No, dogs do not understand that humans are making love.
While dogs are highly perceptive, they don't comprehend the human act of making love in the way we do. Here's what they likely perceive and why that differs from understanding the act itself:
What Dogs Likely Perceive
- Pheromones: Dogs have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell. They can likely detect the pheromones released by humans when they become aroused.
- Other Scents: Dogs pick up on a variety of scents related to human intimacy, which could include changes in body odor.
- Behavior: They are very observant of our physical actions, sounds and movements when we are intimate.
- Emotional State: Dogs are tuned in to shifts in our emotions. They may sense changes in our tone, breathing patterns, and general mood.
Why They Don't "Understand"
| Aspect | Human Understanding | Dog's Perception |
|---|---|---|
| Intimacy | Understand the act as a physical expression of love or pleasure | Likely sees a series of physical movements and sounds |
| Emotional Context | Associates love and connection with the act | Detects changes in emotional state and behavior |
| Meaning | Has cultural and relational understanding | No cognitive awareness of the act’s human meaning |
What This Means for Dog Owners
- No Judgment: Dogs don’t judge human behavior in the way humans do. The concept of making love is alien to them.
- Reaction Based on Perception: Their reaction is based on the sensory input they receive. This means they might get curious, excited, or even anxious depending on their temperament and the circumstances.
- No Understanding of Human Relationships: They aren't aware of the intimate connection between two individuals; they perceive actions and smells.
Reference: Their perceptions drive their behavior. There is no evidence thus far that dogs actually understand what is happening when two people have sex. They likely recognize the smell of pheromones when people become aroused and other scents associated with people engaging in intimacy.01-Nov-2020
