I know we generally think dogs don't feel guilty, but I would like some other explanations for Cooper's behavior on Friday. Recently we have had more and more problems with Tilly counter surfing for anything she can find to eat. She thinks she is starving to death, even though she is a little overweight, and gets almost as much food as Cooper (who is bigger and more active) Several times we have found Tilly taking something (a whole loaf of bread or package of English muffins) and Cooper sitting quietly not involved, though I expect some times she participates in the spoils. I've only had a sharp word with Tilly when we caught her in the act, and never with Cooper since we never saw her participating. On Friday I came back from a shopping trip, and found the remains of some counter surfing in the kitchen. I did not say a word, but in a moment Cooper came through the door from the dining room with a decidedly low dog posture as if to say "I know it was wrong", "I didn't do it", or "I tried to stop her". I had not said anything, and it was the first time I saw her after coming home. What makes it even odder, is that about the only times we do tell her NO are when she barks loudly while playing "Bitey Face" or when she sleeps on the Living Room sofa. She really does not react at all to those. FWIW, Sharp words with Tilly are kind of a waste of time. Between being deaf, and actually getting the treat she wanted, she doesn't really care anyway.
Well, to me it sounds like classical appeasement, as if Cooper is being sensitive and picking up on your negative emotions and she's trying to calm you with her body language to stop you escalating. Even if your sharp words and negative energy aren't directed at her, it doesn't mean she's not affected by them. It sounds like she's made the connection between the "picture" (whether that's Tilly's actions or the physical picture) and the tellings off and knows they are related, so is trying to calm you down.
Make sense. The only thing is she had not seen me or heard me react when she came around the corner into the room, and I did not react to her when she came in, other than to pet her and tell her she was OK.
No, but if she's made the connection of that "picture" and your reaction from previous times, then she would be expecting it this time, even if you hadn't yet demonstrated it. Dogs are masters at recognising patterns
I wish she felt that way when she sleeps on the sofa in the living room. She is allowed on the sectional in the family room, and on our bed, but she is not supposed to be on the LR sofa. Does she care? NO!
