Does Your Dog Actually Love You?
Doggy behavior tests reveal insight into your pup’s brain. Today I’m sharing the results of my dog Mr. Chow’s “Dognition” assessment and giving away a free assessment to one lucky pet parent on behalf of Purina Pro Plan. Purina’s BRIGHT MIND Adult dog food is specially formulated to support dog cognition!
If you follow me on Instagram or Snapchat, then you know that I’m more than a little obsessed with my dog, Mr. Chow. From throwing puppy parties to outfitting him for every major holiday, my life pretty much revolves around this fur ball.
Some might call me a crazy dog lady. I wear that title with honor.
While it’s clear that I am infatuated with him, my husband and I have often questioned Mr. Chow’s love for us.
Don’t get me wrong — he is an absolute sweetheart, but he can also be pretty aloof at times.
I chalk it up to his Chow Chow temperament. Chow’s are notorious for being independent, strong-willed, and often “cat-like” in their behavior.
However, when we came home from our recent trip to Spain, he gave us the cold-shoulder for over a week. This was not just typical Chow Chow attitude, this was more.
So when I was given the opportunity to try a doggie intelligence and behavior assessment, I jumped at the chance. Maybe we’d be finally be able to figure out if Chow truly loves us — or if he is just happy to be off the mean streets of Downey.
Dognition provides pet parents with a series of fun, science-based games to test your dog on things like empathy, communication, cunning, memory, and reasoning.
They recently teamed up with Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND Adult to bring awareness to the importance of nutrition for canine cognition and brain health and chose crazy dog ladies like me to try out their program.
Check out this infographic for five interesting facts about dog behavior! >>
BRIGHT MIND Adult and Adult 7+ are formulated to increase alertness and mental sharpness and promote healthy aging in dogs.
Mr. Chow is a rescue so we’re not entirely sure how old he is — I estimate he’s around 6 or 7, but he could be 100 for all I know (he does have old, wise eyes).
Keeping this guy in tip top shape as he ages is obviously of utmost importance to me.
Not only is Mr. Chow an awesome companion, he also keeps me on my toes. On days when I decide to take it easy and skip working out, my furry BFF makes sure I still get in daily movement.
Thanks to him, I clock about two miles a day and also get my Vitamin D.
But back to my original question. He obviously likes to exercise with me, but does he really love me like I love him? I was psyched to find out.
There are two Dognition tests to assess your pet’s level of empathy. The first test involves yawning. I repeatedly yawned while watching Mr. Chow to see if and when he would yawn in response.
The second test involves eye contact. I held a treat above my nose and noted how long Mr. Chow held my eye contact.
He failed the first test miserably. Immediately I thought, “Well, there it is. He secretly hates us.”
The second test seemed to go OK though. He held my gaze for a solid minute before giving me the middle paw and finding something better to do.
When the results came back though, I was pleasantly surprised.
Mr. Chow’s empathy score was well above average.
He likes me, he really likes me!
Apparently only 20% of dogs respond to the yawn test, but his results on the eye contact test revealed his true affection.
I find this information absolutely fascinating. Then again, I’m the girl who did three separate photo shoots of her dog for this blog post.
If you’re as obsessed with your pet as I am and want to try the Dognition assessment on your BFF (best furry friend), you can get a free access code with the purchase of BRIGHT MIND dog food. Visit the partnership website for more info.
OR comment below with your pup’s name, breed, and what you’d like to learn about them, to enter to win a free Dognition assessment!
I will randomly select a winner next Friday.
P.S. – I tried the yawn test on him again under less scrutinizing circumstances and he yawned…twice. My heart skipped a beat.
P.P.S. – If you don’t have a dog but would like to instantly make your life a million times better, I suggest you visit Chow Rescue LA.
*This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND. The opinions and text are all mine.
Jen says:
This post was so adorable and interesting. I’m going to try all of these tests right now to my little rescue dog who I say “I love you” to on a daily basis. :-)
Whitney English says:
Thanks Jen!! Let me know the results!
Naomi Vidal says:
This is the cutest blog, and love the photos! Of course Mr. Chow love you! You are such a great fur legged mommy. :)
My pups name: Brooklyn
Breed: Rottweiler
I would like to learn more about the 1,000 words he can learn, and about tail movement. Since my dog has his tail docked, how can we tell which direction his tail is moving?
Whitney English says:
Thank Naomi!! Brooklyn has a wonderful mommy too :) Not sure about the tail issue though…
Lindsay @ Fit & Awesome says:
Mr. Chow is so cute! I’m going to try this test on Kona later today.
Whitney English says:
Thanks Lindsay! Let me know how it goes with Kona!!
paige c says:
My dogs name is Sparky and he is a 20 pound ‘Yorkie poo’
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says:
This post is the best! I don’t have a dog but I love my Mom’s. The picture of the two of you on the bed is priceless.
Whitney English says:
Aw, thanks Lauren :)
Bailey says:
Love your blog, and especially happy to see that you’re a fellow crazy rescue dog mom! I have 3 rescues, but the one I’m dying to try this test on is my german shepherd Dex. He’s my older guy and has always had the most soulful stare when he looks at you and I feel like he connects with me (and humans in general) on a different level. Would love to try this out on him!
Whitney English says:
That’s awesome!! Sounds like you have a full house! You’ll have to let me know how it goes with Dex :)
Farrah says:
Your dog is so cute (and thank you for rescuing him! :]!). I’m glad he’s found himself such a loving home! <3 I don't have a dog right now, but I reallyyyy hope to someday when I'm finally settled down somewhere!
Whitney English says:
Thanks Farrah – I think rescuing is the only way to go! Hope you get a furry friend soon :)
Sara Hadar says:
Ahhhh, I love this post! My dog’s name is Theo and he is a yorkie/shih tzu mix (I think). I adopted him from the SCPA near me so they weren’t able to tell me what he is exactly other than just yorkie mix. I would love to know if he loves me but also if I annoy him. Every time I look over at him he’s doing something too cute and I go over to pet him or hug him. I think he gets annoyed sometimes when he’s trying to nap. oh well…
Whitney English says:
Thanks Sara!! Your dog sounds adorable :) He sounds very similar to Mr. Chow too – I’m always trying to hug him and he’s always running away haha!
Whitney English says:
Thank you for entering Sara, you’re the winner! I hope you and Theo enjoy the games!! xoxo
Hans Aberg says:
Wow!! What a post…
I just want to applaud on your efforts you have put on writing up such a lovely post. Its informative too. Dogs behavior can tell you more about life.. You get to learn so much about your relationship with your lovely pet.
Thanks for sharing it with us. :)
Kevin Davies says:
This post was so adorable and interesting. I’m going to try all of these tests right now to my little rescue dog who I say “I love you” to on a daily basis.
Bekka says:
I’ve never exercised more in my life since I got Jack (my golden retriever). I’m not sure if he loves me but I sure love him!
Rochelle says:
Funny test which involves Mirror neurons, however, I’m not sure if it really works with dogs. I would rather say that it is intraspecific.
Carl says:
Great article! I didn’t know that a yawn from a dog can be a sign of empty and love. I often wonder whether Riggers, my dog would miss me if I were gone, or she would only miss the food I give her :) I saw her yawn several times after I did so, which gives me a little bit of solace.
Hannah says:
Only 20% respond to the yawn test? Actually I think that is high. I guess it could depend on the breed though right?
Juliano says:
I love this post, very informative and simple to understand. Thanks for sharing this
lisa says:
Belated Happy Birthday Cinderella! She looks like a wonderful doggy. It’s true that dogs are (wo)man’s best friends. I can’t remember a Frenchie time when I didn’t have a dog around the home.
lisa says:
How cute is Luna?! I’d love a dog but unfortunately I work too many hours for the Frenchie and it wouldn’t be fair on the dog ? For more visit Visit here
lisa says:
I don’t mind dogs- we used to have one when I was little but that many dogs sounds not like my thing at all. I get very nervous around dogs that are jumping and running around. We once went to a baseball game and it turned out to be a “bring your dog to the baseball”, where people paraded on the pitch before it started- weird (and that was Canada not even America!).
St Albans has a winter course if the paths around the lake flood, but Ellenbrook and Panshanger have pretty much the same routes, with sometimes a slight diversion (a bridge needed to be repaired at Panshanger so the last 200m or something were up through a different field).f1 savannah cat for sale california
zack smith says:
My Sphynx cats and Sphynx kittens own me! Sphynx cats and Sphynx kittens love their owners unconditionally. The Sphynx has so much love to give and is willing to love anyone that will allow them into their lives.Cats
jack says:
Which ever one of these adorable guys or girls you choose, your son will have a new best friend. Your family will also have a very loyal and loving pet to take care of him and he will have a loving and loyal family to take care of for himself. Best wishes with the puppy transition.best online pet store singapore
zack smith says:
We once went to a baseball game and it turned out to be a “bring your dog to the baseball”, where people paraded on the pitch before it started- weird (and that was Canada not even America!).dog bed wholesale
lisa says:
It made sense when you said that kittens need to be vaccinated for feline herpesvirus since there’s no cure for it. My husband and I want to find a good local vet before adopting a kitten from a shelter next week. Thanks for teaching me what vaccines we’ll need to get from the vet to ensure our kitten stays healthy and is protected from common issues!Nodytalk
lisa says:
The Bengal cat is a unique example of the successful crossbreeding of wild and domestic breeds. They are active, playful, and sociable pets. The Bengal breed combines the best features of their ancestors: not only an attractive appearance, but also intelligence, curiosity, activity, and friendliness. Learn more about Bengals at Bengal Cat Breeder list
lisa says:
Possibly the most ignored and understated tip is your pet may need sunscreen just as much as you! Most light haired pets and those with very short haircuts need skin protection against the suns harmful rays. Human labeled sunscreen may not be right for your pet.dog niche with breeds
Emma says:
For your convenience and the peace of mind of those around you, your dog must learn the basic rules of behavior in society. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help with training your dog. There are many kennel clubs and puppy schools to help you. Also you can find a lot of useful information about it here https://animalvee.com/
Lisa says:
While it’s true that dogs require a balanced and healthy diet, it’s not necessarily true that they must be fed only boiled food with no oil content and minimum spices. In fact, a well-rounded diet for dogs often includes a variety of nutrients from different sources.dog rocks
lisa says:
don’t forget to schedule regular vet visits and stay up-to-date on your puppy’s vaccinations and medical needs. This will help to ensure that your new pet stays healthy and happy for many years to come.giant maine coon
Lisa says:
Possibly the most ignored and understated tip is your pet may need sunscreen just as much as you! Most light haired pets and those with very short haircuts need skin protection against the suns harmful rays. Human labeled sunscreen may not be right for your pet.Pet Advice Pro
Lisa says:
Just like humans, pets can be at risk for sunburn and skin damage from prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. This is particularly true for pets with light-colored hair, short haircuts, and those with thinning hair due to age or other medical conditions.Personalized Pet Fashion
Lisa says:
Having a pet also promotes a healthier lifestyle. Regular walks with a dog, for example, provide exercise and encourage physical activity, benefiting both the pet and the owner. Pets can also help alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression by providing constant companionship and emotional support. They become an integral part of our families, and the bond we develop with them is often indescribable.
Cat boarding amenities
lisa says:
The allure of having a pet lies not just in the tangible benefits but also in the intangible emotions they evoke. They teach us valuable lessons about responsibility, empathy, and compassion. Caring for a pet requires dedication, patience, and understanding their needs, which in turn fosters a sense of accountability and nurtures a profound sense of empathy within us. Their mere existence teaches us to cherish the simple joys of life, finding delight in the smallest of moments, whether it’s a playful romp in the park or a quiet evening cuddled up together.melvin
Emilia says:
Many factors in the dog’s behavior will tell you about such things, just learn to recognize them. On this site https://poochamp.com you can find a lot of valuable information that will help you take better care of your pet. It is best when the dog has a clear schedule and routine. Feeding time, walking is repeated daily, at the same time. The dog is accustomed to walks after the second vaccine, at the age of four months or from the moment the animal appears in the family.
jose says:
Your family will also have a very loyal and loving pet to take care of him and he will have a loving and loyal family to take care of for himself. Best wishes with the puppy transition. CBD for Cats