Does your dog know when you're sad?

Every owner has had the moment. You are upset about something, and suddenly there is a chin on your knee, or a warm weight pressed against your leg. Researchers have tested whether dogs really notice. Here is what they found, told honestly.

What the research found

1. They come closer

When people cried, dogs approached, looked at and touched them more than when the same people were talking or humming. They did it whether the crying person was their owner or a stranger, and most approached gently, with their head low.

2. They hurry

In a study of 34 dogs, owners sat behind a see-through door and either cried or hummed. The dogs whose owners were crying were not more likely to open the door, but they opened it much faster.

3. The calmest ones helped

The dogs who got through the door were the less stressed ones, as if they were steady enough to act rather than too upset to move.

The honest part. Nobody can say exactly what a dog feels in that moment. About half the dogs whose owners were only humming opened the door too, so some of it is simply wanting to be near you. Either way, they are paying attention.

Signs your dog is checking on you

These are things many owners notice on a hard day:

• Coming to sit close, often pressed against you or leaning their weight in.
• Resting their head on you, a chin on your knee or lap, and staying there.
• Following you from room to room, keeping you in sight more than usual.
• Watching your face, long soft looks, sometimes with a head tilt.
• Bringing you something, a toy, a sock, whatever is nearest.

Let them stay. Being close may be as comforting for them as it is for you.

Looking after each other

Dogs read us closely, and our hard weeks can become theirs too. A few small things help you both:

• Keep their routine going. Walks and meals at the usual times steady both of you.
• Take the walk anyway. Fresh air and a sniffing dog are good company on a heavy day.
• Give them a quiet place to rest if the house feels tense.

And if you are struggling, please talk to someone too. A good dog is wonderful company, but not a replacement for support.

Curious how relaxed your dog is day to day? Take the free two minute stress check.