“My dog knows he’s done something wrong because he has this guilty look” Do dogs feel guilty?

Does your dog give you a ‘guilty look’ after making a mess? You’re not alone! Many pet owners believe their dogs feel guilt or shame. But what is the truth? In this post, we unpack what’s really behind the so-called guilty look in dogs, why it’s often misunderstood, and how to respond using humane, evidence-based dog training techniques. Learn how canine body language, fear, and appeasement behaviours are often mistaken for guilt, and how to support your dog more effectively.