Do Dogs Have Self Esteem?

One of the most interesting questions that is often debated about animals is whether they have traits and emotions usually associated with humans. For example, can we say that dogs have self esteem? There’s no simple answer to this question, but there is evidence that dogs may indeed have emotions that are akin to self esteem or lack thereof.

At Citizen Canine, we see a large number of dogs every day. As boarders and dog walkers in Oakland, one of our goals is to ensure that our canine companions are as comfortable and happy as possible. It’s a well known fact that dogs can suffer from separation anxiety when away from their owners for even a short time. This is especially problematic when the owners travel frequently or work long hours. Dogs that have this problem certainly experience anxiety and discomfort. Arguably, this is a form of low self esteem.

Dog owners who want to help instill more confidence in their pets can do a few things. Training is often helpful, as this gives dogs a sense of structure that makes them feel more secure. In some cases, crating dogs at home can help to calm them. Dogs also need regular exercise, so frequently walking them and playing with them can help them stay healthier mentally as well as physically. For those who don’t have time to walk their dogs, dog walkers in Oakland can help to ensure your dog gets enough activity.

We may not know for sure whether dogs really have self esteem or not. What we do know is that dogs can have anxiety and other problems that are comparable to those found in humans. As pet owners, we should do everything we can to help our dogs overcome such difficulties. A dog that is healthy and content certainly seems to exhibit more self esteem than one that is nervous, anxious or afraid to be left alone.