THE SCOLDED DOG.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 July 1928, Page 1

THE SCOLDED DOG.

“ Almost every observant person has noticed with curiosity the behaviour of a dag when scolded by its master,” writes Professor J. H. Leulm- in “ Harper’s Monthly Magazine.” “It seems to be in dread of his disapproval and yet it may never have suffered any substantial physical punishment at hi? bands. The emotional reaction brouglu cut by the master’s displeasure is, as a matter of fact, not the simple fear reaction ; the animal does not run away as it would,if it merely feared blows; it remains near, it even approaches, crawling on its belly as in supplication, seeks to rub against the master’s legs, tries to lick his hands. Ibis is obviously not an expression of fear of physical chastisement. What is it? IVliat affects them is not fear of physical pain; they, like children, suffer a moral pain, the pain of rejection by those they love. In the tenderly nuv tured higher animals, as in the young child, the direct misery is not prodiic ed by physical pain, hut by being rejected by loved ones.”