The article at the end of this link suggests it's all an act:

Do dogs feel shame? Probably not, experts say | The Arts | The Seattle Times

And yet….given the state of technology i'm surprised the researchers don’t test for changes in blood pressure, brain activity, eye dilation and other details some researchers test for, to establish a base line and then use that information to help measure changes due to psychological or physical stimuli. So perhaps a better question is: Are these researchers competent or is it all just an act?

People forget that you cant reason with an animal. It's useless to punish them for something they did 5 minutes ago, much less several hours.

That said, it's VERY effective to punish them immediately when you catch them in the act. I will chase my dog all the way through the house until he's cornered and then wear his butt out a little. It's important to just scare him rather then hurt him. Then he remembers.

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-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250

Just pick up the water spray bottle, and the cats freeze instantly. It has been ineffective on the feral we took in though-the water doesn't bother her at all.


The dogs know they're done something bad, even if they haven't been caught yet.

Walk in the room, two possible reactions from the dog:
Looks up, tail may even be wagging. [All is well]
Head is low, cowering on the couch [I have to get the steam cleaner, there's a landmine behind the chair. I guarantee it.]

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$60 OM617 Blank Exhaust Flanges
$110 OM606 Blank Exhaust Flanges
No merc at the moment

They certainly look guilty when they have done something they know they should not.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Our bloodhound is around 5 years old and cannot stay out of the garbage, when we go out. He cowers as soon as we get home, and the garbage is found...sure enough...strewn about. I thought we had him trained to stay out, after months of vigorous disclipline. He was actually good for awhile and avoided it...but has recently fallen back into his temptations...he's a bloodhound afterall? Must be difficult to have such a powerful nose? We have a garbage can with a closing lid that opens from a foot pedal......the dog uses the foot pedal himself, by stepping on the pedal, with his massive paws. The can has never been knocked over and my son watched him do it!

I have a new theory though....it's been cold here for a long stretch and he has'nt been getting excercise...this has forced me to wonder if, in the past... when, he was being good..was he getting enough excercise?... and, is his recent relapse the result of a temper-tantrum for not getting out/boredom....or just a physiological result of the lack of excercise...or need to passify boredome by eating?(psychlogical)....seems like a question for..." the Dog Whisperer"

Maybe it's just me, but spending vast amounts of time with my dog makes me wonder if he has every emotion we do? For instance, yesterday he was on the chain out back and wanted in, but the floors are being washed, so he has to wait....the bastard howled and barked in the most annoying tones...I yelled at him to shut up and he yelled back at me.

In his old age he has developed some curious habits and facial expressions.

He is always making sure we don't forget about the meat on the cupboard and will beg and sit in front of me constantly shaking a paw until I stand up.....at which point he expertly makes sure I follow him to the kitchen, were he sits in front of the meat and looks at it and then back at me and then the roast, whinning and licking his chops, because he is certainly going to get it... in his mind, anyways. What a character.

Yep, they feel shame...try putting a pair of shorts and a t-shirt on a dog that is older and not used to it, and watch how they behave...pure shame!