I love sharing pure, all-around good news, so as you can imagine, I was thrilled to learn that,
Yes!
Dogs can laugh.
Many dog behavior experts have observed a short, hard panting sound that dogs make as they greet humans and other dogs and initiate playtime. A sort of “Heh heh heh!”
They typically make this noise with a wide, open grin.
If you listen closely, you may have noticed it, too.
Your dog might laugh as she bows to invite you or other dogs to play. Some dogs do it when they’re being cuddled or tickled.
Dogs Make Each Other Laugh
In a 2001 study, researchers recorded dogs laughing.
Then, they played back long recordings of dog laughs to a shelter full of stressed dogs and puppies.
As the tapes were played, the shelter residents showed significantly fewer signs of stress. Many of the dogs and puppies began to bounce around, and responded with laughs of their own.
It’s also been observed that if you whisper at your dog as you imitate the famous play-bow, you’ll be more successful at getting your dog to play.
That Time Cow Laughed With Her Entire Being
Learning about dog laughter has made me remember a beautiful memory I’ve had with Cow.
Back when she still belonged to my former landlord, the property we lived on was not fully fenced.
Every time I went for a walk, she would follow me, and there was little I could do about it. As time went on, I began to carry a leash and would leash her up shortly after we left the property, but this was before then.
So, I would sometimes find myself walking with an off-leash Cow. We lived in a semi-rural area. I knew it was a little dangerous, but it wasn’t that unusual.
Anyway, here’s what happened.
One day, I left Matilda at home and went for a walk to the dollar store down the block to get birthday supplies for Alberto.
Of course, Cow followed.
She walked politely by my side the whole way. When we approached the dollar store, she stood at the doorway, but did not enter.
I went inside and began to select items. I was pretty absorbed in what I was doing when I heard her loud, feminine bark, “Woof!”
I looked up, and there she was, at the end of the aisle inside the store.
“Shhh!!” I said.
She laughed with her whole body, panting and grinning and wiggling and wagging her stump.
She laughed as though to say, “I’m a dog in a dollar store! Hahaha!!! I’m a dog in a store!”
Her laugh was infectious, I couldn’t help but laugh myself.
I lead her out, asked her to stay outside, and finished my purchase. Then, we laughed all the way home.
Do Dogs Laugh Like Humans?
Face down, butt up, that’s the way we like to… play!
From the study alone, I wouldn’t think that dogs laughed at jokes. I’d question whether or not we could call that breathy call to play a true “laugh.”
And yet, I think dogs can laugh at jokes.
I’m certain that Cow found it amusing that she had entered the store so easily. She’s normally happy to see me, but this was different. As a roaming dog, she has probably been shooed away from stores, and may have never even had the confidence to attempt to enter until that day.
She overcame her inhibitions because she wanted to see where I had gone. She went to no-dog’s-land, and probably felt very pleased with herself.
“I’m a dog in a dollar store!!” What a simple, wonderful little joke.
Have You Heard Your Dog Laugh?
I’d love to hear more stories of dogs laughing.
I’ve been trying to find recordings with no success. But I have noticed that my dogs respond to me when I imitate a dog’s play laugh, especially when I get on the floor with a toy and play-bow like a damn fool. I highly recommend it.
Take time to laugh with your dog today!
I will totally be paying attention to Shasta from now on, I just gotta see it! 😉 We missed each other at BlogPaws but will definitely have to meet up with me in Exeter and you in Visalia.
Aw, man – I just moved out of Central California, and I’m back in New Jersey, so that puppy playdate can’t happen anytime soon. 🙁 Do let me know if you catch Shasta having a laugh!
Lindsay Pevny recently posted…34 Places To List Your Local Pet Services For Free
Congratulations on your move! Bummer about the play date…. next Blog Paws?
I was told that rats giggle when they are tickled but I didn’t know dogs laughed! I know laughter is the best medicine so having a dog who laughs and makes you laugh (especially when you go shopping) has to be a good thing.
It looks as though it is the best medicine for a depressed shelter dog.-too!
Ooh, that’s true – they do say laughter is the best medicine. That’s a smart observation! I wonder if more shelters and even vet’s patients could benefit from playing dog laughter recordings.
Lindsay Pevny recently posted…34 Places To List Your Local Pet Services For Free
Oh yeah – they laugh! and smile. And … they will play jokes on you if you let them and then laugh at you! I have seen it time and again!
That reminds me of the time my old dog booped me with his nose, as though to distract me, then quickly grabbed his toy. They’re smarter than we know!
Lindsay Pevny recently posted…34 Places To List Your Local Pet Services For Free
What a great article. Loved the story about Cow who sounds like such a character. I might get my Friends boxsets out later and see if Elsie my Yorkshire Terrier enjoys a good giggle at the gangs one liners.
I wonder who’s side Elsie is on with the “We were on a break!” debacle!
Lindsay Pevny recently posted…34 Places To List Your Local Pet Services For Free
My dogs totally laugh! Of course! Actually, they chuff and a big grin, tongue lolling….God love ’em!
Haha, aww! They say there’s nothing better than the sound of the laughter of children… yeah, dog laughter comes close!
Lindsay Pevny recently posted…34 Places To List Your Local Pet Services For Free
Dexter snorts and spins in circles when he’s excited, particularly when we come home. My golden/collie mix growing up would do a submissive grin and sneeze when we came home.
That sounds so adorable, all dogs are so wonderful in their own special ways!
Lindsay Pevny recently posted…34 Places To List Your Local Pet Services For Free
Love this! I was delighted with this study came out.
Amy Shojai recently posted…Black Cats, Kitty Myth-Teries Explained
BOL – fun post! Of course dogs laugh… mine totally do! They also are masters of giving attitude too!
That’s the best, they have such vivid personalities!
Lindsay Pevny recently posted…34 Places To List Your Local Pet Services For Free
This post made me smile! I’ve not thought about my dog actually laughing, but I do believe she shows different emotions on her face that shows she is happy!
Henry laughs a lot! 🙂 He’s such a happy guy — especially with my boyfriend. He’s like the “cool uncle” who brings out Henry’s super playful side!
Now I am going to be looking to see how many time Goose laughs! Great post!
My little Chihuahua absolutely laughs….especially when we’re playing agility together. It’s the cutest sound ever!
I can’t help but think that her name, Cow, makes the whole thing even funnier. “There’s a cow in the dollar store!” I am glad she had a good laugh about it!
Beth Patterson recently posted…Puppy Love: Darwin the Marvelous Mutt
Hmmm I don’t think I laugh at all. But I do smile a lot and like to have a good time! Love Dolly
Dolly the Doxie recently posted…Pancreatitis in Dogs: Causes and Treatments
Did you see that study about dogs and playfulness? Mr. N definitely has a sense of humor. He’s very pleased with himself when he outwits the humans!
Tenacious Little Terrier recently posted…Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain Hike
I’m not sure, please send it my way! 🙂
Lindsay Pevny recently posted…34 Places To List Your Local Pet Services For Free
Dogs do seem to be very happy critters.
Sweet Purrfections recently posted…Wordless Wednesday – Black Cat Appreciation Day
I know mt dogs smile a lot when they are happy. im going to need to pay attention to whether they laugh or not
Maureen recently posted…5 “Top Secret” Doodle Dogs – Prepare To Fall In Love
I think my old doxie laughs at me 🙂 He certainly smiles and I’ll catch him looking at the other dogs and perhaps laughing! I’ll be paying more attention to this behavior more as I love this.
I love your Dollar Store adventure with Cow, I certainly am laughing! Must have been a real hoot. I have heard something like a laugh from my dogs when they’re playing, it’s adorable!
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Thanks! <3
Lindsay Pevny recently posted…34 Places To List Your Local Pet Services For Free
This is awesome! I often personify our pups already, but knowing they have the capacity to laugh, just makes me smile! I haven’t actually heard this laugh, probably because Yoda just snorts and Bean makes zero noise. I didn’t hear hear bark until she was three. For awhile, I didn’t know if she could!
Aw, yes, I was so happy to hear about it! It only took a few days for me to hear Matilda’s first bark, and it was exciting then… but now she won’t stop, LOL.
Lindsay Pevny recently posted…34 Places To List Your Local Pet Services For Free
My Akita laughed at my Australian when he barked at people jogging, biking, past. First, she’d be on alert when he freaked about someone passing us by on the sidewalk, then she realized he was overreacting JUST A TEENSY BIT and cracked up. 😀
That’s too funny!
Lindsay Pevny recently posted…34 Places To List Your Local Pet Services For Free
I totally agree that dog can laugh, they even can smile. That’s their way to express their happiness. Love them so much.
They’re the best, they’re so great at spreading joy. 🙂
Lindsay Pevny recently posted…34 Places To List Your Local Pet Services For Free
Haha. of course they can. In my opinion, they have all the feelings like human, just different in the way to express. Dogs are amazing !!
Oh yes, thanks for commenting!
Yes, absolutely dogs can laugh like us. My friend, she lives with Lucy – a Husky , and she told me that every time there was no one in the room, Lucy laughed a lot himself! Haha
Monica Dingess recently posted…How Many Teeth Does An Adult Dog Have?
I know dogs can be very happy but I have not really thought about them laughing. I should really start paying attention now.
Leigh recently posted…Modkat Litter Box Review
My little peekapoo, Pookie, does laugh although I didn’t know until now~~~ He gets in that head down, butt up position and makes a little caa caa snort sound. I do believe he is expressing his joy in being with his mommy and wanting pets.
Haha wow such an interesting post. Yes i think dogs can laugh too. Well i actually i have never heard my dogs laugh, but i take pictures of them all the times, and looking at the pictures make me feel like my dogs are smiling or grinning. Thank you for sharing.
Diana recently posted…Solid Gold Cat Food Review
What a great memory! And it still makes you laugh! I would have laughed, too, to see her in the store looking for you.