Understanding Our Relationships with Dogs: How We View Them and What It Means for Their Well-Being
Dogs have been our companions for thousands of years, evolving from their roles as hunters and protectors to cherished family members. But how we perceive our furry friends has profound effects on their well-being, our relationship with them, and how we meet their needs. A recent study by Gillet et al. (2024) provides fascinating insights into how owners view their dogs and what it means for canine welfare. Let’s explore these findings and how they align with other research on our deep connection with dogs.
Dogs as Family Members or Tools: A Spectrum of Roles
Historically, dogs were primarily valued for their utility—guarding homes, herding livestock, or hunting. These roles often positioned dogs in a hierarchy beneath humans, viewed primarily as tools for specific tasks. However, the industrial revolution and urbanization marked a turning point. As traditional kinship networks declined, people began filling emotional voids with pets, including dogs, whose social adaptability made them ideal companions.
Today, many dog owners describe their pets as family members, best friends, or even substitutes for children. Gillet et al.'s study revealed that 84.8% of surveyed owners saw their dogs as family members, while 68.4% considered them close friends. This shift reflects a broader societal trend where dogs provide emotional support, companionship, and even a sense of purpose.
The Impact of Anthropomorphism on Dog Welfare
While treating dogs as family can strengthen the human-dog bond, it also raises challenges. Anthropomorphism—attributing human emotions, motivations, and characteristics to dogs—can lead to misunderstandings about their needs.
For instance, some owners in the study reported overprotective behaviors, such as avoiding off-leash time due to perceived safety risks. Similarly, inconsistency in training was more common among owners who viewed their dogs as "children," possibly reflecting uncertainty in setting boundaries or expectations. These findings align with earlier research suggesting that first-time dog owners or those with smaller breeds are more prone to treating dogs as surrogate children, leading to less consistent care (Dotson & Hyatt, 2008).
Meeting Dogs’ Needs: A Balanced Perspective
Viewing dogs as family members is not inherently harmful. In fact, it often results in better care. According to Marinelli et al. (2007), companion dogs are more likely to receive regular veterinary care and be included in family activities than working dogs. However, challenges arise when their needs as animals are overlooked. For example:
Socialization: Dogs, as social animals, benefit from interactions with other dogs and exposure to diverse environments. Overprotectiveness can limit these opportunities, leading to fear or reactivity.
Natural Behaviors: Activities like sniffing, digging, or chewing are intrinsic to dogs. While these behaviors might sometimes conflict with human preferences, suppressing them can negatively impact their mental health.
Clear Boundaries: Consistent training and rules help dogs feel secure. Mixed signals—common when dogs are treated as children—can lead to confusion and stress.
Insights for Better Dog Care
The study by Gillet et al. highlights three main profiles of dog owners:
Dog Parents: These owners viewed their dogs as family members or children. While affectionate, they sometimes struggled with consistency and training.
Companion Dog Owners: These owners maintained a more traditional view of dogs as pets, balancing emotional closeness with practicality.
Dual-Status Owners: These owners assigned both practical and emotional roles to their dogs, often using positive reinforcement and professional training methods.
Interestingly, dogs in the dual-status group were perceived as more obedient and well-adjusted, possibly reflecting the benefits of balanced care that respects dogs as both companions and animals with unique needs.
Practical Tips for Dog Owners
To ensure our dogs thrive, it’s essential to balance affection with understanding of their nature:
Recognize Their Animal Needs: Dogs aren’t just furry humans—they have species-specific behaviors and instincts that need fulfillment.
Use Positive Training: Reward-based training strengthens the bond and ensures effective communication.
Provide Socialization and Enrichment: Regular walks, playtime, and exposure to varied environments keep dogs mentally and physically stimulated.
Set Consistent Rules: Clear boundaries create a sense of security for your dog.
A Call for Deeper Understanding
As the study shows, our perceptions of dogs shape how we care for them. By acknowledging their role as both companions and animals with distinct needs, we can foster healthier, more rewarding relationships. As research continues to deepen our understanding of dogs, let’s strive to honor the incredible bond we share while respecting the unique qualities that make dogs, well, dogs.
For more insights, check out the full study by Gillet et al. (2024) here and explore other fascinating works on canine behavior and welfare, such as Marinelli et al. (2007) and Dotson & Hyatt (2008).
References
Gillet, L., Simon, B., & Kubinyi, E. (2024). The role of dogs is associated with owner management practices and characteristics, but not with perceived canine behavior problems. Scientific Reports. DOI
Marinelli, L., Adamelli, S., Normando, S., & Bono, G. (2007). Quality of life of the pet dog: Influence of owner and dog’s characteristics. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 108(1-2), 143–156.
Dotson, M. J., & Hyatt, E. M. (2008). Understanding dog–human companionship. Journal of Business Research, 61(5), 457–466.