No, Internet, 'Science' Didn't 'Prove' That Dogs Hate Hugs

Overview

• Recent internet buzz claims that science has proven dogs hate hugs.
• The claim is based on an op-ed, not a scientific study.

Source of Information

• Article in Psychology Today by Stanley Coren, a retired professor.
• Coren's observations are not peer-reviewed.

Key Points

• Coren analyzed 250 random photos of dogs being hugged from the internet.
• Photos were rated based on distress cues in dogs' facial expressions.
• No control over environment or dog's pre-hug emotional state was considered.

Scientific Process

• Peer review is essential for validating scientific claims.
• Coren's work lacks peer review, making his conclusions preliminary.
• Evan MacLean of Duke's Canine Cognition Center suggests more formal study is needed.

Expert Opinions

• MacLean advises against hugging dogs in conventional human ways.
• No concrete scientific evidence that dogs loathe hugs.

Conclusion

• Existing information is not definitive and should not be taken as scientific proof.
• Further research needed for conclusive evidence on dogs' feelings about hugs.