Do dogs understand laughter?

[irotas]

I always wonder if my dog understands laughter. When he's acting goofy and I start laughing at him, does he understand the sound that I'm making?

 

[oc_spirit]

It depends on how much human interaction the dogs has had. Street dogs and feral dogs and wild dogs dont really understand it upon their first interaction with humans because in dog language we are bearing our teeth (smiling) and making a lot of noise (growling). But dogs that have had lots of human interaction (thereby having learned our body language) certainly understand the meaning behind the laughter and feed offf our positive vibes. OC gets goofier when people are laughing and Ronan gets snuggly hoping the laughter will lead to pets.

 

[Doberluv]

I agree with OC. My dogs totally "get it." If they're just standing there doing nothing and I start laughing, their tails start wagging and they get that happy look in their faces. They have just come to associate laughing with a good time. Dogs learn by association. That's why some that don't have very ample human interaction or don't live with any laughter in the house, probably wouldn't "get it."

 

[ToscasMom]

I agree. I think dogs understand happiness, and laughter is part of that. They understand our moods and tone if we are with them a lot.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

Absolutely! They all get funnier and goofier when they are the center of attention and someone is laughing.

 

[Brattina88]

I agree!

 

[ACooper]

Definitely..........it all has to do with the energy you are putting out, and the tone you use. The same way the feel when we are sad, They can feel when we are happy.

I can tell Orson in a baby talk voice "Orson you are a butthead and I am going to beat you senseless" and his wiggle butt starts going.
Or I can tell him "I love you handsome" in a mean voice, and he will slink away.

 

[otch1]

Absolutely! Ever see a dog that knows how to "smile", some mistaking it for a snarl when they first meet the dog? This is a learned response. I've had many boarders in kennel that know how to smile. It's fun to greet them in the morning. I've found, over the years, that the herding breeds are best at this. A big smile/snear, upon excitedly greeting someone and then bowing their heads or dropping a shoulder sideways and wiggling up to you for contact. I believe an owners smile, laughter or exhuberant greeting is what cues most of these dogs.

 

[Aussie Red]

Oh this is a good one. I know mine do because if we start laughing at them they perk up and and really get nutty. If a dog can understand angry words or words of reprimand also words of praise why not laughter too. They also know when to come and cuddle the sadness away.

 

[smkie]

DO you think the learn smiling from us? Shaffer did that to me the other day. I have heard dogs laugh, i know Sally did the day i did a banana peel type fall on the deck and went "splat". Sally ran circles around me grinning (she smiled too) and making a huffing sound. She was laughing at me and of that i have no doubt.

 

[hedwig]

my dog never stops smiling. it hink the recent wind has made it stick hehehe

 

[Kase]

Yep, when I start lauhing Casey will often join in and 'smile' .

 

[Dreeza]

haha i was wondering if you saw this thread Kase!!! Casey is the master-smiler!!!

Hedwig...omg, your dog is sooo cute!!

Anyways, i def think they understand! Oakley likes it when i laugh too...and gets all excited.

Also, smkie, someone posted this awhile back...

http://www.chazhound.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35787&highlight=laugh

Everyone should watch that video! Its really interesting!!

 

[PixieSticksandTricks]

I agree with OC. Mine totally understand or atleast i think so.

 

[Kase]

haha i was wondering if you saw this thread Kase!!! Casey is the master-smiler!!!


http://www.chazhound.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35787&highlight=laugh

Everyone should watch that video! Its really interesting!!

Yeah I spotted it lol .

Thanks for posting that link though, I missed it last time and that was REALLY intersting!!

 

[Beanie]

Yeah, I agree that they feel our emotional vibes so they get it when we're laughing. Sometimes I think Auggie does something stupid or silly just to make me laugh, but that's probably reaching a little deep... he's just stupid and silly all the time. ;>

 

[ToscasMom]

I can tell Orson in a baby talk voice "Orson you are a butthead and I am going to beat you senseless" and his wiggle butt starts going.
Or I can tell him "I love you handsome" in a mean voice, and he will slink away.

Absolutely. Our pets react to our tone.