Empathy in dogs

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​It's hard to hide your true feelings from a dog. At some time or another, your dog has probably read your emotional state and then responded with comfort, concern, sympathy or other response. This is called empathy in dogs… the ability to understand and share the emotions of others. 

As validated by the healers in Sedona, Ricochet is an empath. It’s her empathy that helps her identify, respond and communicate the feelings of veterans who have PTSD. She can feel their pain. She feels their physical discomfort, emotional discomfort, fears and imbalance. Her senses are hyper-activated and it's multi-dimensional. 

Other dogs have this ability too. Typically with their families or others they are close to. Ricochet is empathic to complete strangers. Her ability is amplified because it has been nurtured and allowed to develop. The more she does it, the more powerful it gets. ​
She can sense the truth behind the façade a person is presenting. She seems to scan their psyche for thoughts and emotions. She is highly sensitive and has a deep sense of knowing how they are feeling.  She appears to see their trauma in full Technicolor. She can handle honest trauma. Honest, raw emotion. She feels it in her own body. She’s clear that it’s not hers, but she’s processing it for the person. She is able to handle difficult and negative energy without taking it on as her own.

When she is in busy environments, she can feel the crowds, the noise, the lights. She takes in so much. She hears people, feels their pain, their anxiety, their fears. Have you noticed these things with your dog? Watch your dog next time you're having a bad day or feeling anxious. ​​Does your dog take on your anxiety?​

Responding to an anxiety attack
In this video, Ricochet was trying to get the service member to sit on the bench. 

She was having an anxiety attack (note her legs shaking) because right before the video camera was turned on, a homeless man was yelling at us.

You can see how once the service member sat down, Ricochet got closer to her. She was still aware of everything going on around her, but her priority was being a comfort to the service member.

You'll also notice Ricochet looking back at me, as if to make sure I was aware of the increase in anxiety. We turned the camera off so Ricochet could take the service member to a more private, quiet area. 
Ricochet is involved in dog-human communication research with Dr. Brian Hare at the Duke University Canine Cognition Center. Ricochet appeared in Nat Geo Wild's "Is Your Dog A Genius" hosted by Dr. Hare. In this show, Dr. Hare explained canine cognition and empathy in dogs. He discussed how Ricochet uses empathy (the ability to understand and share the feelings of others) while identifying, responding and communicating with veterans who have PTSD.
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An anecdotal story of empathy
There was one young service member with PTSD that brought us to another level of Ricochet’s healing abilities. She also brought me to a higher level of skill in interpreting Ricochet’s behavior when she alerts to triggers, anxiety, fears and so much more.

They have the deepest connection of anyone that has crossed our path. It’s like they are soul sisters. The service member describes it as Ricochet sharing her pain which helps her to let go in a way.

I know Ricochet is an empath and feels what others feel, but she doesn’t keep it. She takes it on, but then let’s it go, freeing the person more each time.

​It's amazing to witness to this soul-to-soul healing! Please leave a comment below about your dog's empathy. 
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​​Dogs can sense when you’re not feeling well emotionally or physically. Some dogs know when you’re in need of comfort. Others may notice a change in your behavior. Are there certain types of people your dog gravitates towards? ​Pay close attention to the slightest cues, body language and actions of your dog. When we open our hearts and accept what our dogs have to share, we gain a greater sense of their empathy! 
Next up: Mirroring


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​Questions or comments about empathy?