In family disputes dogs tend to side with the victim rather than the aggressor.
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Key points
- Studies of family dynamics rarely consider the effect of familial social interactions on their pet dog.
- Like children, dogs show signs of emotional stress when they observe human family members having a quarrel.
- Data shows that when family members fight their pet dog tends to console the victim and avoid the aggressor.
A tense argument erupts between a husband and wife in the kitchen, their voices sharp and filled with frustration. Unsurprisingly, their children, witnessing the exchange, feel the emotional weight of the conflict—an issue long studied by psychologists specializing in Family Dynamics. In today’s world, many consider their dogs to be just as much a part of the family as any human member. Research has shown that dogs are highly attuned to our emotions, reacting to shifts in tone and body language. Yet, despite this, little attention has been given to how these heated moments might impact a pet dog silently observing the turmoil unfold.
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