Do Dogs Understand Death? What Science (and Experience) Really Show
Tue Jan 27 2026
When a dog dies in a household, many owners wonder if the surviving dogs truly understand what happened. In this episode, Scott Sheaffer explores how dogs perceive death, loss, and change through their senses and routines rather than through human concepts of mortality.
You’ll learn why some dogs appear to grieve while others seem unaffected, how scent and routine play a role in their behavior, and how to best support a surviving dog after a loss. This is Part 1 of a two-part series, leading into the next episode: Do Dogs Go to Heaven?
Subscribe for more bite-sized episodes and visit USADogBehavior.com for additional resources!
Find us at USADogBehavior.com.
Follow us on Facebook.
Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If your dog is displaying aggression toward humans, consult an experienced and knowledgeable canine behavior professional who uses humane, non-aversive methods, and always take precautions to keep others safe.
Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of the information shared in this podcast.
More
When a dog dies in a household, many owners wonder if the surviving dogs truly understand what happened. In this episode, Scott Sheaffer explores how dogs perceive death, loss, and change through their senses and routines rather than through human concepts of mortality. You’ll learn why some dogs appear to grieve while others seem unaffected, how scent and routine play a role in their behavior, and how to best support a surviving dog after a loss. This is Part 1 of a two-part series, leading into the next episode: Do Dogs Go to Heaven? Subscribe for more bite-sized episodes and visit USADogBehavior.com for additional resources! Find us at USADogBehavior.com. Follow us on Facebook. Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If your dog is displaying aggression toward humans, consult an experienced and knowledgeable canine behavior professional who uses humane, non-aversive methods, and always take precautions to keep others safe. Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of the information shared in this podcast.