The Classic Guilty Dog Face
We’ve all seen it—our dog cowers slightly, ears pinned back, eyes wide and pleading, maybe even a little head tilt. It’s the classic “I’ve done something bad” look. But is your dog really feeling guilty, or is something else going on?
In this post, we’ll dive into the science of canine emotions, debunk some common myths, and uncover the real reason your dog looks guilty after chewing up your favourite slippers.
1. What Does Guilt Look Like in Dogs?
Dog owners describe guilty behaviour as including:
- Avoiding eye contact
- Ears pulled back
- Cowering or slinking away
- Tucked tail
- Lip licking or yawning
- Showing the whites of their eyes (“whale eye”)
While it’s tempting to think these are signs of remorse, they’re actually indicators of a completely different emotion—fear or submission.
2. Do Dogs Actually Feel Guilt?
The short answer? Probably not in the way we think.
Guilt is a complex emotion that requires a deep sense of morality and an understanding of right and wrong. Scientists believe that while dogs feel basic emotions like joy, fear, and anxiety, guilt may be beyond their emotional range.
Instead, what’s really happening is that your dog is responding to your body language and tone of voice. If you come home and see a mess, your immediate reaction is often frustration. Even before you say anything, your dog senses your change in posture, facial expression, and energy. They’ve learned that when you’re in this mood, it’s best to look submissive—hence the “guilty” look.
3. The Science Behind the ‘Guilty’ Look
A fascinating study by animal cognition researcher Alexandra Horowitz tested this very idea. She set up an experiment where owners were told their dogs had misbehaved (even when they hadn’t). Interestingly, the dogs displayed a guilty look even when they had done nothing wrong.
This suggests that what we interpret as guilt is actually a reaction to our disappointment or frustration rather than a true feeling of remorse.
4. What’s Really Going On? (And Why It Matters)
When your dog gives you that classic “sorry” look, they’re likely feeling:
✔ Fear or anxiety – They sense that you’re upset and are trying to appease you.
✔ Submission – In the dog world, avoiding eye contact and cowering are ways to defuse tension.
✔ Learned association – If they’ve been scolded before in a similar situation, they might react before you even say anything.
The key takeaway? Your dog isn’t thinking, Oops, I shouldn’t have done that. They’re thinking, Uh-oh, my human is upset. I’d better act submissive so they don’t stay mad at me.
5. What Should You Do Instead?
If you catch your dog in the act, here’s the best way to handle it:
🔹 Stay calm – Raising your voice won’t teach them the right behaviour; it will just make them anxious.
🔹 Redirect immediately – If they’re chewing something they shouldn’t, swap it for a toy.
🔹 Use positive reinforcement – Reward good behaviour instead of focusing on the bad.
🔹 Prevent the behaviour – If your dog is getting into the bin or shredding the sofa, consider managing their environment better.
Most importantly: If you don’t catch them in the act, don’t bother scolding them later—dogs don’t connect past actions to present consequences the way humans do.
Final Thoughts: A New Perspective on Guilt in Dogs
Next time your dog gives you the guilty look, remember—it’s not an admission of wrongdoing. It’s a response to your emotions and a sign that your dog is incredibly tuned into you.
Instead of focusing on punishment, use it as an opportunity to reinforce positive behaviours and strengthen your bond.
So, do dogs really feel guilty? Probably not. But do they love us enough to worry about our emotions? Absolutely. And in the end, that’s what makes the human-dog connection so special.
