Dog’s ‘Guilty‘ Expression After Tissue Destruction explained by Owner‘s Reaction, Study Suggests
A dog’s seemingly remorseful face after shredding tissues, captured in a viral TikTok video, highlights research suggesting the “guilty look” is often a reaction to owner scolding, not actual wrongdoing. the video,posted by user @zeena.therapy.dog,shows a dog named Zeena surrounded by the remnants of a tissue box,appearing to hang her head as her owner returns home.
The viral moment sparked a wave of amused commentary online, but it also echoes findings from a 2009 study published in Applied Animal Behavior Science. The research team tested the theory of canine guilt by observing dogs presented with the opportunity to eat food off a table while their owners were absent. Researchers then assessed the reactions of dogs who did and did not consume the forbidden treat upon their owner’s return.
The study revealed that dogs who ate the food were “no more likely to look guilty” than those who refrained. Researchers concluded the ”guilty” look is likely triggered by the owner’s reaction – a response to being reprimanded,rather than an understanding of having done something wrong.
In the TikTok video, Zeena’s owner documented the aftermath of the tissue destruction, prompting viewers to playfully defend the dog.”That noodle is innocent,” one commenter wrote, while another jokingly offered legal representation.
Newsweek reached out to Zeena’s owner for comment.
