Do Labradors feel guilt?

Discussion in 'From the Labrador archives' started by pippa@labforumHQ, May 15, 2015.

  1. pippa@labforumHQ

    pippa@labforumHQ Administrator

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  2. Mollly

    Mollly Registered Users

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    The experts query wether dogs have the intellectual power to feel guilt.

    Molly has a very special run when she has pinched something she knows she shouldn't have. I hear that run and I go looking

    I think punishment is pointless, I am just narked at myself for leaving something accessible in the first place

    I do believe that, like a young child, sometimes they know they shouldn't do something, but are unable to prevent themselves from doing it.



    Wether that qualifies as guilt or not I don't know
     
  3. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    Charlie does a "I've got something" run - but it's not guilt. It's excitement, because he knows I'll get up and he'll try to start a game with me and perhaps get a treat if what he has managed to nick is valuable enough for me to say "give". :rolleyes: If I don't get up (because I know I cleared up so he can't have anything valuable or dangerous) he'll come back and show me what he has, wagging his tail.

    I think not only does Charlie not feel guilt, he has no concept of "should" and "shouldn't". He just does what is rewarding. And no, I am not going to not get up if I think he might have my new iphone or my new shoes. :rolleyes::D:D
     
  4. drjs@5

    drjs@5 Registered Users

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    We have that run too :D
     

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