Love them like a dog: Why Humanising Our Canine Companions Can Do More Harm Than Good!
We adore our dogs. They're furry family members, loyal companions, and sources of endless joy. It's only natural to want to shower them with love, treat them well, and make them feel like a cherished part of our lives. But in our eagerness to express affection, many of us inadvertently fall into the trap of "humanising" our dogs – attributing human thoughts, emotions, and needs to them.
While it comes from a place of deep love, treating our dogs like furry little humans can actually be detrimental to their well-being, leading to confusion, stress, and behavioural issues for our beloved pets.
“This is what it's all about: pure love and connection. Loving our dogs for exactly who they are – magnificent canines – creates the strongest, most fulfilling relationships."
What Does "Humanising" Actually Mean?
Humanising dogs goes beyond simple affection. It involves:
Assuming human emotions: Believing a dog is "guilty" when they're actually showing appeasement, or that they "know better."
Ignoring canine communication: Missing subtle body language cues because we're projecting human expressions onto them.
Treating them like children: Dressing them in uncomfortable clothes, pushing them in strollers, or denying them natural dog behaviours.
Disregarding species-specific needs: Prioritising human comforts over a dog's inherent need for exercise, mental stimulation, sniffing, and clear boundaries.
Sharing human diets: Feeding them table scraps or processed human foods that are unhealthy or even toxic for dogs.
The Pitfalls of Humanisation for Our Dogs
While it seems harmless, or even kind, humanising dogs can lead to several problems:
Behavioural Challenges:
Anxiety and Stress: Dogs thrive on routine and clear communication. When their owners act inconsistently or don't provide boundaries, the dog can become anxious, unsure of their role or what's expected. Being forced into situations they don't understand or enjoy (like overly elaborate costumes or forced interactions with strangers) can also be stressful.
Miscommunication: A humanised perspective often leads us to misinterpret canine signals. We might see a dog's "guilty" look after an accident, when it's actually an appeasement gesture to an angry human, not an admission of wrongdoing. This misinterpretation hinders effective training and communication.
Resource Guarding & Aggression: If a dog is never given boundaries or is treated like an equal (or superior) in the household, they might start to believe they are in charge. This can lead to resource guarding (of food, toys, or even their human!) and aggression towards perceived threats.
Failure to Thrive as a Dog: Dogs need to sniff, dig, chew, run, and interact with the world in a canine way. If we deny these instincts in favour of purely human activities, dogs can become frustrated, destructive, or develop neurotic behaviours.
Health Issues:
Obesity: Feeding human food or excessive treats from the table can quickly lead to weight gain, putting stress on joints, organs, and shortening a dog's life.
Digestive Problems: Many human foods are unsuitable for dogs, causing upset stomachs, pancreatitis, or other serious health conditions.
Neglect of Canine Care: Prioritising a dog's "outfit" over a proper grooming routine (brushing to prevent mats, dental care) can lead to health problems.
Strained Relationships:
When a dog doesn't behave "like a human," owners can become frustrated or disappointed, leading to a breakdown in the bond.
Dogs become confused by inconsistent rules and expectations, making them harder to train and live with harmoniously.
Love Them Like a Dog: Why Humanising Our Canine Companions Can Do More Harm Than Good
We adore our dogs. They're furry family members, loyal companions, and sources of endless joy. It's only natural to want to shower them with love, treat them well, and make them feel like a cherished part of our lives. But in our eagerness to express affection, many of us inadvertently fall into the trap of "humanising" our dogs – attributing human thoughts, emotions, and needs to them.
While it comes from a place of deep love, treating our dogs like furry little humans can actually be detrimental to their well-being, leading to confusion, stress, and behavioural issues for our beloved pets.
What Does "Humanising" Actually Mean?
Humanising dogs goes beyond simple affection. It involves:
Assuming human emotions: Believing a dog is "guilty" when they're actually showing appeasement, or that they "know better."
Ignoring canine communication: Missing subtle body language cues because we're projecting human expressions onto them.
Treating them like children: Dressing them in uncomfortable clothes, pushing them in strollers, or denying them natural dog behaviours.
Disregarding species-specific needs: Prioritising human comforts over a dog's inherent need for exercise, mental stimulation, sniffing, and clear boundaries.
Sharing human diets: Feeding them table scraps or processed human foods that are unhealthy or even toxic for dogs.
The Pitfalls of Humanisation for Our Dogs
While it seems harmless, or even kind, humanising dogs can lead to several problems:
Behavioural Challenges:
Anxiety and Stress: Dogs thrive on routine and clear communication. When their owners act inconsistently or don't provide boundaries, the dog can become anxious, unsure of their role or what's expected. Being forced into situations they don't understand or enjoy (like overly elaborate costumes or forced interactions with strangers) can also be stressful.
Miscommunication: A humanised perspective often leads us to misinterpret canine signals. We might see a dog's "guilty" look after an accident, when it's actually an appeasement gesture to an angry human, not an admission of wrongdoing. This misinterpretation hinders effective training and communication.
Resource Guarding & Aggression: If a dog is never given boundaries or is treated like an equal (or superior) in the household, they might start to believe they are in charge. This can lead to resource guarding (of food, toys, or even their human!) and aggression towards perceived threats.
Failure to Thrive as a Dog: Dogs need to sniff, dig, chew, run, and interact with the world in a canine way. If we deny these instincts in favour of purely human activities, dogs can become frustrated, destructive, or develop neurotic behaviours.
Health Issues:
Obesity: Feeding human food or excessive treats from the table can quickly lead to weight gain, putting stress on joints, organs, and shortening a dog's life.
Digestive Problems: Many human foods are unsuitable for dogs, causing upset stomachs, pancreatitis, or other serious health conditions.
Neglect of Canine Care: Prioritising a dog's "outfit" over a proper grooming routine (brushing to prevent mats, dental care) can lead to health problems.
Strained Relationships:
When a dog doesn't behave "like a human," owners can become frustrated or disappointed, leading to a breakdown in the bond.
Dogs become confused by inconsistent rules and expectations, making them harder to train and live with harmoniously.
Loving Them Like a Dog: The Healthier Approach
True love for our dogs means respecting and celebrating their unique canine nature. This approach leads to a happier, healthier dog and a stronger, more authentic bond:
Learn Canine Communication: Understand their body language, vocalizations, and subtle cues. This helps you respond appropriately to their needs and emotions.
Meet Their Species-Specific Needs: Provide a balanced, dog-appropriate diet, sufficient exercise for their breed and age, and plenty of mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, and enrichment activities.
Establish Clear Boundaries: Dogs thrive on structure. Consistent rules, boundaries, and positive reinforcement training build confidence and reduce anxiety. They need to know what's expected of them.
Embrace Their Dog-ness: Let them sniff on walks, roll in the grass, play with other well-socialised dogs, and enjoy being a dog. Provide appropriate outlets for natural behaviours like chewing and digging.
Provide True Security: A dog feels most secure when they understand their place in the family unit and know their needs are consistently met by a calm, confident leader.
Love Them Like a Dog: Why Humanising Our Canine Companions Can Do More Harm Than Good
We adore our dogs. They're furry family members, loyal companions, and sources of endless joy. It's only natural to want to shower them with love, treat them well, and make them feel like a cherished part of our lives. But in our eagerness to express affection, many of us inadvertently fall into the trap of "humanising" our dogs – attributing human thoughts, emotions, and needs to them.
While it comes from a place of deep love, treating our dogs like furry little humans can actually be detrimental to their well-being, leading to confusion, stress, and behavioural issues for our beloved pets.
What Does "Humanising" Actually Mean?
Humanising dogs goes beyond simple affection. It involves:
Assuming human emotions: Believing a dog is "guilty" when they're actually showing appeasement, or that they "know better."
Ignoring canine communication: Missing subtle body language cues because we're projecting human expressions onto them.
Treating them like children: Dressing them in uncomfortable clothes, pushing them in strollers, or denying them natural dog behaviours.
Disregarding species-specific needs: Prioritising human comforts over a dog's inherent need for exercise, mental stimulation, sniffing, and clear boundaries.
Sharing human diets: Feeding them table scraps or processed human foods that are unhealthy or even toxic for dogs.
The Pitfalls of Humanisation for Our Dogs
While it seems harmless, or even kind, humanising dogs can lead to several problems:
Behavioural Challenges:
Anxiety and Stress: Dogs thrive on routine and clear communication. When their owners act inconsistently or don't provide boundaries, the dog can become anxious, unsure of their role or what's expected. Being forced into situations they don't understand or enjoy (like overly elaborate costumes or forced interactions with strangers) can also be stressful.
Miscommunication: A humanised perspective often leads us to misinterpret canine signals. We might see a dog's "guilty" look after an accident, when it's actually an appeasement gesture to an angry human, not an admission of wrongdoing. This misinterpretation hinders effective training and communication.
Resource Guarding & Aggression: If a dog is never given boundaries or is treated like an equal (or superior) in the household, they might start to believe they are in charge. This can lead to resource guarding (of food, toys, or even their human!) and aggression towards perceived threats.
Failure to Thrive as a Dog: Dogs need to sniff, dig, chew, run, and interact with the world in a canine way. If we deny these instincts in favour of purely human activities, dogs can become frustrated, destructive, or develop neurotic behaviours.
Health Issues:
Obesity: Feeding human food or excessive treats from the table can quickly lead to weight gain, putting stress on joints, organs, and shortening a dog's life.
Digestive Problems: Many human foods are unsuitable for dogs, causing upset stomachs, pancreatitis, or other serious health conditions.
Neglect of Canine Care: Prioritising a dog's "outfit" over a proper grooming routine (brushing to prevent mats, dental care) can lead to health problems.
Strained Relationships:
When a dog doesn't behave "like a human," owners can become frustrated or disappointed, leading to a breakdown in the bond.
Dogs become confused by inconsistent rules and expectations, making them harder to train and live with harmoniously.
Loving Them Like a Dog: The Healthier Approach
True love for our dogs means respecting and celebrating their unique canine nature. This approach leads to a happier, healthier dog and a stronger, more authentic bond:
Learn Canine Communication: Understand their body language, vocalizations, and subtle cues. This helps you respond appropriately to their needs and emotions.
Meet Their Species-Specific Needs: Provide a balanced, dog-appropriate diet, sufficient exercise for their breed and age, and plenty of mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, and enrichment activities.
Establish Clear Boundaries: Dogs thrive on structure. Consistent rules, boundaries, and positive reinforcement training build confidence and reduce anxiety. They need to know what's expected of them.
Embrace Their Dog-ness: Let them sniff on walks, roll in the grass, play with other well-socialised dogs, and enjoy being a dog. Provide appropriate outlets for natural behaviours like chewing and digging.
Provide True Security: A dog feels most secure when they understand their place in the family unit and know their needs are consistently met by a calm, confident leader.
In conclusion, our dogs aren't furry humans; they're magnificent canines. By understanding and respecting their unique dog-ness, we empower them to live their best, happiest, and most fulfilling lives. And isn't that what true love is all about?
