We actually have a lot more in common with dogs than we realize. There’s so much that brings us together rather than pulls us apart. Our desires and needs regarding existence and social interaction are similar.
We all desire a place to call home and connections with those we care about. We want to love and be loved, to have our thoughts, needs, and wishes considered, to enjoy being near the people we care about, and to share time with them. There’s a distinction here: while people often love hugs and embraces, dogs find that overwhelming. They’d rather have a belly rub or lie next to someone so they can feel their presence.
We should aim to be valuable members of our community. Most dogs do their best to meet their responsibilities, but these can vary based on the breed. For instance, some dogs are all about alerting us to any potential danger, while others might take on the role of guarding the home. Then there are sheepdogs, who are great at keeping the family together during walks.
At our core and on an emotional level, we’re similar. We all need:
protection from rain, cold, and heat;
– nutritious, well-rounded meal;
– having a drink of water;
– healthcare when facing health issues;
– a peaceful spot where we can relax without any interruptions;
Stimulation is key—boredom and a lack of activity can really dull our spirits, sap our motivation, and even lead to depression. The answer lies in social interactions, play, and work. For dogs, it’s all about having the freedom to explore, which means they need the chance to sniff around without interruptions from humans while walking. Those walks are crucial for a dog’s well-being and mental health. During these outings, they should be free to explore the grass with their noses as much as they want and for as long as they need. This is super important for them.
Like a family, being part of a social group is essential for everyone. But let’s face it: not every family is perfect. Toxic relationships can be really damaging and create a life filled with stress. If we take a closer look at this, we’ll see just how alike the potential stressors for kids and dogs can be:
what we call “traditional” educational or training methods, which rely on a system of penalties and corrections;
– too much control over the child/dog;
– reliance on a parent or guide (a typical result of too much control; a scenario where a child or dog struggles to make choices and looks to an adult for direction in every situation; anxiety about being abandoned without a parent or guide; feelings of powerlessness and doubt when they’re not around; a diminished belief in one’s own skills. This is the final stage before “learned helplessness” sets in),
– absence of consent from the parent/guardian regarding social relationships (usually stemming from worries about the child’s/dog’s safety). Let’s also mention the most common addictions, like kids being hooked on computers or phones, and dogs being obsessed with a ball or training.
When it comes to interacting with our furry friends, one more thing must be mentioned: a lack of understanding of dogs’ basic body language can lead to misunderstandings and a whole bunch of issues.
No comments