Do dogs know if you're laughing at them

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Postby SpiritFngrz » June 16th, 2006, 12:20 pm

So my husband always says that I am egging the dog on by laughing at her because she knows I am laughing at her. Does anyone think this is true?
Say, for example, if she steals my sock or something and I am laughing at her, is this reinforcing the behavior?
Sometimes I can't help it she is so damn cute!
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Postby Purple » June 16th, 2006, 1:09 pm

Oh, they know!!!! lol
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Postby Jenn » June 16th, 2006, 1:11 pm

:| I don't think they know you are "laughing at them", but I would say they can definitely distinguish the difference in laughing vs. angry. I know mine can. Yesterday, Ben wanted my water bottle he ran around acting so goofy, the more I laughed it seemed the goofier he got. For some reason Maddie thought it would be great fun too, and they ran around chasing each other having the best time. Considering she seldom plays, it was hilarious, seemed the funnier I thought it was the more they entertained. I think it's more of an the tones/actions they pick up on, rather than actually knowing your laughing.. What I'm trying to say probably doesn't make a lick of sense either. :P

Yes, though I'd have to say by laughing at her she will continue to get your sock, and your encouraging the behavior. Where if you told her NO, and gave her something acceptable you wouldn't be. Just my opinion, if you can decipher it.. ;)
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Postby cheekymunkee » June 16th, 2006, 1:13 pm

I would like to think they do. I know when we laugh at Munkee he gets that much more animated. :|
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Postby mnp13 » June 16th, 2006, 1:42 pm

When I laugh at Ruby she gives me a dirty look and stops what she's doing. It just eggs Connor on.

The cats definately don't appreciate it and will ignore me for a day if I laugh at them.
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Postby luvmyangels » June 16th, 2006, 2:21 pm

I do think they know. Years ago Teddy my older dog had gone to the groomer and came back with a ridiculous haircut. They made him look like a lion. My husband came home and started hysterically laughing at him and he hid in our bedroom for an hour. It is very unlike him to hide from us.
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Postby katiek0417 » June 16th, 2006, 3:17 pm

mnp13 wrote:When I laugh at Ruby she gives me a dirty look and stops what she's doing. It just eggs Connor on.

The cats definately don't appreciate it and will ignore me for a day if I laugh at them.


Yeah, if I laugh at one of my dogs, they shoot me a "dirty look" then act as if they're not doing anything....

The cats just get mad
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Postby bahamutt99 » June 16th, 2006, 4:48 pm

They know. That's why you can't do it while you're trying to break them of a habit. Cuz they'll be like "Ooh, that made mom laugh. I should try that again."

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Postby satanscheerleader » June 16th, 2006, 4:58 pm

Big time! Venus is like a clown. If someone laughs at what she is doing, it becomes her new obsession! lol
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Postby Malli » June 16th, 2006, 5:18 pm

It depends with Oscar.

If he did something HE thinks was silly or funny its cool. But I do get the occaisional dirty when he seems to think I shouldn't be laughing

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Postby Jenn » June 16th, 2006, 5:42 pm

Your all crazy! ;)
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Postby lipshipsattitude » June 20th, 2006, 4:44 pm

Befor eI had a dog of my own I thought no they didnt but now, ha ha ha ha, I'd have to say yes, they definitly do. Rory's ears go back, like this when I laugh at her, ha ha ha ha
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Postby pitbullmamaliz » June 20th, 2006, 5:29 pm

Ooooh that's an unhappy look!
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Postby cheekymunkee » June 20th, 2006, 9:09 pm

She's very pretty!!!
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