You always have to be careful about the information you find on the Internet but in this instance it is respected information sources which are entirely incorrect about the science.
Many dog sites will tell you that you should never try to stare down a puppy or dog because they see that as an aggressive action.
Actually that does apply to real wolves, but NOT TO DOGS.
Although wolves are the ancestors of dogs, they are wild animals while dogs are not.
The fact is, according to Science Magazine, looking into the apparently loving eyes of a puppy may just be exactly what it seems to be – both the dogs and people looking into each other’s eyes experience an increase of up to 300% in their oxytocin levels. This is the chemical which causes mothers to bond with their babies and is also the “love” chemical experienced between adult humans.
In an April 17 issue of Science, the magazine of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (I’m a member of the AAAS) carried the article “How dogs stole our hearts” puppybyday.blogspot.com discusses a Japanese study.
Takefumi Kikusui, [is] an animal behaviorist at Azabu University in Sagamihara, Japan. Kikusui’s lab studies oxytocin, a hormone that plays a role in maternal bonding, trust, and altruism who published his results.
Photo is of Saint Weiler puppies
John McCormick
Love the article – and oh, those puppy eyes – adorable!
Thank you, what a great explanation. I’ll try this when I’m at my mom’s place over the weekend.
Olivie
I do that all the time, so I’m glad to hear this.
I just did this and it worked with my dog, but the cat does not like it.
i never would have guessed it. it is not what my mother told to me
That is amazing. It is the complete opposite of what I was always told, growing up.
I do agree with that. People dont give dogs credit for all they are.
Nice looking puppies. Love those eyes!