Why Does My Dog Like When I Laugh?

Dogs always make us laugh, but do they? Do dogs also laugh? Let's take a closer look at the science behind dog laughter and your dog's sense of humor.

Understanding Dog Body Language

First, we need to understand how dogs communicate. They don't use language like we do, so they rely heavily on body language. If they do have a sense of humor, a dog's laughter may look different than a human's, but it likely serves the same purpose - communicating happiness and playfulness.

Playful Behavior

Some people believe that dogs express their "laughter" through playfulness. Even Charles Darwin observed that if you think playfulness is funny, dogs are showing a sense of humor. If you've ever seen your pup running around with a silly grin on his face, or playfully biting your hand, it might be their way of showing off their playful side.

The Sound of Dog Laughter

When dogs are happy and relaxed, they make a low, groaning noise, like a purr. Is this a form of "dog laughter"? No one knows for sure, but this "rumble" (as many dog trainers call it) is often a way for dogs to express enthusiasm or contentment.

Do Dogs Really Understand Humor?

While dogs may not understand jokes or sarcasm like humans do, studies have shown that dogs can sense human emotions through facial expressions, smell, and voice. If you’re laughing or crying, dogs can usually tell. So while they may not laugh at our jokes, dogs can recognize our happiness and humor.

So, do dogs laugh?

Nobel Prize winner Konrad Lorenz thinks so. In his book, When Dogs Meet Humans, the author suggests that dogs “laugh” during certain types of play, often with their most beloved humans. When dogs adopt a specific mouth position, tilt their head, and grin, followed by excitement and panting, Lorenz suggests that this may be dog laughter.

Final Thoughts on Dog Laughter

While dogs may not be able to laugh like humans, they certainly have their own ways of expressing happiness and playfulness. So the next time your dog makes a “laughing” sound or behaves playfully, it may just be their way of expressing love.