Nicely put! And I agree, especially about the human part. We all do good, charitable things for a sliver of attention, credit, ego-boost, etc and there are folks who only do those good deeds entirely for the self promotion.
It really is cool with me for anyone to have their own opinions and theories about why dogs do what they do. I do constantly read listings for dogs which read, "...just wants to please you" in which I can't help but wonder why so many people blurt this out about so many dogs.
Of course they may *seem* to want to please the owner but "pleasing" someone directly requires that there is consideration for the person's emotions and I just don't think that that's what's going on.
What I do believe (strongly) is that it simply isn't a dog trying (seemingly) to please/make happy their owners but they do so in order to keep the peace (for lack of better word) or to affect the person's emotions which directly relates to the dog and the dog's benefit. I feel it's an instinctual ability to *appease*.
One dog I know who belongs to a close friend is by far the most obsequitous thing and it is really so annoying. This dog constantly wriggles up, paws constantly, whines, grunts...ugh. So pleasing people isn't always something that is desired (by me specifically) and obsequitous behavior is closer to this idea than a normal, confident canine, in my opinion anyway.
Motivation is such a strong training tool because it harnesses the dogs desire to please himself and to earn rewards which are important to him.
Just as an owner who comes home to find the garbage can raided thinks the dog is behaving as if "guilty" or "knows it's in trouble" in conjunction with the garbage can "faux paw"
In reality, the dog is reading the person's body language, responding in a manner to extinguish the punishment, tone or uncertain actions. Most folks don't laugh with glee upon finding their garbage strewn everywhere and it shows to the dogs who in turn (in true canine form) communicate back via body language.
If dogs truly wanted to please people, he wouldn't be in the trash while they're away in the first place.
I mess with my guys all the time (probably too much) because it fascinates me how I can directly affect their body language with my own. This translates to heightened emotion as well, notably during training. A boring, emotionless trainer usually doesn't have a very motivated and enthusiastic student. A really motivated and energetic, fun and engaged trainer directly influences the dog's response but the dog doesn't work any harder to "please" the trainer in either case.
They simply don't have the capability to understand their actions can make someone happy in the sense that that matters on a conscience level. For safety and self-preservation purposes, yes...but I just don't think that they really give a flip about it in a technical sense. Which I guess could be considered splitting hairs and I'm fine with that.
I am constantly reconsidering my feelings about theories and understanding new ideas and love to hear how others feel about it and really don't mind being wrong.
On the same topic, I remember vividly a childhood dog I had, a scruffy, adorable terrier mix who was the most special thing in my heart and was my best friend for years. When I cried, she would scooch up to me, visibly she appeared so concerned and would lick my face and paw at me. Trying to please me?
I don't think so, but it was complete and utter appeasement and I know that she knew I was emotionally upset and she wanted me to change my behavior in the only manner she could communicate. It usually worked but for both of us...I felt better and I was more emotionally bonded to her b/c I appreciated this "gesture of sympathy" but she also racked up the affection, hugs, talking to...so as you say...who's pleasing who? LOL