Every dog owner knows the bittersweet feeling of leaving their furry friend behind when they head out to work. Those pleading puppy eyes and the lingering sense of unspoken longing can be hard to shake. But do dogs truly miss us, or are they just happy to see us when we return? The answer, according to experts, is a resounding yes.
Dogs, unlike humans, don’t grasp the concept of a work schedule. They experience the world through their immediate senses, and for them, the absence of their beloved humans is a tangible loss. Adrienne Carson, the vice president of behavior and training at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare, explains that dogs form strong bonds with their owners and associate them with positive experiences, like playtime, cuddles, and delicious treats.
“Research shows that the longer you’re away, the happier your dog is when you return,” says The Dog People, a leading resource for dog owners. “Dogs are social animals, so they may feel sad when their favorite person is gone. This can happen with all dogs, not just those with separation anxiety.”
While the initial pangs of separation might bring a wave of sadness, dogs, being creatures of routine, tend to adjust quickly. They’ll likely spend their time engaging in their own canine activities: napping, chewing toys, and perhaps keeping a watchful ear out for any sounds of your return.
But perhaps the most heartwarming piece of this puzzle lies in the realm of dog dreams. Stanley Coren, a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia, has delved into the fascinating world of canine dreams. He suggests that dogs likely dream about their favorite things, and their beloved owners may very well be featured in these slumbering reveries.
“What we’ve basically found is that dogs dream doggy things,” says Coren. “So, pointers will point at dream birds, and Dobermans will chase dream burglars. The dream pattern in dogs seems to be very similar to the dream pattern in humans.”
Dr. Deirdre Barrett, a clinical and evolutionary psychologist at Harvard Medical School, backs up Coren’s findings, suggesting that canines dream about their daily experiences, including their interactions with their owners.
In essence, even when you’re away, your dog might be spending time with you in their dreams. A captivating TikTok video from Animals Studio beautifully encapsulates this sentiment, stating: “They think about their owners. Canines don’t just love their owners back. They actually consider them to be family as it turns out man’s best friends get more protection and affection from human beings than their kind.”
This deep bond and the natural social tendencies of many dogs can also explain their common reactions to being left alone. Barking, whining, and even destructive behaviors like chewing or urinating indoors can be a manifestation of their longing for companionship. As the TikTok video aptly explains, “They reflect or dream about their day. When you leave after spending a good part of the day with your canine friend, they will remain reminiscing about the eventful day you’ve had together.”
So, the next time you leave your furry friend behind, know that they are likely thinking about you. They miss your presence, but they also dream of you, their tail wagging in anticipation of your return. The bond between a dog and their owner is a profound one, built on shared experiences, unconditional love, and, perhaps, a little bit of dreaming together.
