What is the sound of one dog laughing?
Dogs are very intelligent. No matter how smart your dog my seem, they are incapable of complex problem solving. It is also accepted that dogs are not self-aware. They don't ponder their purpose or yearn for a better tomorrow. They are subject to simple emotions, like love, loneliness, happiness, fear, and jealousy.
      With these limitations, is it possible a dog can laugh? Laughing is prompted by self-awareness, finding irony in a situation, or relating to another's dilemma. What triggers us to laugh might be too complex for a dog's intelligence, except for one aspect; laughter is an unpredictable reaction to joy. Not as side-splitting as listening to a well honed comedian, but we do laugh when we are greeted with good news or when we play. Could this same feeling of wellness bring about canine laughter too?
      Experts have isolated what they think is the sound of dog laughter. Similar to a pant, canine laughter has been recorded and played back to other dogs with surprising results. In kennel situations dog laughter has been proven to reduce stress, induce playfulness and incite tail wagging.
      A study done at Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service subjected one hundred and twenty dogs to various canine vocalizations. Dogs use four distinct vocalizations while engaged in play--barks, growls, whines, and the breathy, pant associated with the dog-laugh. They found the whisper-like, huh-huh-huh is the only vocalization exclusive to play and the only one that causes a sense of happiness.
      Experiments with your own dog can be as easy as noting its laughter during play and then mimicking the sound at a later time to invoke a reaction. You might not be able to crack your spouse up anymore, but being able to laugh along with the dog might be a new stress outlet for everyone

Harley is a very energetic two year old Brittany Spaniel. He comes to our Aurora location for doggie daycare. Harley started coming to doggie day care when he was an adorable little puppy and has grown up with the Tenaker staff. Harley loves coming to Tenaker because it allows him to spend all his energy during the day. By the time he goes home he is usually ready to wind down and relax with family. Harley is very social when he is at doggie daycare and loves playing with all the other dogs. This fun loving dog loves to swim. He thinks anything that falls on the ground in the play yard is a crew toy. If someone drops something, from walkie-talkies to tools, he will run off with it. For a dog with short legs, Harley is incredibly fast, so he is difficult to catch. He keeps the staff on their toes, but they find his antics very humorous. Harley seems to enjoy being chased by the staff too. It is personalities like Harley's that make the job at Tenaker Pet Care so much fun.