Do Dogs Understand Kisses? What The Science Tells Us

Key Points:

• Dogs don’t understand kisses in the same way humans do.
• They can, however, learn to associate kisses with positive feelings.
• Dogs primarily communicate through body language and scent.
• They may interpret kisses as a form of social grooming.
• It's important to respect a dog's individual preferences and boundaries.

Hot Takes:

So, it turns out that when we smother our furry friends with kisses, they might not fully grasp the sentiment behind it. Dogs have their own unique way of perceiving and expressing affection, mostly through body language and scent. While they may not understand kisses as we do, they can learn to associate them with positive experiences. It's like a Pavlovian response, but instead of drooling for food, they wag their tails in delight. So, go ahead and give your pup a peck on the head, just make sure to also show them love in ways they truly understand.