The Danger of humanizing your dog.
The Danger of Humanizing Your Dog
The Risks of Treating Dogs Like Humans
Humanizing dogs is a common issue that can have serious consequences for both pets and their owners. When a dog is treated more like a human and less like an animal needing structure, it can become confused and insecure. Dogs look to their owners for stability and leadership; without clear boundaries, their role in the household becomes unclear, which can lead to behavioral issues.
The Importance of Structure and Independence
Dogs respond positively to structure. Activities such as obedience training, treat rewards, and bite work help create an environment of order and purpose. While spending time together is important, dogs also need their own space. Forcing constant physical closeness—like always keeping a dog on your lap can lead to increased stress for the animal.
Recognizing Stress in Dogs
Stress in dogs can be observed through their body language. For example, when a man carries a dog while someone else holds the leash, the dog’s facial expressions, particularly the eyes and mouth, can indicate discomfort. Signs such as a closed mouth, drooling, a tense body, and a fixed gaze suggest the dog is nervous or uncertain. These stress behaviors are common in many scenarios, and it’s important to pay attention to them.
Consequences of Over-Humanizing
An example of over-humanizing is when a dog is constantly the center of attention—accompanying its owner everywhere, being carried, dressed up, spoken to in baby talk, fed human food, and sleeping with the owner. While these actions may seem loving, they can lead to behavioral problems for the dog.
Challenges in Communication
Unlike humans, dogs cannot verbally express their need for space. They communicate through body language and vocalizations. A possessive dog may stand in the center, hold its tail straight back, bare its teeth, and growl or bark to signal that someone should stay away from its owner. This is not always aggression, but rather resource guarding, with the owner as the resource.
Legal and Safety Risks
When a dog perceives someone approaching its owner as a threat, it may act protectively, fearing the loss of attention and care. Such behavior can lead to dangerous situations, including biting. In some areas, dogs that bite may be euthanized, and owners can face criminal charges if the bite causes serious injury. Civil lawsuits are also a risk, with some cases resulting in significant financial damage.
The Importance of Proper Training and Insurance
Training is essential to prevent unwanted behaviors and biting incidents. A reputable dog trainer teaches owners the best practices for maintaining a healthy relationship with their dog and provides insight into dog psychology. Investing in proper training is more cost-effective than dealing with the consequences of poor behavior. In addition, some home insurance companies offer discounts for trained dogs, and liability insurance is available in case of accidental bites. Notably, even criminals have sued homeowners after being bitten during a break-in, underscoring the importance of having insurance for your dog.
Thank you for reading. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Manny
