Dog/child

[persephone]

so as not to make percynality's sad thread into a wrestling match ...

I guess , with so many people choosing to not add to earth's population , and so many unable to have a child of their own , humans being what they are , need somewhere to put all their love & care .

Are dogs(pets) a suitable substitute?

Do we forget about what canines are ?

Are dogs (especially ones bred to be small companions) losing the things which make them a dog?

Any scholarly links to info on this would be appreciated ... it fascinates me.

Edited April 8, 2012 by persephone

[rastus_froggy]

Pers, I wanted to choose many answers in the second question!

Occasionally my husband refers to me as our dogs mum or himself as dad, BUT our dogs are treated as dogs, and of course wonderful companions.

Being childless we do a LOT with our dogs as we do not have children to take up our time, but we do have a bubba on the way, and honsetly it puts things into perspective. One day as I was driving along I just had this incredible connection with our unborn baby, it is a feeling I have never experienced before - not even remotely felt close to with the dogs, it is an entirely different level. I do not love my dogs any less, I have just learnt a new level of love and I am sure that level will go up again when I give birth.

I have an incredible appreciation for every dog I have ever owned and every dog I will own into the future, man, if they were people I had chosen to bring into my life as friend I am sure my appreciation and tolerance of them would be much lower

[Weasels]

I personally don't have a problem with the terms 'furbaby' or the like; not one I'd use myself but people are just trying to express how much their dog means to them in a world where some people don't understand how dogs can be more than yappy furballs in the backyard that you get as something to play with the kids.

The uncomfortable part is when the language of 'children' etc. goes along with a pattern of anthropomorphisation that is not in the dog's best interest. Things like thinking the dog loves to be hugged (some might, most don't), would rather be carried around than walk & sniff, or the dog 'hates being told what to do'. Actions that can lead to a bored, understimulated, unsocialised and untrained little pooch. I don't care what terms people use to talk about their dogs but I hate to see it when people either can't or won't read their dog's body language about things THEY want to do but are making the dog miserable.

Edited April 8, 2012 by Weasels

[tdierikx]

My dogs are my "furkids"... but they are dogs, and treated as such... and I'm pretty sure they appreciate that immensely... *grin*

T.

[kja]

Dogs are dogs. They are not children.

Why anyone would want them to be is beyond me.

Dogs should be valued as the beings they are - not some crazy-ass fantasy being that a human projects onto them. Humans need to get a grip.

[Janba]

This is a very good video about human-dog relationships - Dogs Decoded.

"Dogs Decoded" reveals the science behind the remarkable bond between humans and their dogs and spurs new questions about what this could mean for our relationships with other animal species.

You have to fast forward to the 3.15 minute point for the documentary to start.

Edited April 8, 2012 by Janba

[Niques]

My dog is a dog. I frequently call him Baby James and my mother calls him her Grandpuppy. But he's still a dog - not a human baby, not a human grandchild.

[Baileys mum]

My OH & I are unable to have children, so I will admit that my gorgeous dogs do fill that void. They are our family & we love them with all our heart,& couldn't see life without them.... but we know their dogs & not human children & they get treated as such.

We really try to give them everything that meets a dogs needs,vet treatment when needed, premium food, excercise & training, & lots of games, toys, & most of all lots & lots of love, & they are extreamly happy well balanced little dogs. :)

[Guest donatella]

I think everyone around me is more obsessed with referring to mine as my child (as I have none) but she is treated like a dog and I still have activities away from her as not like children she doesn't have to come with me ALL the time.

She gets chicken necks, loves shaking hands but has her own independent personality. I couldnt live the life I live if I treated her like a child, however in saying that, we do doggy things and have fun dog time where she enjoys being a dog.

[grizabella]

I love dogs, and my dog, because they are dogs. Bella is without a doubt part of the family, but she's not human and I'd never want her to be.

I think dogs could be a suitable substitute for not having children in some ways, as they are loved and raised as family members, but they are a different species and must be treated as such for their best interest.

[Christina]

My dogs are better cared for, fed, loved & live a better life than many children in the world but they are still dogs.

They are loved & cared for as family but they are still dogs.

They can sleep on lounges & beds & live inside but they aren't fed at the table with a bib on & dressed in silly outfits etc.

Watching the Doolittle movies last night was hilarious but I find it so weird to realise that although its only a movie some people do treat their dogs & pets this way in real life

[Kajtek]

This is a very good video about human-dog relationships - Dogs Decoded.

After watching this documentary I boldly declare that my 3 are my children. So there :laugh:

(Edited to clarify that we respect their needs. They do all the things good dogs are expected to do)

Edited April 8, 2012 by Kajtek

[raineth]

I have two kids and two dogs - I most definitely don't have four kids!

I like the doggy-ness of dogs and the kiddy-ness of kids, and I would not encourage either to be like the other.

[flatchat]

My dogs are definitely not my children even though we have no children. They are dogs, much love but still dogs.

I detest the terms furkids and furbabies.

[JulesP]

I don't like children, I do like my dogs so no my dogs aren't children.

What does it mean anyhow 'to treat you dogs like children'????

[LisaJ]

A quick google search gave this

http://responsibledog.net/human_dog_bond.html

Food for thought???

[RiverStar-Aura]

I love my dogs simply because they AREN'T children. I don't have maternal instincts and children make me cringe; I loathe them.

I do refer to them as my bubbas, however, they will always be dogs to me and I love them for it.

[Bundyburger]

Our dogs are our 'kids' but they are definitely just dogs and don't come close to being a child substitute. We often joke we don't need kids because the dogs cause enough mischief, but they never have been treated like children.. Can you imagine trying to teach them to sit at the table and eat politely at dinner time? Too much effort :laugh:

Edited April 8, 2012 by Bundyburger

[RallyValley]

I think if you treated a dog how you would ideally treat a child it would be fine, you have a routine, you care for thier health, you make sure they are mentally stimulated and exercise and show them appropriate discipline as well as love and affection. And also that they are a priority and main part of your life. But I don't think I would call that treating a dog like a child, just taking good care of my dog.

If you treat a dog like a human infant it will obviously not work and when I see people say they treat thier dog "like a child" this is what I think of.

[Tralee]

Two items to add to your two categories.

1. My dogs are babies, children grow up.

2. My dogs like running wild/free.

Regards

Px