Examples of people morphing human emotions onto animals.... Picture #1) most of the dogs have an open mouth, and SEEM to be smiling. Pictures such as this, receive a lot of comments that all the dogs are smiling, which is NOT the case. Though, the dogs are happy, an open mouth is not an indicator of a happy dog, and certainly not the same as when a human smiles. This is like comparing apples to oranges. Pictures # 2) Most of the dogs have a closed mouth. Sometimes, people make the comment but theyre not smiling projecting their own belief the dogs must not be happy. Does this really mean theyre unhappy, because theyre are not smiling/closed mouth. Not at all. Theyre excited, exibiting self control and anticipating the high value treats/rewards, that follow EVERY photo session. Picture #3) The majority of dogs have an open mouths, with the two Terriers mouths being closed. Does this mean the majority of them are happy, and the two terriers arent? Of course not. Most terriers high strung, rip rearing and ready to go! So, again, Issy and Gutie are intensely anticipating the coming rewards, while exhibiting great self control. Its important to note, that none of the dogs are forced into to these positions. Not one dog is ever touched. Theyre are either given a verbal cue or, in certain cases, such as with new dogs, that are still learning the cues, lured into postion.
Posted on: Sun, 02 Nov 2014 11:02:32 +0000