Anthropomorphism
Anthropomorphism… A big word that has a direct impact on your dog’s behavior and which very well reflects the actions we too often have towards man’s best friend!
Anthropomorphism is defined as the attribution by humans of human characteristics to their pets. Some owners give so much love and affection to their dogs that it turns out to be very harmful to the behavior of the latter since the latter does not have the same "sensitivity" as humans - at least, according to what we humans define as sensitivity. A dog will not really understand the words that we say to him, except for a few. He will mainly understand the sounds and intonations of our voice. This is the reason why he will move his head or tail when we speak to him softly or reprimand him.
Gestures and consequences of anthropomorphism
If you are the type to celebrate all the holidays with your furry friend such as his birthday, Christmas, New Year's Day, St. Patrick's Day, or if you give him an affectionate nickname such as "my love" or "my little heart", do not forget that you also have a social life and that your pet must come after your family. In fact, dogs are part of a pack and, as we know, a pack has a very specific hierarchy. So, if you prioritize your dog over your family, he may no longer find his true place within it. In addition, depending on the degree of anthropomorphism that you display, by giving in to all his whims, or even just yours, your dog may develop aggressive and anxious behaviors or even develop phobias or unacceptable behaviors, for example, when you have to leave the house.
Occasionally giving your dog a little perfume, a small scarf or a pretty bow tie when he comes out of the grooming can be an appreciated gesture that will allow you to pamper him and satisfy your need to take care of him while making him happy - which is completely normal behavior from an animal lover! However, be aware that excess, as in all things, can lead to skin diseases or even skin lesions. Indeed, too much perfume can irritate the skin and a scarf that is too tight for too long can develop an infection. It can also make life difficult for small dogs if they are used to being carried, perfumed or dressed, because you will prevent yours from socializing or going towards other dogs who will not recognize him as one of their own.
Some examples of anthropomorphism
You are convinced that your dog does not like going to the vet and you succumb to his sad little eyes, his trembling little body and his avoidance attitude. So instead of giving him his annual exams, you keep him home because you do not want to harm or traumatize him. Unfortunately, you may have missed a major illness or health problem that you could have prevented. You have not given him the care he really needs, you have relied on what you “thought” your dog was feeling, instead of acting as a pack leader and giving him what he needs.
Thinking you are doing the right thing, you prepare good homemade meals for him, because you want him to be able to fully enjoy good food. Unfortunately, there is a good chance that you are giving him too much to eat and that what you are serving him is not adapted to his needs! Overfeeding causes obesity and this can lead to various fatal diseases. Dog food sold in pet stores, if it is well chosen and suggested by a professional, is very well adapted to your pet's daily life. You just need to choose good quality food. Table food is strongly discouraged, but very good "raw" products exist on the market.
Your pet sleeps in your bed! This type of habit is not very hygienic… You want to offer your pet a cozy place to snuggle up, but your dog walks everywhere all day and brings back various dirt into your bed or on your pillow such as bacteria or even excrement that he may have walked in outside – we don’t know where they sleep when we are away and what they do exactly!! If you tolerate your dog lying down with you at night or getting stuck between you and your partner, stay attentive to his actions. He may be overprotective of his owner or you, which could eventually lead to aggression or jealousy.
Bringing a Baby into the Family If you are an anthropomorphic owner and you are bringing a new baby into the home – or simply a new pet – know that the transition will have to be smooth in order to avoid bad behavior. To ensure that the meeting between your baby – or the new pet – and your dog goes smoothly, be sure not to keep your dog away. When the child is born, let your beloved dog smell a blanket with the scent of your newborn so that he gets used to it and can make the connection when your child arrives home.
It's also important to be aware of odors. If your dog smells milk on your child's clothes, it could draw him into the room. Make sure to close the door to your baby's room when it's time for bed to prevent your dog or cat from getting in. Cats love warmth, so they may try to lie on top of your child; and dogs are naturally protective, so they may try to protect your child without realizing the danger of suffocation or injury.
Animals are curious. When ready, let your pet approach and sniff your child, but remain vigilant. Then, pet him to praise him so that he associates the petting with his positive attitude. Note that animals do not have our degree of tact, so it is up to you to judge and react to his personality if you need to separate them temporarily and try again a little later. Keep your child higher than the dog's head, because in the instinctive hierarchy, the baby is at the bottom. A child left on the floor is therefore very vulnerable.
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