Do dogs feel emotions like humans?

Question

My brother got a puppy the same time as I did. Although they were from different litters, they have bonded very closely since they have been together ever since they were taken from their litters. Well, I will be moving out soon and taking my dog with me. I asked my brother to let me take his dog too so we wouldn't have to separate them and he said no. So my question is, will they miss each other like humans miss their best friend that they saw every day since they were little?

If so, would it help if I got another puppy that my dog could bond with?

Thanks.

Answer 1

I adopted a boxer when I was living with my parents and she bonded so closely with their basset hound. When I would take Sophie (the boxer) somewhere, Clanci would just lay around by the door and was obviously depressed. When I moved to Iowa, I couldn't take Sophie with me because they were both miserable without each other. So now Sophie lives with my parents and I have since adopted a black lab.

It's possible if they're still young that there wouldn't be a problem, but sometimes they will have separation anxiety. Especially if they are of a certain breed that prefers being in a pair, like a basset hound.

If you're moving I wouldn't rush right out and get a puppy because that will likely be too much stress and work for you at the moment. Give it some time, see how your dog reacts, and after awhile if you feel she/he we will be happier with a friend and you can afford and care for another dog, then by all means, go for it.  

Answer 2

1stQ: i wont say like a human but they do have emotions, cus they do mate

2ndQ: Yes they will miss each other

3rdQ: If you want another dog you could but just so it can have a frnd

Answer 3

It is my opinion that dogs do feel emotions, but not the same emotions as humans.  I find it is not possible to define them in the same ways.

Dogs live in the present.  They do not think about what could have been or even about anyone who is not presently in the room.  They may take some time adjusting to new living arrangements, but if you don't behave in a way that encourages your dog to be upset, there really should be no problem.

Your dog will be just fine not living with your brother's dog, in fact it may be be good for your dog - now you and your dog will have the opportunity to form a stronger bond with each other.  

It is my opinion that getting another dog for the sole purpose of companionship for a current dog is an absolutely horrible idea.

Answer 4

No, dogs feel emotions like dogs.

Canine emotions and human emotions are different, and although dogs do 'feel', they don't experience the scope of human emotion.

Any time there is a serious disturbance in the pack dynamics (like you moving) there will be an effect on the dog. It may be mild, or severe....depends on the animal....and adjustment times vary.

Answer 5

Yes they do. When you move out, your dog might seem a little depressed by lying about alot, not eating as much or just not acting really like himself. Don't worry it'll pass in about a week or so! If he's used to lying beside your brothers puppy then put a teddy in beside him before he goes to sleep. Giving him a teddy to play with of similar size to your brothers puppy. It'll help hime get over it as it'll remind him of his friend. It's really up to you, because two dogs are alot more trouble than one, plus getting another dog might make your dog more upset because he wont be getting as much attention also he might not get on with the dog you get, you just never know. So i would advise against it for now.

Answer 6

the other puppy will have been the dogs pack and i guess if your moving out it will already feel disrupted and you wont be able to spend as much time with it as the other dog obviously could. i think it would be a good idea to get another dog if you were carefull or if ure dog like cats then maybe a cat if that would be easier for you

Answer 7

Don't be fooled - A dog mating has nothing to do with the dogs emotions. Dogs do have some emotions, but they are not nearly the same or even comparable with a humans.

Yes, dogs bond with each other, and yes, your dog will probably miss his best friend a lot. You can still bring him to visit though, right? :]

Answer 8

Animals from birds to dogs can form bonds with each other, but you do not need to get another dog for yours to bond with. Why not use this as an opportunity for her to bond to you as her #1?

Answer 9

Yes and no.

Our dogs do have emotions and they do form bonds.

If your pups have been together for several months your dog might seem a little sad.  If kept busy with your time the pup may never even act out of sorts.

You should focus on providing your dog with quality time.  

You should want the dog to bond with you, not another dog.