Do dogs have emotions?

http://www.emotions-r-us.com/

Of course they do.

I think they do

I think it's a certainty that they do - as do most dog owners -, but it's nice to see that they are trying to prove it scientifically so that no one is left in any doubt

Mine do! For sure...LOL. I don't need scientific proof.

I suppose it is one way of wasting money. What else would they spend their grants on. Sorry very cynical I know but they should spend the money on something more worth while. Those of us that have had animals for years know what they are emotionally capable of. I loved the news I saw the other day about horses recognising facial expressions.

I'm a big believer in science.

I really don't think it's a waste to prove definitively as the proof - which may be a waste of time in respect of dog owners - can be used to stop cruel sports, invasive research etc

All the dogs I have owned have had emotions the Bernese more so.

I believe Dogs certainly do have 'emotions' and while they are similar to those experienced by humans they are not the same because dogs don't have our degree of self awareness.
So, emotions for a dog are both immediate and transient, they don't ponder on things thinking 'I feel happy or sad etc' .

However, when they experience an emotion say happiness or in particular fear, if they are presented with something they associate with that emotion say ...
the smell of food = happy
a lead = happy
a man with a stick = pain and fear
the vet = pain
...they are able to recall that feeling and react accordingly .

Yes Meg, I really do believe they 'live for the moment' and things as little as half an hour old are not keept in mind, although as you say some things will stir their emotions, food, walks, abuse, etc.

Just by asking "Do dogs have emotions" indicates that we are thinking about dogs in "human terms" this is something we must try to avoid, dogs are not humans, since we've been back in England I must say I'm surprised at how many dog owners don't realise this simple fact.