I think it's sad when people assume that animals have no conscience or thought and that pets don't care for their owners at all. Just because they don't speak doesn't mean they don't communicate. And just because you don't understand them doesn't mean they can't feel things like affection and love. I know many animals are hesitant to trust humans, and that is because of our communication barrier. Trust me, if you learn to "speak" with animals, they appreciate you for it. They may have limited brains, but they are not THAT limited.
4
Enjoy being online again!
Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.Create your free account
4 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Why do I have this notion that you mentalize animals incorrectly and may actually try to socialize with them as humans?
DZhukovin
Level 7
May 26, 2018
0
I have studied animal behavior extensively. I don't speak to my animals, but observe their behavior and learn to interpret it. I communicate with them through appropriate body signals and behaviors. For instance, if a cat is comfortable around you and wants to signal that they like you, they will give you a slow blink. I do that to cats that may be afraid of me or nervous around humans, and they really do respond. I'm not an idiot who thinks that if I speak my own language to animals, they will respond in a human way. They have their own ways.
You are very sensitive and I agree with you 100%
KentTurner
Level 2
May 25, 2018
0
When I had a dog, talking to him was the only thing that kept me from talking to myself. But you know what? I think it amounted to the same thing. You are correct that animals are smarter than we think they are, and certainly some limited communication with them is possible, the extent of which depends on the animal and the human involved. Animal behavioralists study the meaning of behaviors and how they facilitate communication between animals, so it's not a novel concept.
zeuser
Level 9
May 25, 2018
0
Enjoy being online again!
Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.Create your free account
Share this post
Categories
Agnostic does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any content. Read full disclaimer.