You might be interested to read this article from today's Independent: "There is, it seems, some scientific basis to the old idea that dog and man are kindred spirits. Researchers from the University of Vienna have discovered that, like us primates, canines feel jealousy. When a dog was denied a tasty treat after performing some service and that treat was conferred on another canine that had done none of the work, the first dog was rather miffed. And well might it be. There is surely enough injustice in this world, without introducing more in the name of scientific research.
But were not these researchers missing something? If they wanted a deeper study into the emotion of jealousy they should have carried out tests not only on the dogs, but their owners too. One suspects that the humans would have been far more jealous of the dogs and their simple lives than the canines were of each other. Think about it: no recession, negative equity, credit card bills; just running, chasing squirrels and some barking. It's a dog's life? If only."
But were not these researchers missing something? If they wanted a deeper study into the emotion of jealousy they should have carried out tests not only on the dogs, but their owners too. One suspects that the humans would have been far more jealous of the dogs and their simple lives than the canines were of each other. Think about it: no recession, negative equity, credit card bills; just running, chasing squirrels and some barking. It's a dog's life? If only."
8 comments:
My dog is incredibly jealous of our cat - she shakes with jealousy!
Snoopy shows jealousy in a few instances - like when the cat gets fed first or gets a treat - or when I greet a family member before him, if I have been out.
Interesting concept. I had not thought about it. More like humans than we imagined.
Nice new profile photo Eurodog.
Do dogs have green eyes?
Dogs are very competitive. So it seems possible that they they can be jealous too. Science is always reluctant to say animals have feelings. I don't know why this is, as animals obviously do show emotion.
WW, I do not know. Cats have green eyes but I have never seen a dog with green eyes. I must study this in detail.
the first dog was rather miffed. And well might it be.
Indeed.
I figured out why I keep coming back to see that picture. He reminds me of my ex husband!
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