeling of love between you and your dog is indeed mutual.
The Case Of Love Between a Dog and a Goat
Paul Zak, a researcher from Claremont Graduate University, decided to find out how the love chemical works in the case of non-human subjects. For the purpose of this study, he found a cute pair of test subjects at an animal refuge – a small, mixed breed terrier and a goat.
The two animals were allowed to play together for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, Zak took samples to determine the level of oxytocin. The results clearly demonstrated that the two animals had become fond of each other. In fact, the dog’s oxytocin level rose by 48%, meaning the dog definitely considered the goat his friend.
Dachshunds Have The Same Emotions As A Two Year-Old Child
According to Psychology Today, dachshunds are capable of feeling the basic emotions: love, contentment, anger, joy, distress, anxiety, suspicion, disgust, fear, and in the same way, we can also feel excitement and arousal. These emotions are similar to the emotions that may be experienced by a 2 year-old child. However, complex emotions, such as shame, guilt, and pride, are not part of a dachshund’s emotional range.
Some dog owners think they have seen signs that their dog feels guilty. These signs are likely attributed to something else. For example, if you’ve ever come home to find your dachshund’s had “an accident” and he has his ears pinned back and his tail between his legs, you might conclude that he feels guilty. However, these are all signs of fear. Chances are, he knows he is not supposed to go potty in the house and he is scared of being punished when you get home and see what he’s done.
Understanding Our Emotions
By understanding our emotions, you can take better care of us. It is very important to understand us on a deeper level so that you can anticipate and react to our needs in a way that will ultimately result in a happier and healthier quality of life for your bundle of joy.
Friends And Strangers
Typically, we are very loyal and protective for our owners. The dachshunds probably want their owners to know everything that they are doing around the house, particularly if food is involved. Therefore, they are very protective of the human beings that are a part of our lives. They may also bark at the strangers who come to our home. The bark of a dachshund is the same as the bark of a large hound. This makes our breed a good choice for those who are looking for a guard dog. The gruff bark of a dachshund is going to alert its owner that someone is at the door long before the owner can hear or see the visitor for themselves. We are natural barkers. Typically we bark to warn the strangers away from our territory or in order to express our anxiety.
Separation Anxiety
Our breed is prone to separation anxiety. When you go somewhere and leave me behind, I can be anxious and distressed until you return. In severe cases, I may chew or destroy items in the house or there may be potty accidents. If you must leave me home alone for a considerable amount of time, you should consider getting a companion for me. We do well in pairs or in small groups. You should also try to set up a reliable schedule for me so that I know when to expect you home.
Hunting Behavior
The desire to chase living prey is a part of our instinct. These hunting instincts are strong, even when we have been kept as pets. As such, chipmunks and squirrels in the backyard will affect me. I might also chase cats and other dogs. In addition, we also like to dig. However, it is possible to dissuade me from digging by spraying me with a water pistol each time.
Mood and Training
In general, I experience a wide range of emotions. At the same time, I also appear to reflect the mood of my owners. Some dachshunds appear to feel unsettled by shouting or conflict. They may also appear to be depressed or bored. Our loyalty and eagerness to earn praise and please our owner means that our breed is highly trainable.
Conclusion
We do have a lot of emotions, but our emotions are confined to the level of emotions that may be experienced by a 2 year-old child. Furthermore, it is helpful for our owners to be aware of our emotions as it helps them take care of us in the best possible way.
