Fido's Feelings

Many of us who live with companion animals tend to attribute human feelings and motives to our furry friends’ actions. This is called anthropomorphizing. Sometimes it is fun to imagine what the dog or cat may be saying if he could speak with words. Sometimes it may even help us to feel less lonely.

Despite their soulful gazes, dogs don’t think like people think. Dogs love us unconditionally. They want to please their person. They don’t care which side of town we live on or what kind of car we provide for them to ride in. They live a timeless life and they don’t fear death. They don’t care who is watching as they scoot across the floor on their back end to take care of an itch.

A good example of different thinking is the use of crates. Some people have a strong reaction to crate training. They see a dog crate and imagine themselves locked up in jail, and they know they would be miserable. So, they consider a crate to be like a prison for dogs. They think of crating a dog as cruel treatment for their best friend. However, from the dog’s perspective, a crate with a nice blanket and her favorite toy provides a safe den or space of her own.

Sometimes, out of a very deep emotional feeling for the animal, actions intended to show the dog how much he is loved can actually be confusing to the dog. For example, some owners are reluctant to correct a dog for inappropriate behavior because they are afraid it will make the dog stop loving them. The dog wants to know how to please you.

Lack of training, or not setting up house rules, is troublesome to the dog. This confusion can lead to unwanted behaviors. This is a big concern in dogs who have an assertive temperament. These dogs may begin challenging family members for objects or food. This challenge can become growls that could even lead to biting.

Dogs need to know and understand the house rules. In the canine mind, having her person take the leading role by teaching her the rules in a gentle and consistent manner makes the dog feel more secure. Obedience training classes focused on positive reinforcement, not punishment, are an excellent way to help the dog learn behavior that is acceptable and to help the person know how to set the ground rules. Plus, when your dog knows how to please you, it will make her happy too.

 
Founded in 1965, Pets In Need receives no federal, state or local government support.

Published in the San Mateo County Times, October 19, 2002