PUPPY LOVE
We’re a nation of pet lovers – so much so, that many of us treat our furry friends as if they were our own children. But is this doing them more harm than good?
Stringing up balloons and putting the finishing touches to a birthday cake, the scene is set. ‘Happy birthday!’ banners adorn the living room, a pile of carefully-wrapped presents are sitting ready to be torn open and a buffet of party food is ready for the guests.
But this isn’t your average child’s birthday party.
This is for your dog.
Yes, that’s right – because for most pet owners, their fur babies are up there with human children.
In fact, a 2023 survey by Onepoll for dog food brand Ollie found that four in five respondents who were also parents said that their dog’s wellness was just as important as their child’s – but what makes us go potty for our pets? We rely on our furry friends to get us through life’s ups and downs – with a survey on behalf of Petsafe finding that eight in 10 owners said their pets are their number one source of joy.
And when we have a bad day, six in 10 of us confide in our pets, and even prefer to snuggle up with them over our partners. But as a result of this, we can sometimes have a hard time saying no to them. ‘I think it’s become much more widespread since Covid – so many people bought dogs because they felt lonely and had a lot of time to spoil them,’ says dog trainer and behaviourist Emily Gill. ‘I also think with the rise of social media and so many dogs having Instagram accounts, it’s become way more common to treat your dog like a baby. ‘But dogs aren’t humans, and they don’t act or feel in the same way humans do –
Sixin10of usprefer cuddlingour petstoour partners
so treating them like a human can be confusing and cause training problems for them.’
Many owners think showering their pets with love and affection will create a special bond, akin to that of a parent and child – and at the same time, putting human emotions onto them, too.
But things that make our pets seem extra adorable – like dressing them up in cute outfits or having them perform funny tricks – can be stressful for them.
‘Dogs can definitely feel happy and sad – maybe not in the same way we feel these emotions, but they’re able to feel joy and sadness,’ explains Emily. ‘But a lot of owners confuse happiness with hyperactivity. Lots of dogs who are truly happy actually act calm and content.
‘A lot of the time, dogs who are very hyperactive aren’t very well balanced, and although they may just seem ‘excitable’ it is often a sign of behavioural issues to come. ‘Behaviours that I don’t like seeing in dogs are rolling on their back as soon as they greet their owners – this can often show nervousness and eventually lead to more extreme anxiety.’ It’s not all bad news though – and if you have been spoiling your pup a bit too much, it’s not too late to fix any issues. ‘Talking about these issues as they arise is definitely a positive in that it’s encouraged a lot more research into dog’s psychology, giving us a deeper understanding of their
‘Treating your dog like human can b confusing fo them’
behaviour,’ says Emily. ‘It’s nice to see people more and more willing to invest in their dog’s health and wellbeing.
‘And most behaviours are easy to work with.’
But while we shouldn’t put human emotions and behaviours onto dogs, there’s no denying they’re part of the family. So often, the problem isn’t the dog – it’s the owner.
‘When I suggest a new lifestyle change that involves spoiling a dog less, owners are usually the most upset,’ says Emily. ‘It’s important to remember that it’s for your dog’s best interest and the benefit of their mental health.’
It might be easier said than done – but as the saying goes, you’ve got to be cruel to be kind.
Although it might feel mean saying no when they give you those puppy dog eyes for a piece of cheese or a cuddle on the bed, in the end it’s for their own good.
Animals can be like our children – but they need to be animals first.
Try bonding with your dog in a more appropriate way – teaching them tricks, taking time to train them and being consistent with boundaries.
Your pooch will thank you!
● Visit perfectdogtraining.co.uk and follow Emily on Instagram: @perfectdogtraining
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