Are Pomeranians emotional creatures? If dogs can feel emotions what emotions are they and how do they express them. In this article, I answer all of these questions.
Pomeranians are emotional, studies have shown that they can feel and express the same amount of emotional intelligence as a two-and-a-half-year-old human. They are capable of ten different emotions with an additional emotion that is up for debate.
What Emotions Do Dogs Feel
History Of Animal Emotions
At one point in time, people believed dogs had the ability to understand the human language as well as humans and were able to express the exact same feelings and emotions.
With the rise of science, this view began to change. Classic scientists at the time switched their way of thinking towards animals being more like a machine without feelings, emotions, and independent thinking. Instead of a living creature, they viewed dogs as a machine with gears inside of it.
Church scholars of that time insisted that people had souls and provided evidence with the facts that humans have feelings and consciousness.
There was a lot of debate during this time between the church and modern scientists. One thing many of them agreed on was that dogs did not have the “divine spark”, a soul or consciousness. Some scientists did not agree with this way of thinking but, it would’ve gone against the church doctrine and lead to many problems.
Current View On Dogs Emotions
A lot has changed over the years.
We are now aware and accept that dogs have the same brain structures and abilities to express emotions that humans do.
Dogs also have the same hormones, chemical changes, and emotional states as humans.
Due to dogs having the same neurology and chemistry as humans, it’s understandable that dogs can have the same emotions as humans
Do Pomeranians Make Good Emotional Support Dogs?
Studies On Dog Emotions
Over the years there are been a lot of research conducted on the emotions of humans as well as animals.
Humans are not born with the same emotional capacity that they possess as an adult. There are different stages or age levels of emotional intelligence at a human level.
Studies have shown that a dogs intelligence is equal to a 2 to 2 and half year old human.
What Emotions Do Dogs Feel
Dogs go through the developmental stages must faster than humans do. That’s why one year of human life is equivalent to seven years to a dog.
By the time a dogs is 4 to 6 months old it can express it’s full range of emotions. These emotions include.
- Affection/love
- Suspicion
- Shyness
- Joy
- Anger
- Fear
- Disgust
- Contentment
- Distress
- Excitement
What Emotions Are Dog Incapable Of Having
There are some emotions that are developed past the toddler age in humans. These emotions include.
- Shame
- Guilt
- Pride
- Contempt
Are Dogs Not Able To Feel Shame And Guilt
I would debate whether dogs can feel shame or guilt. We’ve all seen the expressions and actions of dogs that have done something naughty.
Some say this is not guilt ,that what they are feeling is fear instead.
Understanding Pomeranians Emotions
Let’s take a closer look at the emotions that a Pomeranian can feel.
Do Pomeranians Feel Affection
Pomeranians are very loving dogs that are full of affection.
They enjoy giving and receiving affection everything from hugs and kisses to cuddling on the couch.
My dogs are extremely affectionate. My cream Pomeranian enjoys a good snuggle while my black Pomeranian Willow is a kisser.
Do Pomeranians Feel Suspicion
Pomeranians can show suspicious feelings by growling, whining, barking, urinating, or running away from people or animals.
Do Pomeranians Feel Shyness
The following are all signs of shyness in dogs.
- Ears flattening back in their head
- Tail tucked between their legs
- Panting
- Shaking
- Cowering posture
- Shying away from people or animals
- Whining
- Barking
- Sulking
- Hiding
- Fear of eye contact
- Nipping or biting
- Submissive urination
Do Pomeranians Feel Joy
Pomeranians feel joy and show it in a variety of ways.
- Tail wagging
- Full body wagging
- Barking
- Jumping
- Kisses
- A wide-open grin
My dogs show joy in the most excitable way when we are getting ready to go somewhere. As soon as we bring out their travel bags they start jumping up and down and moving around in a spastic way.
Do Pomeranians Feel Anger
We are all aware of the signs a dog can show when they are angry.
- Showing teeth
- Growling
- Biting
- Nipping
- Raised hair on their backs
Do Pomeranians Feel Fear
Dogs show fear in many ways.
- Urinating
- Diarrhea
- Excessive licking
- Destructive behavior
- Tail tucking
- Trembling
- Attempting to escape
Do Pomeranians Feel Disgust
The signs of a disgusted dog are similar to an angry dog. There can be growling, snarling, teeth showing, and raised hair.
Do Pomeranians Feel Contentment
The signs of a content dog are.
- Confident stance
- Relaxed posture
- Relaxed ears
- Relaxed tail
- A happy relaxed expression
My dog Murphy shows contentment in the cutest of ways. In the evening he grabs his favorite stuffed animal, jumps up next to me on the couch, and suckles on the stuffed toy. It’s very sweet.
Do Pomeranians Feel Distress
A stressed out dog shows the signs of stress in a variety of ways.
- Dilated pupils
- Rapid blinking
- Pin backed ears
- Growling
- Whining
- Barking
- Tucked ears
- Tucked tail
- Pacing
Do Pomeranians Feel Excitement
Pomeranians are experts at showing excitement. You may notice the following behaviors when your dog is excited.
- Barking
- Tail wagging
- Body wagging
- Jumping
- Open mouth
- Tongue hanging out
Common Emotional Issues With Pomeranians
Separation Anxiety
Pomeranians are prone to separation anxiety. If they had their way they would spend all of their time with you.
Many dogs are ok with being left alone for some time but, others develop separation anxiety. A dog with separation anxiety can become distressed and agitated when its owners leave.
The main symptoms of separation anxiety are destructive behavior, barking, howling, whining, pacing, self-mutilation, drilling, and house soiling.
If your Pomeranian suffers from separation anxiety there are things you can do to help your dog.
- Make sure your dog has plenty of toys (maybe rotate in some new ones when you leave)
- Feed your dog before you leave
- Practice your habits of getting ready to leave (putting on a jacket, grabbing keys, etc.) without leaving
- Try leaving for only short periods of time
- Gradually increase the time over a long period
- Give your dog a verbal signal like “See you later”, that reassures them that you will return
- Try using pheromones in your home
- Seek help from your vet
- Consult with a dog trainer
Boredom
Dogs can get bored if they don’t have enough exercise or mental stimulation.
Boredom can cause your dog to start expressing themselves with negative behaviors like chewing and barking.
Aggressive Behavior
Some dogs will start to show signs of aggressive behavior.
Some dogs become aggressive because they are frightened, challenging your authority, or they are protecting you, possessions, or their territory.
Final Thoughts
Dogs are emotional beings just like we are. They can enjoy happy moments and have other moments of fear and sadness.
Pomeranians may be more emotional than other dogs breeds with a tendency towards separation anxiety.
I’m not sure about you but, experiencing a happy wiggly dog when you return home after a long day is one of life’s greatest joys.
