- Nov 10, 2012
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Im still not convinced that animals do anything out of "spite" or even have the first clue what "spite" means.
Definitely not when there is a significant amount of time between the event the owner thinks is spite-worthy and the spite-ful action the dog supposedly took.
These are extremely complex emotions we are ascribing to animals that I highly doubt are even capable of processing.
If I am reading this right, you feel that your dog pee'd on the couch an hour after a walk just because you weren't the one who took him on the walk.
I don't believe dogs are capable of such complex reasoning, nor do they have the rude / immature nature necessary to create a plan to "get someone back".
I do believe dogs are capable of feeling negative emotion, as a general "vibe" and that this may result in a lack of effort, motivation, or desire to comply.
But to cunningly plan a scheme for revenge seems to be putting human traits on an animal.
In fact i was reading the other day - that its humans erroneous tendency to think that the dog is intentionally disobeying which leads to the mentality of "competition" with the animal, resentment from the owner, and aggressive punishment that often leads to abuse. Most people who have abused animals 99% of the time will immediately tell you that the animal intentionally challenges them.
I will tell you that the more aggressive, volatile, loud, and rough you are with the dog when you punish him, the more events like this are going to happen. You said he gets aggressive when he's scolded. Are you hitting him? Baxter's worst days potty-training-wise were when ***** I ***** was at my worst emotionally with him. When I was the most fed up. When I was giving off a toxic, negative vibe towards him after weeks of diarrhea all over. They feed off your energy. 1,000%. Conversely his best days were when I was chipper, kind, motivating, gentle, and patient with him.
Just my $0.02
Kevin, your post is interesting...have to say I agree. Petunia has recently begun pooping in the house---we recently moved in with new hubby...I think her schedule has been interrupted and, thus, she may feel outta whack...don't think she is doing it out of 'spite'.