Anthropomorphism: Are You Guilty?
Wednesday September 3, 2008
Do you consider your dog to be your child? Do your treat your canine companion like a person? If so, you are not alone. Anthropomorphism, in this case, basically refers to the way many of us regard our pets - like humans. The big question: is there any harm in it, or are we sending the wrong message to our dogs?
Guest author Michael Landa gives us his take on this modern phenomenon and how it affects our pets and our families. Millions of us call ourselves "pet parents," in turn treating our pets like babies or toddlers. Today's dogs are becoming our family pack leaders because we don't always put them in their place. Landa discusses our response to pet product marketing, our attitudes towards our dogs and how this contributes to pet behavioral problems. See what else he has to say about anthropomorphism, then share your thoughts here.
Photo Kevin Winter / Getty Images
Comments
I agree with this article regarding bundaries (however small) to be set for one’s dog. Nevertheless, I think that the reasons why we love our pets so dearly is that they will remain defenceless in this crazy world, and that they bring us unconditional love, throughout their life (even if you’re poor, sick, or don’t look good in the morning). I love my pets and they know it.
I treat my dog just like my kids. I spoil them, but they are taught rules, limitations, and respect. My kids and the dog are well-behaved.
So if a dog really likes to lick your face or hand, and you let him, are you being submissive and abdicating your role as pack leader, or are you letting him be submissive? I believe I am guilty of some lack of limits for my dog, but would like it if you could give some more clues about what is submissive behavior and what is dominant. My boyfriend is definitley dominant with the dog, and the dog loves it. He throws the toy for the dog over and over. Is that dominant or submissive?
Thank you for any insights you can give me.
Guilty as charged.
We love this little guy so much and we do indeed overdo it. I’m a little stronger than my wife is, but she makes me feel guilty when I make him mind too much. Very interesting article. I’m going to send it to Bernie’s Mom and work on making some changes. I wish I could write more, but Bernie wants to play now.
Rut row….I am guilty too.
Are you saying the cute little devil costume we bought him for Halloween means we were suckered by the marketing department at Meijers? lol
Thanks for the great article!!
Well as April’s mom yes I am also very guilty as charged but we have had dogs in our family that live longer in the family home than the childred did and yes April is my sweet little girl dog and not my kid. She is just my BEST everything and is always there for me no matter how I feel and so it is only right for me to do the same for her and I will never be able to change the way I treat her (she is my baby) can not teach a old dog new tricks !! From April and her mom !!!
Yes, we are guilty as well. It is hard to not pamper our little Samson (Bichon Frise). It starts with some nice durable toys, then gourmet treats. Then it goes to luxury dog beds and retro 70’s doggie shirts and comfy sweaters. We can’t help it, he is so cute!